1.31.2011

Peacock Bedroom -- FINALLY!

So, a friend of mine bought her mother some beautiful turquoise chairs and I happened to visit her home and the rest is history...........

Before, this bedroom didn't have much going for it.  The beautiful furniture was not showcased; the walls and drapes were bland and the lamps were well, peachy-mauve.
  

Using turquoise as an inspiration, I talked the homeowner into this beautiful peacock feather bedding with brown and green accents.
And then, I fell in love...........
with wallpaper.

What can I say?  It's sparkly, metallic and such a gorgeous blue!
I wish I could take better photos - 
But, one pays for such beauty.  Not only is it costly, apparently, hanging crystal wallpaper is difficult.
My solution was to frame the wallpaper, using less and eliminating the need for seaming.  My wonderful, supportive, handsome handyman husband cut out the moulding and sprayed it with gold metallic paint.  I went back over the frames with silver, creating a finish that blends well with both silver and gold.
Mirrored lamps flank the bed and add more sparkle.
Triple framed panels fill the wall space and serve as a gorgeous backdrop for the inspirational chairs and a beautiful mirrored table.  Recognize the lamp?!

Before, the lamp on the dresser was dated and items were mismatched. 


Now, the room is cohesive with a new metallic turquoise lamp and matching accessories.

Wanting to add some sparkle to your bedroom decor?  Give me a call......I'd love to help!



1.25.2011

Sneak Peek: Peacock Bedroom

Accomplishing a finished space takes a lot of time and effort and many lose stamina along the way.  A decorator can help you with this process; it's harder to coordinate than you might think!  Remember this photo I posted back in October?  I FINALLY got to put the finishing touches on this peacock bedroom this weekend!  I can't wait to show how beautifully everything turned out.  Look for it coming up Monday!!

1.24.2011

Dining Room Tweaked

This home has an amazing open area for entertaining.  The homeowner already had gorgeous dining room basics.  We just made some finishing touches.

Relocating the buffet to the opposite wall makes it more visible for those entering the space and the mirror above it reflects light from the windows.  Larger frames in a darker finish provide more contrast with the walls, making the artwork more prominent.


We gave winter and summer window treatment options for this dining room.  Featured is the lighter option, a textured light gold silk  layered over a beautiful damask sheer and pulled back with a capiz shell finial.  For colder temperatures, a brown velvet option provides warmth and drama.
 A beautiful spot to enjoy a meal!
Do you have a dining room that needs finished?  Give me a call - I'd love to help!

1.21.2011

What a Difference A Drape Makes

Just a quick note about window dressings today.
A great window treatment can completely change a room.  It's a great opportunity to add softness and color and personality and adding them does not have to break the bank.  While there are some great inexpensive options out there, some homeowners hesitate to invest in drapery due to fear of not know how to hang them.  Here are a few tips I've learned:

Go long.
While there are plenty of applications for valances and blinds alone, using a long length of fabric in a room really makes an impact.  It changes the whole feel of the space; from the accoustics, to the visual focus to the physical warmth.

    Hang 'em High.  
    Placing the drapery rod above the window frame gives the illusion of height in a room.  These drapes are actually hanging from rods installed in the ceiling.
    Photo by Susan Kalergis Photography for Embellish Interiors
    The same effect occurs when shades are mounted higher than the window.  See how much bigger the windows appear?
    Think Width.
    Similar principles apply for the width of the windows.  By working outside the window moulding, not only do you reduce the amount of coveted natural light covered, your windows look more substantial.
    Get creative.
    Your windows are a great place to show a little personality.  Do you want drama or whimsy?  Contemporary or traditional?  Your windows are a great place to add color and pattern.  Don't be afraid to display what you like - it's your home, after all!

    Need some help deciding which treatments are the best for your windows?  
    Give me a call.....I'd love to help!

      1.20.2011

      Savvy Shopper: Industrial Table

      Love this industrial chic look.  Check out this find!
      SPLURGE:


      Furniture Factory Cart
      53" x 28"
      $995  SALE $795
      STEAL:
      Holbrook Factory Cart Coffee Table
      48" x 25"
      $499

      1.17.2011

      Monkey Girl Bath

      This lucky little girl gets a bath all to herself!  Before, it was non-descript; builder's white walls and whitewashed cabinetry.

      How about that for some character?!  Turquoise wallpaper in an overscale damask print floods the walls with color and subtle pattern.  Sparkly turquoise jewels adorn the drawers at the sink.  Bright pink accents pop with girl-y accessories  and  fun towels and crystals hang from the new light fixture.

      Can you believe this adorable ruffled shower curtain and rug came from completely separate stores?  I love it when I find a perfect match!!

      Monkey Girl artwork already owned by Mommy and Daddy!

      Looking for help planning your little one's space?  
      Give me a call.........

      1.13.2011

      Special Occasions: 7 year old's Birthday

      I love a good party, but like decorating for one even more!!  Today's special occasion features my own daughter's birthday last year.  The theme:  Barbie Fashion Show.  The outcome:  completely adorable!

      The ceiling treatment is a bed canopy I bought years ago at an "all you can shove in a bag for $10" sale (I got four!).   Black and white damask with girly pink touches sets the table.  The girls were thrilled to drink from fancy glasses!


      The amazing cake was made by my fabulous friend, Anita of Maliha Creations.  Big bows, sparkly flowers and of course, Barbie; what more could a little girl ask for?  It was divine - tasted even better than it looks (hard to believe, I know!).
      The look on her face says it all -- what a happy, happy birthday!
      Is there a special occasion coming up you'd like to make extra-special?  Let me help you come up with a design plan or better yet, spiffy the space before the event!

      1.12.2011

      Works in Progress: Bedroom Gift

      What a great idea!  A former client of mine contacted me this holiday season wanting to purchase a consult from me for his wife as a Christmas gift.  I am so thrilled to be able to give her a beautiful embellished bedroom.  Here's a sneak peek at the direction I'm going:


      Starting with the existing neutral paint as a background and using the client's current slate blue bedding, I hope to inject some fresh garden-inspired accessories using sage green and taupe.  I hope she loves it!!

      1.10.2011

      Cheerful Little Girl's Room

      Love these bright colors for a little girl!  This room easily transitions from a nursery to a big girl's room.
      These photos were taken during the installation.  When we started the room was flat white and the windows were covered with sheets to block light. 
      A little dormer gets a coat of bright turquoise paint and a built-in seat.
      I spray painted and embellished an inexpensive chandelier with crystal flowers and beads for a cute light feature.  White sheers make this a cozy little hideout to read a book.
      A hand-painted tree (by yours truly) with 3-dimensional flowers adds a custom touch while brightly colored fabrics and trims add even more fun and character. 
       It's starting to look like a little girl's room......
      With a sweet floral chandelier in fun colors and gorgeous valances with beaded trim, this room is beginning to take shape!
       Painting the back of the hutch on the dresser adds visual interest and gives a fun backdrop for accessories.
      A tri-fold Venetian mirror on the desk/vanity is great for dress up now and hairstyling and homework later.  A parson's chair with adorable contrasting fabrics makes a fabulous spot to sit and the rug in a bright print is a great place to play!
      The beginnings of an adorable canopy:
       A canopy of green silk with embroidered pink polka dots hangs from large pink tassels over the crib and fits the big girl bed too.  A fun turquoise feathered lamp and birdie print sit above the white circle motif side table.
      Such a sweet, cheerful space to be enjoyed to years to come!
      Does your little one need a new room?  Let me help you put one together.....maybe it will be a Monday Makeover feature!!

      1.07.2011

      Family Wall

      While I have had some good times going through old photo albums with friends, empty wall spaces are a terrific way to get those beloved glimpses of the past out and on display to share with everyone.   Family photos give a home individuality and really show who lives there.  These are all from homes with gorgeous family photos we couldn't help but flaunt. 

      Family photos in cohesive black frames with wide white mats embellish the wall above the table and flow up the steps.
      Another display of wedding photos in black frames with subjects that match the color scheme of the room.


      An entire wall of family photos above the heirloom piano.

      An added wood letter and fun "doorknobs" add even more interest and color.

       Black and white photos flank the doorway.  Ledges are a great way to create depth in the display.

       More ledges fill a blank hallway wall.  Frames in varying styles are tied together by the coordinating black finish. 



      Does this task seem too daunting for you?  I'd love to help!
      Give me a call.......