17 Inspirations For Spring Table Settings And Centerpieces

So ready for spring!! How about you? Time to tune up that 28-speed cycle; trek on over to parks and outdoor coffee and wine shops; inventory the closet for warm weather wardrobe–especially the swimsuit outfits; finalize vacation plans; and more.

What else is left? Jump into spring with splashes of soft colors when you dine at home–even if it’s just you. Jazz it up with fresh flowers in simple vases, classy vases or just fun vases. You may even decide to invite a friend or two over for a meal, picked up at the deli of course!

Here are 17 inspiring table settings and centerpieces. You can keep yours simple and lovely or “kick it up a notch” with lots of pizzazz.

Endlessly Elated.com on How to Design a Spring Table HGTV.COM Sweet Eye Candy Creation.typepad.com

Inexpensive bouquets of flowers can be picked up at local grocery stores. Buy multiples to make a grander statement. Another quick splash of fresh flowers that make a great centerpiece is a plant in bloom, like the one above. You can always replant it in a container for your balcony or patio. These too can be found in grocery stores, as well as nurseries.

Country Living BIDDecor.blogspot.com Leah Richardson.com/blog.com who reminds up to use odd numbers. So for this simple but smiling attraction, make at least three for a great impact statement.

Don’t you just love that simple idea of using burlap and string!

House Beautiful

Traditional Dining Room by Dallas Interior Designers & Decorators Chambers Interiors & Associates, Inc.

Setting For Four.com

Of course, some of these inspiring table settings are located in homes rather than apartments. But note how you can easily translate the ideas into your space. The one below is in the transitional decor style. The dark wood table is balanced with contemporary chandelier. Simple runners, placemats and dining ware are accented with lovely glass candle holders.

Traditional Kitchen by Marshfield Interior Designers & Decorators South Shore Decorating

Romancing The Home Ltd Blogspot Pinterest

Create a bouquet centerpiece like the one above or take the photo to a florist. I love the freshness of this one and can almost smell the limes. Oh dear, all that lime makes me think of warm summer evenings and margaritas. I would switch out the pink roses for yellow ones. Add a friend or two and a pitcher of margaritas by Jose Cuervo! It has Grand Marnier as one of the ingredients, a superb touch to this cocktail.

Splendid Sass blogspot.com Pinterest via Maven Bride

Did you know that a birdcage could look ever so lovely!

Rustic Dining Room by Other Metro Media & Bloggers Dreamy Whites

Traditional Spaces by Detroit Interior Designers & Decorators The Yellow Cape Cod

And finally, a fun yet simple table setting on a lovely, modern high cafe table with white and chrome stools. A fun piece of art will always bring a smile to you, even when you have to get up extra early.

Eclectic Dining Room by Louisville Furniture & Accessories Eclectic Living Home

Don’t succumb to dining in an uneventful eating space! Make it a favorite space you always enjoy whatever the season.

Balcony Plant Containers: 14 Great Types

For those of us with small balconies, porches, and patios finding plant containers in our chosen style, size and color can be challenging. The selections are enormous and outright gorgeous. But if we’re not careful, we can easily purchase a container not suitable for our special microclimate or a container that clashes with our aesthetic sensibilities.

Over the years, I’ve garden both in homes and apartments using so many types of plant containers. In this post, I discuss 14 great types of containers. But I’ll start with the seven main types of plant containers that I found work very well in small space microclimates. Note that this post I address ornamental plants for container gardening. Herb and vegetable gardening are discussed in a separate blog post.

Here are seven main types of plant containers that do work well in our small space micro climate and give us a wide selection from which to choose. Note: This post primarily addresses ornamental plants for container gardening. Follow my blog for a post on herb and vegetable gardening.

Wood containers:

Hayneedle.com - the Belham Living Acacia Wood Chevron Planter Hayneedle.com – the Belham Living Acacia Wood Chevron Planter Window box.com

This wood container is an example of one used decoratively. It’s also hides a more utilitarian plant container, such as a plastic one. To preserve the natural wood look and protect the it from rain and UV rays, you may want to apply a clear sealer.

PROS: Ideal for extending your interior decor style, such as a transitional style. It can hide an inner, cheaper pot. More important, it helps to soil from drying out in the inner pot when located in the hot sun and during high temperatures. Additionally, soil in the inner pot has some protection when exposed to winter low temperatures and frosts.

CONS: Needs periodic cleaning because bugs will find their way and make a home between the pot and the outer container. Some do not have drainage holes which will need to be added. Can be expensive.

Here’s a wood half barrel type planter. Construction is made from slates held together by bands and of different types of wood. The one in the image is Northern white cedar and is water-based stained. They’re often used for growing vegetables, especially those that require support, such as tomatoes. They easily accommodate screens and posts. However, in this example clearly they are just as beautiful when used for ornamental plants, such as this riotous splash of flowers.

PROS: Porous, allowing air and water to flow easily. Over time, the wood oxidizes to a lovely patina. Perfect for a casual, “country-like” garden style.

CONS: Although it’s fairly light in weight, it gets very heavy when filled with soil, and it does hold a lot of soil. This will make moving it around difficult. Just be sure to locate it in the right spot. Or at least place it on platform that has wheels.

Containers: Clay, Glazed & Unglazed, Earthenware, Terracotta and Stoneware

Glazed pots, Sperling Nursery & Gift Shop, Calabasas, CA Terracotta planters also from Sperling Nursery & Gift Shop in Calabasas, CA

These are by far my most favorite plant containers. I state knowing that they are the most fragile and I explain why under PROS. There’s a difference between the types and how to best care for them reduces disappointment in purchase them. There’s an excellent article on clay pots, earthenware and terracotta on A Garden Of Planters I encourage you to read. Here is a summary on the differences in clay plant containers:

Clay “is the raw material of all ceramics.” Clay pots are fired at a higher temperature so much so that the “cells are bonded like glass” and thus water does not leach out.
Earthenware is fired at a lower temperature than clay. It’s porous and will leach water from the potting soil. This is a particular issue for unglazed earthenware. In hot temperatures, monitoring soil moisture is a must. Prior to planting, it’s a good idea to soak the pot first. Earthenware is soft and cracks easily.
Terracotta is earthenware but with a high iron content. It’s unglazed although some (by new manufacturers) add a silicone sealant to reduce water absorption from the potting soil. Due to natural salt in the clay, a whitish appearance may surface but this can be removed with cleaning.
Stoneware is harder than earthenware and normally has a shiny glaze.

PROS: Very wide range of fun and sophisticated styles and colors. Porous allowing water and air to reach and move around in plant soil, important for healthy root system. Make excellent and attractive water fountain bases.

CONS: Larger posts are heavy with and without soil. (Note: for large planters, add packing peanuts to about a third of the bottom with soil only added to the upper two-thirds. This will help reduce weight issues.) Can be very expensive. View this as an investment and choose carefully.

Fiber Glass and Plastic Plant Containers

Fiber glass planter from Hooks and Lattice They have great selection of sizes and styles–and they ship too! Also from Hooks and Lattice. They're on my wish list!! Also from Hooks and Lattice. They’re on my wish list!!

Fiber glass and resin plant containers are absolutely fabulous in design and color choices. Often you’ll see huge almost massive planters in public places. Fortunately for us, they’re readily available apartment and home dwellers. Two contemporary designs are shown here.

Plastic plant containers have really come a long way in style and colors. There are still the basic types, such as what you normally get when you purchase a plant. These will always be needed. They’re also great for propagation; very light weight; great as liner plants in decorative outer plant containers; and have excellent drainage.

It’s the ornamental styles that can often imitate classical and modern designs (as do the fiber glass planters) found in clay and concrete plant containers. I’ve seen some containers with concrete-like finishes that I had to touch and lift just to convince myself the containers were plastic.

Below are just two types of plastic containers. On the left is the roll-arm style with a bottom tray attached that snaps off and on. Drainage holes are normally already drilled in at the bottom. Colors can vary but the terracotta color is found most frequently.

The one on the right, believe it or not, is also plastic. Manufacturers have really stretched style and color that run gambit from the very utilitarian black “grow” type to a simple decorative to classic ornate to modern. I find it hard to image you wouldn’t be able to find one for your decor taste. As noted below with a link, Wayfair offers a broad selection.

Wayfair.com Wayfair.com, modern plastic planter

PROS: Very light weight, even with soil and can be more easily moved around. As stated above, comes in a wide variety of styles and color. Double wall or lined are also available which help to reduce the need for frequent watering. A standard type can be quite inexpensive; however, for the more decorative and larger ones, you will definitely pay a tidy investment price. Readily available in garden centers, online and home improvement stores.

CONS: Obviously, they’re not porous; thus, air and water will not be able to pass through the soil. Soil can get over heated when the pot is exposed to full sun, particularly in the hot summer temperatures.

Hanging Baskets And Rail Planters

Hanging baskets and rail planter containers come in a variety of materials as discussed above. Additionally, hanging baskets can also come in a cocoa lining with a wire frame. Both options are wonderful for small and tiny balcony spaces. Similar to its many ‘cousin’ containers, there is a wide variety of styles, shapes and colors from which to choose. Here are just two:

#1 and 2: Hanging baskets are Green House MegaStore.com #3 a resin self watering planter: Hayneedle.com #4, balcony railing planter: Gardeners.com #1 and 2: Hanging baskets are Green House MegaStore.com #3 a resin self watering planter: Hayneedle.com #4, balcony railing planter: Gardeners.com

PROS: Both hanging baskets and rail planters take great advantage of the apartment balcony space that is available to you. Large selection of colors and styles readily available. Many styles, especially the rail planter, come with self watering features. Can very easily be moved around. Excellent for bringing splashes of color from seasonal flowering plants and trailer plants. Easy to clean and store for the next season.

CONS: Wind and heat can quickly dry out the soil (strongly advise getting a self watering to help with this). You must and I say this with a please (really! unless you want to get an unwanted knock on the door) take care that watering does not escape to your down stair neighbor’s balcony. Space for planting is small. Select your arrangement with great care.

Vertical and Vertical Wall Planters

As far as I know, such planters are relative new to being available for apartment dwellers. Even when I had a townhouse and occupied every space with garden elements, I had somehow missed this. But options and designs are here now and you and I can go as vertical as much as our spaces will allow.

I’m learning along with you and will have to update the post as I get more first hand information. In the meantime, here are some designs and resources.

vertical wall planter from urban garden.com Vertical wall planter from ATG Stores.com

Get inspired with vertical planting from these marvelous designs:

Casa defifia.blogspot.com Some where in china (?) but found on pinterest

What’s your garden plans? Would love to hear from you!

Apartment Dwellers: Before Going To The Garden Centers

One of our popular garden centers has started its spring advertising campaign. I’m anxious to go traipsing up and down their isles of colorful greens and flowering plants.

My problem is that once I park my car, get out of it and scan the entrance, I immediately start drooling over the parade of blooming flowers, lush green leaves and designer plant containers. I get budget amnesia, grab a cart, and start putting plants on it. But not this time . . . I say this nervously.

So how does a gardening nut exercise discipline when entering such places as these!

That’s easy, you say. Plan ahead. Okay, I’ll bite. I’ll even make suggestions on things one (me in particular) should know and do before going to the garden center.

Know your micro-climate

Perfect example of apartment style micro-climates. This is Bosco Verticale (vertical garden) in Milan, Italy.

What’s a micro-climate? Every garden, large or small has a micro-climate that includes the soil; amount of shade and sun a particular area received during the course of a day, a month, a year; how much wind visits the spot (amount of protection from the wind); and rainfall. That’s my laywoman’s description.

For apartment balconies, porches and terraces, to some degree you control the amount of water a plant receives. For example, if you have an overhead, than rain water may not reach your plants (generally, its not enough anyway). Moreover, the container you use will also affect the amount of water available for your plants. Sun, shade and protection from wind will depend upon the shape and location of your space. What you need to know is when do you get sun and for how many hours.

Afternoon sun makes your space much warmer than in the morning. Example: my porch faces southwest but is surrounded by large trees: Wax myrtles, a huge maple and long leaf pine. I have an overhead and screened in porch. In the summer, I have one little corner that gets a generous amount of sun in the morning but only filtered sun by the afternoon. On a windy day and heavy rains, my porch gets sprayed with both.

So I’ll be looking for shade tolerant plants that can thrive in just bright light.

How much time do you plan to, or can, devote to plant care?

This is a really important question. Some plants will require more attention than others, such as dead-heading flowering plants and cleaning debris from the floor of the porch. Plants in containers will require more frequent watering, particularly during growing season and in a hot, windy micro-climate. Caring for a garden can be therapeutic; still, time needed to give attention to plants may not always be available.

So what does this mean? Looking for plants adapted to the appropriate zone, requiring a medium amount of care, and frankly, can even take a bit of neglect. As much as I love to garden, I have little patience for fragile plants. Thus, I adhere to this last statement when selecting a plant.

An inventory of planters already in your possession

Not only is it important to know how many planters you already have, but also sizes and type. If you don’t have any containers, you’re about to enter the exciting world of planters. It’s like going to a candy store. Selections in sizes, materials and colors are fabulous and wonderfully imaginative. I could write a whole post on containers and not scratch the surface. In fact, I believe I will do just that, at least give an overview. But for now, if you don’t have any containers, please don’t just run out and buy them without a gardening plan!

I do have planters of different colors, sizes and shapes (no, note those above!). The challenge for me is edit which ones I’ll use to create an attractive collection of plants. If you didn’t clean and examine them last fall, you know of course this is a good time to do so.

Colors that will complement patio furnishings

You may think this shouldn’t be difficult. It is possible to have soft furnishings, such as cushions and pillows, that have lots of pattern. And it’s possible to have these patterns and shapes give an uncomplimentary decor scheme to a wild and bright collection of flowering plants. For some ideas and inspirations, read my post “Tips And Inspirations For Your Apartment Balcony And Porch Decors.”

Now is also a good time to just stake out the best garden centers and see what they offer.

A word of warning: depending upon where you live and the arrival of “true” spring, don’t purchase what you see too soon. Or you may have to cover plants when the temperature drops at night or bring your plants indoors.

Another warning: know your planting zone. Just because a plant is in a garden center doesn’t mean that plant is really suitable for your planting zone and micro climate. Been there, done that–too many times!!

Okay, I’ve got my list of things to know and do before tap dancing off to the garden centers. How about you??

Your Apartment Bathroom: Pit Stop Or Spa?

Okay, I’ll go first. I confess, my apartment bathroom is a pit stop. It’s decorated in clutter. It’s totally disorganized. It’s depressing. I thought to myself, surely you can do better. For many, apartment bathrooms are small and barely functional: a face bowl; a toilet; a tub with a shower; and a towel rack. If you’re lucky, there is a cabinet under the face bowl and perhaps even a linen closet.

If, however, you have a luxury apartment, more than likely you have all the amenities of space, beautiful cabinetry, lots of storage, in short all the wonderful accouterments of a stylish bathroom. This post is probably not for you.

For the rest of us, let’s go shopping for elements that can turn our tiny apartment bathrooms into a spa-like comforting and pleasurable space to be. I selected neutrals in white, beige and some grays. However, you may want to choose a different neutral scheme. The key is to keep colors to a minimum where comfort, calm and rest for the mind, body and spirit are encouraged. After all, we deserve it!!

1. For the Back Drop Ambiance: the Decor

Spas are by “definition,” healing places for our mind, body and spirit. It begins with soft neutral colors on the walls; green plants and bouquets of flowers; soft lighting; and minimal, transitional to modern furnishings. Let’s translate this setting to our tiny apartment bathrooms. (White walls and tiles are a welcome canvas.)

2. Organize IT!

Much will depend here on how much space you have around your face bowl; if you have a cabinet under the face bowl; a medicine cabinet; and frankly if you have any shelf space around the tub/shower are. Let’s assume (hope) you do have some space around and in each of these areas.

Make a list of all your toiletry needs. Prioritize what can be stored out of sight, such as toilet paper. Be brutal! Do you really need the mouth wash bottle sitting out? We’re going for a minimal look here for that calming, rejuvenating ambiance. Your special needs will determine what should be revealed when you first enter your tiny bath room. Still, here are some items that can speak to healing of your heart, mind and body:

Glass containers from Pottery & Barn; incense from shop.creepyhollows.com

3. Get Spa Comfortable With Robes, Slippers And Linen and Cushy Rug

You may love standing in your apartment tiny bathroom in your birthday suit. But face it, you will need a towel from time to tine. For those of us who care to or need to brush our teeth while clothed, the comfort of soft thick terry (or linen) against our skin sends “I am loved” messages to our mind and spirit.

Sources: Pottery & Barns.com, Wayfair.com and Frontgate.com

Remember I said above to take down the towel rack? Just store it and put it back when you move. Apartment towel racks are so useless. If you at all have the space, replace it with a rack where you can fold or roll your thick terry towels, hang your plush robe and even wash cloths. I particularly like this one from dhGate.com, it’s modern, multi-functional and just outright lovely to look at:

Carry the enjoyment of your newly transformed tiny apartment spa-like bathroom to its fullest use by including accessories and bath comforts. There are so many types of kits, that your personal taste will have to guide you to the right one. I’m checking out the DIY WebMed article 9 Home Spa Makeovers For Body And Soul.

What could be better than a spa-like tiny bathroom? A big one? Maybe a glamorous one? I’ll save this latter style for a different post.

So what’s on your menu for making that tiny apartment bathroom more than just a pit stop? Oh please, do tell!

Apartment Window Treatment: Transitional Style

So you have discovered that the style you love is transitional. But you’re still not sure how far you want to carry it into your apartment. That’s why I’m making the case for adding window treatment to your apartment: transitional style. Remember, transitional style is mixing traditional with contemporary elements. See my post Part II 13 Reasons Why I Love The Transitional Style.

There are practical reasons for adding window treatment :

retain a more even temperature in your apartment, whether for heating or air conditioning;
block out unwanted noise from the street, even the wind if you are in high rise;
block out too much light, especially at night if for example your bedroom is invaded by a street lamp; and
to create a real sense of having a home, not just a place you park your stuff and clothes.

For aesthetic value, window treatments give a finished look to your decor and frame your windows. The casual elegance of the transitional style also offers the opportunity to extend your color palette.

It’s simple and elegant. Though not limited to just the following four variations, the major themes are this:

draperies only with statement hardware or hidden hardware;
draperies with shades, such as roman shades;
roman shades only (comes in about six different styles); and
draperies accented with pelmet/box style valance.

1. Draperies Only With Hidden Hardware or With Statement Hardware

Houzz for Kimba Hills Interior Designers and Decorators

2. Draperies Complemented With Shades

In the image below, the shades extend to the floor, giving a clean visual look.

3. Shades Only (from Roman shades to bamboo shades)

Contemporary Bedroom by Other Metro Interior Designers & Decorators CDA DESIGN

Houzz for Axis Mundi, Architect and Building Designers

Industrial Living Room by Los Angeles Photographers Chris A. Dorsey Photography

4. Draperies Accented With Fitted (box) Style Valance

Although some may not define this as true to the transitional style, I think it fits very well with its clean lines and elegant presentation. Such as the case below where the valances beautifully adorn full draperies with soft, clean lines accentuated and are accented with a border.

Transitional Living Room by Washington Interior Designers & Decorators Zoe Feldman Design, Inc.

Pelmets come in a variety of styles:

Contemporary Bedroom by Orlando Photographers Harry Lim Photography

Transitional Living Room by Philadelphia Interior Designers & Decorators Caitlin Wilson

By now you may be screaming or scratching your head, thinking “It’s insane to invest money and time in adding draperies–or even a valance to apartment windows. And you’re probably right: if you only plan to live in the apartment for a few months, a year or maybe two years; if your career means you will be moving a lot; or if you love living like a vagabond with temporary stuff.

On the other hand, if you are looking to live in the apartment for say three years or more, if you want the feel of having a real home to live in, then invest in window treatments. Even draperies, space permitting can be made to go beyond the normal window length and width, making them transferable to another place. Hardware for which the rings and finials are often expensive can be installed and uninstalled. They then become a ready addition to the home you may be planning to buy in the future. Believe me, you’ll be happy that at least some of your window treatment is already paid for.

All of my draperies were custom made when I had purchased my last home. And with the exception of one room and two bathrooms, I took every finial, every drapery ring and of course every drapery panel with me. And they will be going up in my apartment where I am making a home.

A couple of good resources:

Calico Corners (I always bought when the fabric was on sale for at least 15%, then waited for labor to be on sales for at least 10%) Check out a store near you and work with a sales associate who are often very knowledgeable.
The Creativity Exchange has a wonderful post on her DIY project for making a Pelmet/box valance, along with great examples of the styles.

Not quite there yet? Let me know. Would love to hear from you!

5 Tips On How To Select Living Room Seating

Recently, I read a question from a reader on a popular decorating site asking for advice on what size sofa to purchase for a “small” room. No further information was given–such as the dimension of the room; whether or not there were windows in the room or how many; if a door opened into the room; or even how many people were to use the room. It prompted my memory on how I had last approached new upholstered sofas and chairs for a major decorating project.

Here are five tips I had used.

1. Available Space

Generally, when you rent an apartment or purchase a home or condominium, a floor plan with measured dimensions is available. If you don’t have a floor plan, sketch one on a blank or graph piece of paper. Or try the cool floor planner by Pottery Barn where you can even purchase the furniture pieces and accessories you choose.

Mark off and measure windows. Standard interior door space, particularly for apartments, is about 33″ with a door opening into the room around 33-1/2.”
Where dining space shares the living room area, be sure to mark off how much space is to be given for eating. Is it possible or even desirable to place the sofa or some other seating arrangement with its back to the dining area. This may give you more living room space.
Will your sofa sit with its back against a window that will have floor length draperies or curtains? If so, know that draperies extend from the wall 2″ to 4.”
What other furnishings, such as coffee table, side tables, entertainment unit will go into the room. Will you have enough space to use your coffee table for informal dining? (See my post 17 Tall Cocktail Table Ideas For Informal Dining and Entertaining.)
I’m a strong proponent for an over-sized ottoman that gives you multiple uses: a place to put up your feet; additional seating; and yes, even serve snacks, hors-d’oeuvre and drinks on a tray. Mine is 40″ square. It has been used for all three options, as well as a comfortable napping place for a three year old.
Can you consider adding floor pillows or poufs. (See Floor Pillows and Spice It Up With A Pouf ) Sizes for floor pillows vary. Personally, for real comfort and enjoyment, I would suggest at least 35.” A square pouf, I would suggest, should be 20″ to 25″ while a round one may be most comfortable at 20″ diameter. But don’t get locked into what sizes are being offered. Get what is comfortable for you, your family and guests.

2. Number of People Using The Space and How Much Entertaining You Envision

Shop for living room seating armed with the number of people who’ll be using it. Is there just you? The two of you? Are children and pets in the home? Will you have guests? How frequent? How many? The first two questions are easy. But when it comes to entertaining, mom or dad may want to pop in from time to time.

Or you’ve decorated your home so spectacular, you’re dying to share its loveliness and comfort more often than you originally planned. Your life style will evolve in one direction or another. Still, you can try to anticipate this by considering how you may want to expand on your seating–and leave a “place card” space for it, such as where could you later add a pouf.

3. Take The Time To Know Your Style

Your style serves as a jumping off point for your decor. It’s one of the key elements to a cohesive design. Interior decorators and designers tease out this information from their clients. Professionals understand where to “bend” design rules for a particular style to suit their clients individual tastes and life styles. You can do this too. A skirted sofa is very much at home in such decors as traditional, new traditional, contemporary and shabby chic. Grouped with modern decor pieces, the overall composition can be confusing.

For example, the skirted sofa in this next image seams to work. It “balances” or provides a counterpoint to the legginess of the Wassily chairs. The straight lines of the sofa iterate the vertical straight lines in the chairs, providing some visual cohesiveness. However, the skirted sofa makes it difficult to determine the design intention. One side of the room feels strongly modern. The two Wassily chairs have a very strong modern architectural presence and dominates the room, along with the chrome based pedestal chair and glass and chrome coffee table.

Note here that a Wassily chair works well in this contemporary design and with a contemporary sectional seating that has a fabric (leather?) base substantial enough to imply skirted seating.

4. Look For Quality

Quality in upholstered sofas and chairs construction and fabric used. I last bought new sofas about 12 years ago. They were custom made from Henrendon. My decision was based upon construction; the ability to select features and customize the design; and the Henrendon reputation for exceptional quality–and that was never going to buy another sofa again. About a year after that I retired and became a sales associate with Calico Corners, a national home decor store. The store had at that time only recently offered custom made furniture. Much to my surprise, the construction for sofas and chairs was the same as Henrendon–and at a cheaper price! This taught me that knowing the construction of a piece of furniture was just as important as knowing who made it.

Excerpts from Buyer’s Guide to Upholstered Furniture by Keith Reding, suggest the following:

“FRAME: A kiln-dried hardwood frame is a must in ensuring durability in your piece of upholstery. Oak, maple and ash are woods most commonly used. A good frame is joined using dowels as well as corner blocks glued and screwed together. The legs should be an integral part of the frame and center legs should be used for additional support.

“SPRINGS: Eight-way hand-tied springs are used in the base of better quality pieces and are often considered a sign of quality. These three dimensional coils are attached to webbing on the bottom of the sofa or chair and tied with twine at the top to each of the eight adjacent coils to prevent them from shifting. This system gives the product an even comfort level and has the advantage of never “bottoming-out” no matter how big the person is that sits on it.””

— Keith Reding

Mr. Reding goes on to describe a second type of frame called “sinuous.” It “offers a somewhat softer seat and can be used in pieces that sit lower to the ground as in many contemporary designs. While less costly to produce, it is not necessarily the sign of an inferior product.”

Other critical features for upholstered sofas and chairs are found in the seat and back cushions. (Note that these terms are used in the United States. In most other countries, cushions refer to decorative throw pillow.) What I liked about Calico Corners was the variety of cushions offered based upon your personal requirements. You may also want to utilize the Calico Corners Quality Checklist. It’s a great resource to take with you when you shop.

In general, there are three types:

High density polyurethane foam wrapped in Dacron (least expensive);
Spring-Down cushions consist of innerspring coils surrounded by foam and wrapped in Dacron.; and
Blendown or all down cushions (most expensive).

I once transformed a 25-year-old sofa by simply ordering new back and seat cushions filled with down, then covered with a custom made slipcover. The sofa frame was in excellent condition and became a fabulous shabby chic statement piece in a guest bedroom:

Old traditional sofa transformed into a sink-in shabby chic statement sofa.

5. Recycle an old but well constructed upholstered furniture piece.

A perfect example of getting the right seating for your space, is simply to recycle an old but well constructed upholstered furniture sofa and chair. Consider reupholstering or slipcovers. (See The Case For A Custom Made Slipcover. ) If you don’t already have an old sofa or chair in your home, flea markets, state auction sales and antique or even consignment stores are the perfect places to look. You’ll most likely find smaller pieces due to the continue trend of those who upscale to mansion-size homes with mansion-size rooms.

Living in an apartment or condo? Here are some standard Seating Sizes

Before closing, I thought perhaps you would like to be armed with standard upholstered furniture sizes. Of course, custom made furniture is tailored to your size. And many retailers will offer a variety of sizes for the same design piece.

Sofa: 3 seat cushion is generally 35″ deep and 84″ long.
Love seats run 35″ deep and 60″ long
Armchairs are often 35″ deep and 35″ wide
Sectional pieces will vary along with the design itself. It’s best to get sizes for each piece from the retailer. Then compare that to your floor space.
Chaise lounge dimensions will also vary but can be found as 33″ wide and 67″ long or 73″ long. Be sure to get clarification on whether or not the dimensions given are inside or outside dimensions. If there is a arm or even a rolled arm, be sure it is included in the given size. Note too that it is ordered by right or left arm.
Wing chairs and club chairs are another upholstered pieces that seems to vary in size; and in fact, has gotten smaller over the past years. It’s best to just get an accurate measurement from the retailer.
For dining side chairs, depth is generally 18″ with an 18″ width
Dining arm chairs will run 18″ deep but 22″ wide.

Well constructed sofas and chairs will last for decades. Most may even survive the presence of very active children and young people in the household. Regardless of what your situation is, shop for furniture armed with good information–and that includes getting advice and suggestions.

So what’s been your experience, good or bad, when you last shopped for upholstered furniture? Would love to hear from you, so please do share!

Create A Plan For Your Apartment Balcony Space

It’s still winter in the northern hemisphere and a great time to make plans for your apartment outdoor space, whether it’s a balcony, a porch or a terrace. Here are five things you can start doing now.

1. Decide On How You Want To Use the Space

This may seem like a no brainer but it’s not really. How you will use the space will determine what you put in the space the size of your budget. Do you enjoy having meals outdoor? Have some thoughts on entertaining in this space? Do you like to garden: what type–just a little greenery; a little or lots of flowers; or do you want to do container gardening for herbs and vegetables. Do you want to entertain a lot, a little or is this just your private get away.

2. Space Planning

Apartment Patio, an Annsliee Polyvore set

You can get really exacting and grab a piece of graft paper. Or you can just get a blank piece of paper. Just be sure to keep your notes in a folder you can easily carry with you when you start to shop. Measure the space you have. Make a list of the outdoor furniture you would like to have. Don’t worry about space, just make the list and then edit based upon your priority.

Here’s a visual planner I had created last summer in Polyvore.

3. Patio Furnishings

Of course what furnishings you can put on your apartment porch will depend upon 1) the amount of space you have and 2) how you plan to use it. Generally, uses will fall into four categories but more often a combination of these categories will complete your apartment balcony design:

Lounging and sunning
Dining
Entertaining
Gardening

Personally, all of the above applies to my 10′ x 16′ screened-in porch. For furnishing, I now have a Luyten bench and round table. I have a rectangle studio table that can double as a larger table to seat up six guests with the round table serving as the sideboard. To be added is a side table and lamp; corner shade garden (I have very little direct summer sun); an outdoor hutch; two chairs; and an outdoor rug. (Hope to add photos by summer!)

Here are five great examples of apartment porches, balconies and terraces large and small that make multiple use of the space. The first two from Digs Digs.com feature storage benches. More ideas to include storage areas are on that site under 29 Practical Balcony Storage Ideas. Check them out!

Digs Digs.com The cushion laden bench is also storage.

4. Plants and Trees

As you can see from that last image, a bistro seating arrangement surrounded by a lush garden is quite possible–with the appropriate amount of light. I love the idea of a tree in a large pot on an apartment outdoor space. I have a small red bark maple that I just love and enjoy all year round.

I’ll be writing separate posts on suitable plants and trees later but wanted to include it here for planning purposes. The most important things to keep in mind for now are these:

Lighting: do you get direct or indirect light? Exposure to morning or afternoon sun and to wind and rain elements? That is, do you have an overhead that will provide some protection for your plants or is your balcony completely expose?
Space for containers: Most likely, you have more space than you think. Not only are single containers your option but so too is vertical gardening and wall planting (see next image).
Soil: will you purchase premix potting soil or mix your own?
Trust me, this isn’t as difficult as it may start to read. A good plan will make your garden easy to maintain and yield lots of enjoyment!

If, however, you’re not inspired or feeling a bit intimidated, perhaps these next examples will set you to dreaming of your own balcony or terrace garden.

5. Garden Containers

Containers for your garden is a critical element to success, whether you choose an ornamental or edible container gardening or even both. Fortunately today, their are a great many choices. What you choose will greatly depend upon your personal taste, space and most important–the plant.

But here are four features to consider when choosing a container:

Size of the plant at purchase and it’s mature stage
Water requirements of the plant (over watering can be just as damaging as under watering)
Does the container have drainage
Container material, such as clay versus plastic

Get more apartment patio ideas from my post Tips And Inspirations For Your Apartment Balcony And Porch Decors.

And don’t forget to include in your plan space for your best animal friend:

Sybil's first grass patch--get instructions on Grows On You.com — Sybil’s first grass patch–get instructions on Grows On You.com

Okay, your turn! What’s on your apartment balcony garden plans! Please do tell because I would love to hear from you.

One more thing, sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter so you don’t miss any of my future posts on creating a fabulous balcony living and garden space.

Bending The “Rules” Of Transitional Style

Transitional design style brings together traditional and contemporary elements with a focus on comfort and soft elegance. That for me is where the “rules” stop. Here are examples of five fabulous room designs that adhere to the basic “rules” but bend others while creating fabulous apartment spaces to live in.

The strong dark walls in these images depart from the “rules” to just use a subtle color palette, such as beige, cream, khaki, tan and taupe. Note too how in this first image radiant orchid (the 2014 Pantone color pick) is brought into color scheme with an actual blooming orchid. Visual lines of upholstered furnishings are straight but soften with curves on the corners. The tufted chairs and contemporary crystal chandelier reference traditional designs. A beautiful dark hardwood floor is warmed by the contrast of the white shag area rug; and accent pieces are statements in themselves.

The cool and comforting blue in this room design dominates the color palette. It reflects on the location of the apartment: Florida’s perpetual blue sky. You can easily identify traditional and contemporary elements that make this apartment sitting room transitional from the simplistic window treatment to the visual plane of furnishings to casters on the tables.

Here’s an excellent example of a transitional style living room that successfully bends the “rules.” Gray taupe in varying shades of medium and dark create a rich neutral canvas. It’s then punctuated with deep yellow and gold colors taken from one dramatic artwork on the wall. White offers a gentle refrain. Note too the patterns on the chairs and drapery valance are very pronounced but is then anchored with the smaller, subtle pattern of the area rug. I simply love the gentle elegance of this room.

The ivory and violet color palette against the white in this bedroom illustrates how other colors fit perfectly well in a transitional design scheme. Such traditional elements as the dark wood tables and hardwood floor; symmetrical placement of the tables and lamps; crown moldings and accent moldings on the heat register cover; updated traditional headboard and frame; and the box valance added to the drapery window treatment all reference traditional designs. Contemporary elements are found in how these elements are interpreted for today’s design taste, as well as the contemporary painting and its frame.

By far, this next bedroom is a real stretch from the common description of what is the transitional style. But the traditional elements are found in the tufted furnishings; updated chaise lounge (do see my post on The Case For A Chaise Lounge); crown window molding; and sunburst mirror. While elements, also found in the updated traditional ones, can be identified in the simple window drapery treatment; contemporary painting; contemporary colors; and the beautiful silver accent pillow styles with simple welt treatment. The plush bedscape and throw are indicative to both design styles.

Not sure if your style is transitional? Didn’t think it was the style for you because you thought it was bland and boring? As with any style, knowing which one fits your taste and lifestyle is the first step. Then know where and how to bend the “rules” becomes easy. Hopefully, these five examples captured your curiosity. For more information on this style, see Part II 13 Reasons Why I Love Transitional Style.

By the way, what is your style? Would love to hear from you, so please do tell!

Part II 13 Reasons Why I Love The Transitional Style

In Part I 13 Reasons Why I Love Transitional Style, I gave six reasons:

Color – warm neutral colors such as taupe, khaki, creme, and beige and accenting black and cocoa. Neutral colors make us feel relaxed.
Strong lines in furnishings and accessories paired with soft curves, shapes that are elegant, simple and visually relaxing.
Also, furniture designs have clean lines; that is, ornate patterns are not to be found in the transitional style.
I love the variety of materials found in transitional that range from wood to metal to translucent furnishings.
Clean walls that are not necessarily boring but may be one of the 270 hues of white to a taupe to even a strong dark shade of gray.
Simple flooring. I’m a huge fan of hardwood floors, a simple area rug then layered with a smaller shag or flokati rug. It gives a simple but layered look to the flooring.

The overall design theme of transitional style is that “less is more.”

7. Understated Patterns

Soft, light blue and white, a classic color combination, are repeated in varying sizes from window treatment to the herringbone throw to the zebra fabric on the ottoman. A pattern in the rug anchors the composition. I love how the navy blue bedroom (?) and the painting in the backdrop create an accenting distraction–but a nicely and exciting one.

Foyer by Kathleen Hay

Transitional Living Room by Markham Interior Designers & Decorators Jennifer Brouwer (Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc)

8. Elegant But Simple Window Treatment

Transitional Living Room on Houzz by East Anglia Photographers Luke Cartledge Photography

Contemporary Bedroom by Laguna Beach Interior Designers & Decorators Stiles | Fischer Interior Design

9. Lighting

Transitional style lighting fixtures are more often offered as modern fixtures. I take the view that transitional lighting fixtures are more of an update of the traditional style, such as those illustrated here. However, it’s important to note that by mixing both traditional and contemporary in the same room works just as well. For example, a chandelier that is contemporary but wall scones are more traditional. Look for common elements in color, shape and materials.

Candy's Dirt.com on transitional style — Candy’s Dirt.com on transitional style

The red sconce here is also stated as defining the space as transitional although the caption states contemporary. I thought this a perfect example of just how versatile is the transitional style.

Contemporary Living Room by New York Interior Designers & Decorators David Scott Interiors

This is a wonderful example of mixing an updated traditional chandelier with contemporary table lamps. Color and lamp shades really pull the two styles together.

Martha O'Hara Interiors via Houzz — Martha O’Hara Interiors via Houzz

10. Visual Presentation

By visual presentation, I mean that transitional strikes a balance between traditional and contemporary. One interior designer suggested that for every piece of traditional, you should balance it with a contemporary piece. I’m on the fence with that idea. It feels too formulaic for my taste. I do like the idea that suggests adding “a few” other period pieces, such as modern, definitely adds to the interest of a transitional design.

My dilemma is that I have more traditional pieces than contemporary and am working through the process of editing before adding. I will definitely be studying very closely such rooms illustrated below:

Luxe Source.com - Luxe Interior & Design — Luxe Source.com – Luxe Interior & Design

Transitional Living Room by Denver Kitchen & Bath Designers Exquisite Kitchen Design

I included this next image just to illustrate that indeed you can have a transitional style (as labeled) and load it with stronger colors than neutrals. Here too you will find more modern elements as seen in the chevron fabric style and cocktail table. What makes these items more modern? I suggest that the high gloss found in the glass and gold metal frame of the cocktail table; and the sharp bold edges in the chevron rug pattern.

Transitional Living Room by Cincinnati Interior Designers & Decorators Debbie Basnett, Vintage Scout Interiors

11. Fabrics

I simply love . . . I must say this twice . . . love natural fiber: matte colors found in cotton and linen; the coarseness of wool; and the sheen in silk and leather; or any of the blends–as long as natural fibers account for the higher percentage. Even more fascinating about contemporary fiber is that each of these can be found with or without a sheen and with or without naps.

One my favorite sofas combines a leather frame and back cushions with wool blend seat cushion fabric:

“Think leather, sisal, burlap, chenille, rattan and more — any material with tactile appeal will fit right in. Don’t go overboard, though, or you’ll lose the sleek elegance that’s so essential to this style.”

— Lisa Federick

12. Accessories

As in the contemporary style, accessories in the transitional style are minimal. Still, each piece is substantial. Artwork is unframed or completed with simple straight line frames. Sculptural pieces, like lighting, are clean lined and strong.

Pinterest via room-galleries from myhomeideas.com

13. A Design That Is Enduring

In summary, I love the transitional style for its elegance; its reference to classic designs; and its versatility and easy acceptance of what is contemporary. With careful editing and selections, it doesn’t have to become dated with the “now” design elements. Most of all, I love the transitional design for its faithfulness to comfort.

It fits perfectly with apartment living–any apartment style from brownstones to high rise to penthouse.

As I was writing this post, I ran across many myths, misunderstandings and a “breaking of the rules” about transitional design. But one fact was consistent in that there are more of our homes that are truly transitional than we think.

My thanks to these authors for giving me a foundation of information on transitional design:

Three excellent articles written by Lisa Federick: So Your Style is Traditional ; So Your Style is Contemporary ; and So Your Style is Transitional
Wikipedia: Modern Furniture
HGTV Transitional Style 101
Home Decorators What’s Your Style?
Transitional Style: Light, Art and Accessories by Kerrie Kelly

If you love the transitional style, I would love to hear from you. If you love another style, I would love to hear that too. And if you even liked this post . . . well, let me know that too. Just click on the like button!

Jump Start Your Decorating Genes With 15 Inspirational Rooms

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:

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!:

Pinterest via Todd Alexander Romano in Millbrook NY

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?