The first thing I do as a designer when I start working with a new client is help them decide on a furniture arrangement or “space plan.” It informs the rest of the project and provides a clear plan in terms of what the flow of the room will be, how many pieces of furniture, and what size. There are two basic approaches to space planning your room; you can lean toward a more symmetrical furniture arrangement or an asymmetrical one.
I love Mother’s day gifting. I think it’s because I usually think of something that I want and then just give it to my mother. I’m so thoughtful, right? Well, we’re lucky in that we have similar tastes. I decided to create a wish list of things that I would love for my home right now, but would fit much more nicely in the home of my mother for the big day.
In my recent post on unusual art, I included the above image of two bedrooms incorporating large-scale prints as art pieces. At the time, I knew I wanted to revisit these two rooms for a post about showing personality with headboards. Now’s the time to explore upping the wow factor in the bedroom by reviewing some headboard ideas—like using large art pieces as an extension of your everyday look to make something new.
Despite our best intentions, design choices can sometimes leave a room looking a little flat. Yes, everything “matches,” the furniture is comfy, and the arrangement is functional. You may have even followed expert advice to a T in hopes of recreating a room that’s magazine-worthy. Yet… something is missing.
My solution for this home decor malaise? Dissonance, “a tension or clash resulting from the combination of two disharmonious or unsuitable elements.” It’s the curious touch of eclecticism that immediately elevates a design. Some naturally mix a range of styles, but if you need a little push, here are three surefire projects to enliven your space.
Every interior needs a little bit of that “well traveled” vibe. Whether that comes from a collection of books, textiles from different locales, or the slightly less subtle maps, flags, and globes.
When I first started designing interiors for clients, one of my major fears was art selection. How does one find cool and interesting art that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars? Little did I know back then, that the answer to that question was all around me. After years of searching and honing my skills, here are my suggestions for how to find beautiful, interesting, and affordable art. It’s going to take some digging, so if you’re up for the challenge…read on!
It’s a tale as old as time— for centuries the bathroom has been a battleground between Beauty and the Beast. Fighting over rights to a single sink or pointing fingers at who did or did not leave a toilet seat up or down are disputes best left to therapy professionals. Here are a few ideas to make just about any bathroom more guy friendly and to even out the playing field.
To me, decorating a kid’s room is one of the hardest in the whole house. You want a combination of durable yet cheap, fun yet not too cheesy. These days, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of buying stuff marketed to kids with their favorite cartoon characters. I mean, they make it way too easy! Yet, there are a number of great designers and shops creating thoughtful and well-designed products that won’t have you shielding your eyes or breaking the bank as long as you prioritize. Here are a few ways to add cool to your kid’s room.
Paint has always been—and, my guess is, will always be—the go-to option for low-cost/high-impact DIY décor activity. From Debbie Travis’s faux finish techniques (anyone remember sponging?) to “Trading Spaces’” plethora of horizontal stripes, we’ve seen how good (and bad) paint jobs can quickly transform just about any space. What we rarely see are arguments for going with dark paint to bring personality – but it’s an almost fool-proof solution!
Cicero is known to have said, “a room without books is like a body without a soul”. Indeed, some of the most revered figures in history are known to have large libraries and studies. Though modern times have all but obliterated the printed page due to online access, there is something so true and beautiful about a book collection, whether they be for aesthetics, reference, or every day enjoyment.
