Tag Archives: artwork

Add a little whimsy to your home decor

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Sometimes interior design can be just a bit stuffy.  Or maybe you just need a touch of whimsy in your home that will make you smile every day. 

Whimsy can be something as simple as an accessory placed in an unexpected spot, a fun piece of fabric or something larger such as a wonderful piece of artwork or elaborately designed piece of furniture.  

Check out this bed from Attila design on etsy.  This is certainly the ultimate in whimsy but what fun!

And this colorful and whimsical chandelier (photo courtesy of House and Home) turns an ordinary bath into something special.

You can express your sense of whimsy through your artwork as shown in this room by Woodson & Rummerfield and courtesy of Decorpad.  They simply framed pieces of old wallpaper, added molding and created a unique and whimsical wall of art.  You could accomplish the same look with pieces of fabric, children’s drawings or simple pieces of colored construction paper.

Or in your choice of accesories such as these lamps, pillows and knick knacks or a little suprise like the “feet” on this bench courtesy of m studios.  How about that crazy lamp !?  Isn’t it time for some whimsy in your home?

little white mice add a touch of whimsy to a bookshelf (available at shop 57)

 

Home decor: go BIG or go home with your decorating

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When it comes to interior decorating, sometimes bigger is better.  If you are trying to make a statement, need a focal point or just want a particular item appreciated, then I say go for it and go BIG.

It would be hard not to notice the artwork in this room by Elle Decor
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The wallpaper in this room designed by Martha Stewart certainly makes a BIG statement
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While this bedroom does not have any overscaled pieces of furniture or artwork the fairy lights hung over the bed certainly have a big impact.  They are the first thing you would notice when you walk into the room and that is what going BIG is all about…..making a personal statement in your home. (image courtsy of corbis images)

Home decor: go BIG or go home

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You have probably heard the phrase “Go big or go home”.  I am not sure what it really means but, to me, it means don’t be shy, shout out your ideas and show everyone what you are all about in your fashion or your home decor.  Take a look at these home interiors and see if going BIG is right for you.

this oversized artwork in a room designed by Ballard Designs really makes a statement
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How do you feel about this large centerpiece in a room designed by KAA design? (photo by Victoria Pearson)
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Now that's a lampshade! (courtesy of Domino Magazine)
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Notice how these rooms feature neutral color schemes and simple furniture.  A large piece of art, furniture or accessory will automatically take center stage so it is a good idea to keep the rest of the room simple.

You can also go BIG with large scaled patterns on fabric, wall coverings and rugs, so, if your personality or room demands it, go BIG and be proud of the results.

Color of the month: Red

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This time of year you might expect a discussion on a pastel color more associated with spring; something like baby chick yellow, spring green or easter egg blue.  But I am choosing, instead, to talk about RED.  Sexy, sultry, vibrant, energizing RED.

Red is the color of passion but it is also the color of anger and power.  In a dining room, red will increase the appetite but in a bedroom it can induce feelings of control and be overwhelming as opposed to sexy and inviting.  It all depends on the shade of red used.  There is warm barn red, bright fire engine red, rose red with a hint of pink, orange red with a hint of yellow, etc.  

This red and black room designed by Tobi Fairley utilizes a lighter shade of red anchored by black and brightened up with white.
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This red toile fabric from Waverly (pattern Country House) is a deep rich shade of red that would be lovely in a dining room, powder room or guest room.
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This red and white striped chair in a room designed by Effortless Style is casual and happy
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The neutral finishes and accessories allow the red walls of this powder room designed by Martha Angus to stand out. (photo by Grey Crawford courtesy of elle decor)
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So go ahead….step out of your comfort zone and find a spot in your home for a touch of red.  Consider painting walls, hanging red artwork, adding red fabric throw pillows to your sofa or go all out and upholster an entire piece in red.

5 items that make a house a home.

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Dorothy got it right when she said “There’s no place like home.”  Turning an ordinary, every day house into a home is easy if you take the time to personalize the space.  Here are five items I feel no home should be without.

  1. Books:  Books add color and texture to a space while telling a story about the people who live there.  Display hardback, paperback and coffee table books throughout your home to add warmth and a sense of history.
  2. Family Photos:  This goes without saying.  Photos of your loved ones should be displayed for all to enjoy.  A grouping in the entryway is a nice way to welcome guests; a gallery wall in your hallway allows your family members to enjoy memories and personal photos in the bedroom or office offer comfort and enjoyment.
  3. Fresh flowers:  Many people balk at this idea but fresh greenery and flowers add life and color to a space.  It can be something as simple as an affordable grocery store bouquet or branches cut from a local tree but bring some plant life into your home.
  4. Heirloom, antique or hand-me-down:  Regardless of what term you use, a bit of family history in the form of an old chair, Grandpa’s desk, your Mom’s vanity or Aunt Bertha’s wedding china provides your home with a sense of continuity so display it with pride.
  5. Personal artwork:  It is easy to cover your walls with generic artwork purchased at the local bed and bath or discount store.  But it is much more interesting to display personal art that means something to you and your family.  Frame your child’s finger painting or a collection of postcards from family vacations; bring new life to an old oil painting that belonged to your parents with a new frame and mat; purchase some artwork next time you visit your favorite vacation spot to remind you of fun times.  These are the art pieces that you will keep for years to come.

Regardless of whether you move every year, rent a home or live in the same house for many years, you can turn those four walls into a home that represents you and your family and is warm and welcoming to guests.

Home Decor: Decorating with our fine feathered friends

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You have probably noticed all the birds that can be found in decorating over the last several months.  These little feathered creatures are popping up on fabrics, accessories and artwork and it looks like this trend is here to stay.

Fabrics

There are literally dozens of fabrics available that depict birds of some sort.  You can choose high end manufacturers and pay several hundred dollars a yard for hand embroidered and hand loomed fabrics; you can choose low end and affordable cotton fabrics with a stamped design or the best buy of all, quality fabric that will withstand the test of time when it comes to fading, shrinking and durability.   The fabrics can be whimsical and fun or rich and traditional in design.  Use these fabrics to fashion accent pillows, chair cushions and drapery panels or go all out and upholster an entire chair.

Accessories

Birds of all species can be found on dinnerware, vases, artwork, lamp bases and candles.   A pair of beautiful pillows placed on your sofa can be enough to update your room with this idea.  Placing a candle in the powder room is a sweet way to introduce these little guys to your decor.  A beautifully embellished pillow like the one pictured will add sparkle and personality to a side chair.  A collection of beautifully framed bird prints hung in the entry of your home is a nice way to greet your guests.

As with any trend, don’t overdo it.  Choose your fabrics and accessories wisely and you can enjoy the sweet touch of a bird without the mess that goes along with the real thing.