February, 2011

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Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

If you have been following my writing for a while now, you would know how much I love to use mirrors in my decorating.

ALESSANDRA BRANCA

Vincente Wolf

Mirrors are one of the most versatile decorative accessories you can add to your home. Whether you are using mirrors to check your reflection or simply to add flair to your home decor, today you can find so many styles at great prices. Mirrors are one of those perfect accessories where you can really get a bang for your buck.

Suzanne Tucker

One way I love to use mirrors is when I want to move light into a dark corner of a room. A mirror can reflect the light from a window or light fixture into a place that was previously filled with shadows.

A decorative wall mirror above a console table becomes almost like another light source when a table lamp is placed in front of it; the amount of light will double as will the beauty of your interior decor.

For a romantic effect, try placing candles in front of a mirror or hanging mirrored wall sconces.

As you know, mirrors are excellent tools for making a small room feel larger. The reflection gives the illusion of an extended room.

Meg Braff

Paolo Moschino

Have you ever tried putting a small framed mirror on a bookshelf?

Another creative idea decorating with mirrors is to use framed mirrors as serving trays! When you place a framed mirror on an ottoman, it becomes an instant coffee table top. Just make sure you choose mirrors with sturdy enough backs!

Using mirrors under centerpieces gives your table setting that extra sparkle. And now you can purchase chargers in an elegant mirror design that will bring interest and uniqueness to your dining table.

My favorite places to find mirrors? LampsPlus is usually my first online stop because of their large selection and free shipping.

Just love this mirror!

Overstock is another favorite of mine because of their wide selection and $2.95 shipping.

Just gorgeous!!

Don’t you think mirrors are just the greatest accessories?? Where do you find your favorite mirrors? Comments?

If you need help decorating your home, contact me today!

Which Color to Instantly Update a Room?

Saturday, February 5th, 2011

In researching and writing my blog for the past year and a half now, I have seen a lot of beautiful rooms. It is amazing to have seen, and continue to see, so many different trends that just seem to come and go.

Jamie Drake

One color that I have noticed, that when introduced in a room, it seems to invoke instant happiness. Can you guess by these photos which color that might be?

Jamie Drake

It is the color apple green. A nature inspired, neutral color. Don’t you think that it just infuses freshness and life?

Jamie Drake

When I picture apple green, this is what I think of:

Apple Green

A fresh clean green. Green is such a great neutral that works with so many colors (just look outside! Actually do not look now if you are in the NE, it is all white!). But take a look at this bright green apple color and notice how it just seems to “sing” in the room. Marshall Watson

Looking for ways to use some of this green in your home? Accessories are a great way to bring in new color without spending a lot. Below are a few great accessory pieces I found at Crate&Barrel online that will instantly bring some color into your home.

I WANT this little vase for me!

I just love it! I wish it came in a set or with a coordinating bowl because it is only 5 1/2 inches high. You can also use a glass bowl or vase filled with limes to instantly add a splash of green into your kitchen. Use the inspiration from my previous blog “Easy Decorating With My Favorite Books” and use green book jacket covers as your accents. Anything from pillows, vases, paintings, or soft throws can instantly add that beautiful apple green color to any room of your choice.

Victoria Pearson

Look how nice this green plays with the other colors:

NolanPillow18inOrangeS11

Purple Pillow. 20" sq. Magenta Pillow. 20" sq. Teal Pillow. 20" sq.

And if you are in the market for a new sofa, Maria Killam just wrote a terrific post on ‘The Versatile Green Sofa.’

Jonathan Adler

Have you been using this color apple green in your room designs? Do you think it is a trend color? Love it? Hate it? Comments?

If you need help making your home beautiful, contact me today for an at home or online consultation!

Pottery Barn’s Spring 2011 Colors

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Have you seen the new updated Pottery Barn color chart online?

Pottery Barn Colors Benjamin Moore Paint Fan Deck

27 very pretty Ben Moore colors!

Ben Moore Solitude AF 545

Not only do they show a nice size color sample, I love that they also included a room painted in this color:

View in Room

Loving the visuals!!

Pink Cloud 887

View in Room

(I don’t think I would have picked pink with this comforter.)

But…….

What I really like as a designer, is being able to show a client a example of a room painted in a color they selected.

Smoked Oyster 2109-40

But it has to be stressed, the color on the paint chip and then through the computer world onto your home monitor screen is not a very accurate representation of the actual color. Pictures do help visualize a concept, just not as accurate. Take for example the paint color above smoked oyster. If you look the color up in the fan deck it looks more like this:

Smoked Oyster 2109-40

Pretty different, huh? I guess the point I am trying to make again is to be sure to sample test the colors at home before you paint the whole wall. It is great to look at pictures for inspiration but be sure to investigate the color a bit before you paint a whole room with it.

Getting back to pretty pictures: