To Market To Market

Last week my office ventured to the great state of North Carolina for the Spring Furniture Market.
(Which is different than Mart from a few weeks ago.  Mart is more kitchen/bath and Market is more furniture.)

I've been to Market a handful of times now and it is always so much fun.

Exhausting and overwhelming but always fun.

My firm represents 100+ companies so Market is a great place to see all of those (+ more) all in one place.  It is great chance to sit in all of sofas, sectionals, chairs and pieces we specify for our clients.

My personal favorite is to see all of the new fabrics that are out!

We saw a lot of BRIGHT colors coming out for the Spring and some really interesting upholstery pieces.  

And if there's definitely one that was a take away...brass is back! Not your grandma's shiny brass but a bronzy brass and it is beautiful and I am a fan!

Every time we come back from Market I want to redo everything in our house.  Immediately.  

Here were some of my favorite items!

 Subtle pink bedroom...yes please. 

 How long do you think it would take for me to talk Mister into painting the house this orange color?

And on the third day of walking one million miles, I resorted to my new Chucks.  

It was a great Market once again...the yummy snacks, dinners and treats the showrooms always have out don't hurt either ;)

Around the House : Online Finds

Between my job and the constant want to update our house, I spend a bit of time perusing online looking for new vendors and products that speak to me.

I recently stumbled upon this Popsugar article with a load of fantastic resources for online home goodies. 

A few of the sites mentioned are new to me and I am so glad I stumbled upon them because they are FULL of goodies.  

I dream of spending all the dollars at Zara Home. 

How cute are these glasses and placemats for summer?

Like I mentioned with the rug, I am on a mission to find new pillows.  

You would think that wouldn't be that hard but the options are endless.

One of the below is obviously my first choice.

Not to mention it is called 'low rider'...how much better can we get?

But I also love the orange and think it would go well with the new rug. 

Dot and Bo has some really great stuff...dangerously cute. 

One Kings Lane and Dwell Studio can never do wrong in my book.  

You can always find a winner with them. 

I love how this dining table is a mix of modern and rustic.  The lines are so simple yet so interesting how they've rotated the legs.

I can just see bright, patterned chairs surrounding it. 

Didi you know H&M had a Home department?!

Yeah, me neither.  And it chock full of cuteness.

How cute is this basket to throw blankets of movies into?

Alright, now that I've spent all of my monies...time to narrow down to what I really want.

Stay tuned!

Any great websites I should check out?

To Mart

Occasionally I get the chance to travel for work and earlier this week the destination was Chicago!

(I am also currently working on a sorority house out of town...talk about a fun project!)

We ventured up to the hustling and bustling city of Chicago to check out the Merchandise Mart.

One big building, full of interior design, kitchen and bath, plumbing, tile (and more!) showrooms and house all of the prettiest things you can imagine.

I was in absolute heaven!

If I could tile just about surface in our home I would.

There are SO many beautiful ones out there.  

The most wonderful pink wonderland.

That company had just finished a bathroom for the artist Pink and did a mock up version in their showroom.  You think Mister would let me do all that pink in our house?

Chicago never lacks any good food and we managed to snarf quite a bit of it up.

Spanish tapas one night and the most adorable champagne bar one night including THE best truffle fries in the WORLD.

I also managed to sneak a quick trip into Zara and picked up a few Spring goodies...including white jeans, finally!

It was a fun, exhausting and beautiful quick trip.  The one millions emails I came back to were not...but at least it is already Thursday! 

5 'steps' for decorating a staircase wall

Get it? Steps...staircase...

Some of you may know that by day I am an interior designer (and I love it!).

And I love getting design questions from friends and family (and readers if you want to send them in!) about areas in their home that they need help with. 

Last week one of my besties sent me a question that I was happy to answer.  The more we talked, the more I realized this was a problem a lot of you may struggle with and why not make it a blog post?

She asked me, 'how in THE world do I decorate up a staircase with photos?'

Well, just about any way you want!

But here are my tips!

1.  Choose which photos you want to display

1a. Vary the sizes

The key to putting together a gallery wall, whether it be a on large, small or staircase wall, is to vary the sizes.  If every piece is the same size, the look becomes monotonous and uninteresting.  Varying sizes keep the eye looking around and interested.  

2.  Choose simliar frames

Similarly shaped and colored frames create a cohesive look, even amidst the different sized photos.

I love thicker black (or white!), square edged frames.

The frames do not all have to be exactly the same but similar enough that they all coordinate.

3.  Create a square or rectangle in your space

Instead of following the angle of the staircase up your wall, create a defined square to contain your photos (or objects).  Maybe it' is just me but I do not love the look of photos cascading up and down the staircase.  It tends to get too busy in my eye, but that is just my personal preference!

Once you have measured out this space, it is easiest to lay these measurements and your photos out on the floor.

Either tape or measure out your area and start laying your pieces out within that area.

Make sure to mix and match your pieces while creating a balance.  You don't want all of your large pieces on one side and all of your small on another.
Another option is to cut out pieces of paper that are the same size as your photos and use painters tape to attach them to the wall.  This helps you see the arrangement and move and relocate pieces that are not quite right.

4.  Use non photos

One way to make the space more interesting is to use items that are not photos.  Whether that be found objects, initials, canvases, etc, it can be fun to used a mixed media approach to your gallery wall.

(great use of non photos. via)
The dimension created by those objects makes for an eye catching area. 

5.  Measure and hang

Now that you have all of your photos and objects laid out, you can get hanging.  I suggest measuring down from the ceiling to achieve your most accurate measurements.  

6. (Bonus!) Have fun!

This is the perfect in your area to have fun with and I say go for it!

Find seasonal objects that are easy to switch out.

Or take a family photo in front of a sentimental tree in your yard each season and swap them out as the seasons change.  Switch things up every once in a while to keep the area fresh and exciting!

Hope this helps and please do not hesitate to shoot me an email if you have questions about this type of project or an area in your home that is giving you issues!

Please Come In

Occasionally I write blogs for my firms website about (shockingly) interior design related topics.

And as I was writing this one I thought it would be a great one to share with all of you

Your Home Entrance

That most important first impression often misses the mark

Your entry wall is your guests’ first impression and invitation into your home.  Your entry gives your guests’ the first visual and mental notion of what they will experience in your home.  It is the feeling that guests will carry into your entire space.  Therefore, you want your entry to really make a statement. 

However, contrary to belief, that statement does not have to be large and in-your-face.  You can make a very meaningful statement with a fresh and simple entry way.  There is a need to avoid overwhelming friends and family as soon as they walk in the door.  If they are forced to dodge large of items, it creates an uneasy feeling.  Clutter is a constant battle and is to be avoided.

There are a few basic elements that constitute a great entry way.  These parts and pieces are easy to build upon and can be interpreted based on your home, space and style.

(via Amanda Carol Interiors)
Common elements found in entry ways:

Console table/chest-with particular care taken with scale and balance

Mirror-to add reflective interest and depth

Artwork-to add texture and color to the space with frames often the focal point

Lamps/sconces-practical lighting adds drama, but careful with protruding shades

Coat rack-simple and functional, perhaps combined with a mirror

Small chair/pair of ottomans-to add texture and color to what is usually a mundane space

Wall paint color-entries have limited wall space so colors that pop can be striking without being over-powering

(Via Honey We're Home)

These items can be easily mixed and matched to fit the space you have, your taste and what works for your home.  Maybe you like to have a small chair or matching ottomans as an aid when you put on shoes.  Perhaps it works in your home to have a lamp on a table to switch on as you walk in the door.  Maybe a large mirror is perfect for your space so you can check your lipstick as you walk out the door. Maybe you have a very special piece of artwork that you want to proudly display for your guests- the entry is the one of the best places to incorporate any of these elements. 

Questions to ask yourself:

What is going on in your entry that you could change up to create a welcoming environment?  

 Is your entry a common and ordinary, or is it something special that you enjoy every day?

Is there a certain flair in your entry that is in keeping with your desire for style and beauty?

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What do you think?  Do you like these type of articles?

Have design questions? Shoot me an email!

7 Ways to Modernise Your Living Room on a Tight Budget

You guys know I love a good dose of interior design and DIY...considering that is what I do in my every day life.  I thought I would start sharing more of my inspiration with you!
I am honored to share this post written by Daniel Johns with you guys today on some great interior design tips and tricks.

Take it away, Daniel! 

Home improvements projects can be costly, but they don't have to be. Budgeting and creative designing can make your living room look and feel like a brand-new space even if you've lived there for years.

1. Remove Clutter

 via

The longer you live in a place, the more you collect. Clutter has a particularly "vintage" feel, so you'll want to remove it to update your home's look. Furthermore, clutter collects dust, and if you're not vigilante about dusting in your living room, it can appear messier than it actually is. Consider breaking up accessories and small decor items into groups that you can swap out as the seasons change if you just can't let go of your material possessions. You might find that some accessories work better in other rooms, and rearranging or removing clutter doesn't cost a cent!

2. Paint Up a Storm

Some people recommend that you treat your walls like you treat your nails. Now, you probably don't want glitter on your walls, but picking out-of-the-ordinary colors can breathe new life into your home without making a lot of other changes. Use a mint green or a chocolate brown. You can paint opposite walls the same color or use a single wall as an accent if it doesn't make your room feel overly small, too. After you add a coat or two of paint, add blank frames of different shapes that you paint to match the walls. It adds texture and something for your guests to talk about.

3. Treat Your Windows Right

via

 Updating curtains and blinds is an easy way to give your living room flair. Consider wood blinds in place of tacky plastic or metal mini-blinds. Heavy draperies are also a thing of the past. You can lighten the mood by choosing fun colors or sheer curtains. Those won't do much to black out the sun, so make sure you're using curtains and blinds if you want to keep your rooms cool in the middle of summer. For a minimalistic approach, consider curtains in muted versions of the paint on your wall. Curtains are easy to make if you have a sewing machine, so you can find your perfect color by stopping at the fabric store instead of shelling out the big dollars at other retailers.

4. Lighten Up

An airy and open feels lends to a modern luck, which is why you might opt for lighter furniture with metal frames that leave the floor visible. Glass-topped tables and desks also lend to the aid of openness, and furniture with a lighter look often weighs less, so rearranging becomes easier.

Metal furniture is often available in sleek white, black or grey, and the monochromatic look is quite contemporary. However, your home doesn't have to be stark. You can brighten and soften it up with pops up color in the form of throw pillows and blankets on your sofa and chairs or vases on counter and tabletops. You don't have to buy all-new pillows, either. It's often more affordable to buy standard pillows and replace the shams when you want to add color. If you care to try your hand at sewing, you can make your own covers, too.

When it comes to literal light, you might not want to swap out your fixtures or mess with electrical wiring. However, switching a shade can make a big impact without breaking the bank.

5. Shopping Savvy

You'll spend a lot of money when you're upgrading your home if you buy everything new. Do more than looking for sales. Hit up garage sales, resales shops and your parents' attic. You can also use the Internet to save a buck or two. Sites like Freecycle connect consumers who have things to trade for free as long as you pick them up. Craigslist might offer some things for free, but you can find appliances, decor and supplies on the cheap if you're willing to deal in cash.

6. Add Something Green

A plant on a table or floor freshens air, gives you something to bond with and looks chic. You can choose from a variety of leafy or flowering plants, and there's something no matter how much space you have available. Plants like bamboo are especially modern. You might find out have a green thumb and give plant trimmings as gifts to the people that you love or enjoy the fruits of your labor if you start a windowsill herb garden.

7. Walk on In

 via

A rug is not only functional, but a unique print or shape can really add to the effect you're going for. If you're dealing with old wood floors and lack the budget to add new ones, consider adding matte paint to even out the appearance and hide stains. Stencil a unique design if you want something that pops.

Daniel Johns is an interior designer with over 10 years experience in the business. He has decorated over 500 homes and recommends curtainworld.net.au as a leading provider of curtains and blinds in Perth, WA.

Blogtember : Deep Breaths

Day 4: A time when you were very afraid

I had to do some thinking on this on (I guess that's a good thing) and finally it came to me last night while running.  A lot of blog posts come to me while I'm running. However, I generally forget by the time I get back home.

When I set off to college I was bound and determined to go to Butler for 4 years straight, major in psychology and everything would work out perfectly. 

Done and done.

(Speaking of Butler, we lost our beloved bulldog mascot, Blue II, last Saturday.  He will be dearly missed around campus and Indianapolis.) 

Well two years in and lots of awful math and statistics classes later I realized maybe this well thought out path wasn't the perfect one for me.

I realized I was at a turning point in life and it terrified me.

Me, the planner, had this all thought out, envisioned and calculated to the last moment. Suddenly things were not playing out like I had dreamed. 

Psychology was not turning out to be what I thought it would be for me and, as much as I LOVED it, Butler just wasn't the 100% right fit.

Now what, right?! What was I to do? Suffer through the rest of my degree? Switch majors? But to what? I had no idea.  

It was that thought of, 'I have no idea what I want to do or what I should be doing.'

And when you are at the age where you are supposed to be figuring those things out, that is down right terrifying.  

I went home for the summer after my sophomore year, not sure what was next.

I never thought that when I started school, I would be reconsidering attending Butler half way through. 

And I was scared. These were big decisions and not ones that had been written out neatly in my planner.  These were life altering, path changing decisions and it was scary not knowing what was next in my educational and life path. 

 

While home, I ended up (totally by chance) working at a new interior design store in town.

It didn't take long for me to fall in love.

One day I was talking to my girlfriends about my new job and how much I loved it and was really starting to love interior design.

And then at that moment, a light bulb went off,

things fell into place and I had my answer.

I wanted to go to school for interior design!

I literally remember smiling and being SO relieved at this revelation.
It just clicked and the puzzle pieces all fell together.

Those changes (a new school and a new major) brought along a whole new set of scary times, but in a good way.  A good and exciting scary. 

Or there is the not so life altering scary story, about the time I had a panic attack while we were snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef because I didn't like that I couldn't breathe out of my nose.  But that doesn't seem to be nearly as exciting. 

And you can't have a Friday without a little Floyd ;)

And Floyd wants to wish a very super, special happy birthday to Bethany today!!

Red, Red Door

With all of the updates to the outside of our house, our front door is now looking a little sad.

And dull. 

I don't do dull.

So it is our new mission to paint our front door.

And soon.

After much deliberation, I think we've decided on RED.

Like, bright RED.

My thought is that if you are going to go red, then go bold and bright.

My initial thought was a rich, dark navy blue.

But then I got to thinking about the seasons and hanging wreaths on a navy door and I didn't love that look as much.

There is definitely a place for a deep navy color (powder room, some dining rooms) but my front door isn't the place. 

Now, red, red I can get on board with.

Just imagine a bright red rood with a great Christmas wreath hung on it.

Yes please.   

I have always loved a classic, red front door on other houses and think it will really pop on our house and our street.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

I am usually one to go against the grain with any sort of design but when it comes to a classic, red door, I am happy to swim right along with the crowd...for the most part.

No one else in our neighborhood or street has quite the bright red that I am aiming for.

I can only imagine what the neighbors will think. 

Funny enough, Valspar makes a paint called, 'classic red' (I promise it's brighter on my color fan) that I think is just about perfect.

I am thinking in a semi gloss...yes yes yes.

What are your thoughts on red front doors? Yay or nay?

Any other suggestions for us? 

I think this should be a quick and easy project for us to knock out so I am excited to get it started!