Design Day Friday: From Pinterest to Reality - Bedroom Basics

I am a Pinner. I have boards and boards filled with inspiration and reference. (Feel free to follow, just click on the link to the right.) Pinterest is not a new concept. For years and years designers like myself have used pull sheets and tears to create inspiration boards and design plans for clients. Pinterest puts it all in one place and is easy to use. More importantly it has made great design accessible and ignited the design fire in folks that were once intimidated by the concept.

Its been a while since I have posted a "copycat" room or "faux" version as I call it. I thought it was a good time to do one, since fall often brings about room updates and renovations just in time for the holidays. I found a room that is neutral, functional, cozy and in a color palate that is popular.

What I love most about this room is that it is uncomplicated and can be easily tweaked to fit almost any room size.  The basic elements and the accents can be changed to any color palate. If you are afraid of layering, this is a great room to start with, its almost fool proof. Here are the basics:

Layer one: Walls, Windows and Floors

Dash & Albert - Swedish Strip Rug
8 x 10 - $390

Jcp.com Bamboo Shade - Oak $30-$90

Jcp.com - Prelude Curtain $20

Layer 2 - Furnishings and Lighting

Jcp.com - Kensington Headboard Q - $144

Pier1 - Ashworth Bedside Chest $299

Lamps Plus - Sofia Table Lamp $69

Layer 3 - Bedding

Ikea - Alina Bedding- biege - $30

Ikea - Alina Beddding - White - $30

Pottery Barn - Cable-Knit Throw $79

Pottery Barn - Peacock Pillow Cover - $39

Layer 4 - Accessories

The finishing touches! Add some books to the nightstand. Cut some seasonal flowers or greenery from your yard and put them in a pretty vase or container. Don't be intimidated by the details. This is where you can make your design make. Remember my basic rules: Don't get stuck on matchy-matchy. We have already created a neutral base and color palate from our first three layers. My other rule? Try it! Play with arrangements and grab something unexpected to give the room life. Grab some old plates from the kitchen and hand them on the wall. Make a project with your kids and frame it. Find a cool flea market bench and paint it up to sit at the end of the bed. Whatever you do, have fun with it.

Voila! By the by, did you notice the price tag on this project? All totaled up, we did this for approximately $1200 to $1500! Not bad for a whole room makeover. Get creative and bargain shop or DIY some of the items and you can cut your cost even further. Send me your projects. I'd love to see what you create. Now, what are you doing this weekend? Happy Decorating! Ta.

Design Day Friday: Wallpaper with No Commitment

Antlers

Mention wallpaper to anyone not in the design industry and you'll probably get a facial expression similar to asking a 6 year old to eat brussels sprouts. Well, ask me and I'll tell you I love wallpaper AND brussels sprouts!

The stigma of wallpaper is likely derived from the mid-century foils, florals and chintz patterns that covered bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens and when removed took everything but the plumbing down with them. Later, the wallpaper boarder trend reared its ugly head. Rooms suddenly became accessorized in the same way a poorly placed belt accentuates the worst part of your figure. Hence, wallpaper hung its head in shame. (pun intended). 

The wallpaper of today isn't granny's wallpaper and designers are using it in the most creative ways ever. Wallpaper can add unique personality to a space that takes it from average to spectacular. In many of today's mass-market-architecturally-lacking new construction homes, wallpaper can add texture and drama to a cookie cutter floor plan...and...it just got better. I have been introduced to a product that takes wallpaper love to a whole new level.  It's wallpaper without commitment.  Not to mention it comes in fabulous graphic prints. Don't stop at walls. This stuff could be the next chalkboard paint! 

It's from a company called Chasing Paper. A female owned company, so we especially love them, that developed a peel and stick paper that stays in place but removes without harming the surface below. Making it very forgiving to install. Here's what Chasing Paper is all about:

"Peel it, stick it, love it. It's beautiful, well-designed paper that will stick to nearly any surface. Go ahead and get creative!

Chasing Paper was born in the hustling sparkle of New York City, but its roots are in the Heartland. It was created from conversations with serial movers, stylish mamas, renters who feel like anything but, DIYers, and, of course, commitment-phobes. 

Chasing Paper is for everyone. It makes small projects affordable and big jobs a breeze. We are invested in the accessibility of simple design and the power of transformation." 

They have a ton of designs, but I picked my top five (which changes all the time). Who can blame me? Happy Peelin' and Stickin' Ta.

That's a Plus

Sexy Hexy

Simple Stripe

Circle and Pop

Dot

Photo credit: Chasing Papers

Design Day Friday: William, Kate, The Bump and The Union Jack

I must admit I have always had a bit of a Brit crush. I remember waking in the wee hours of the morning to watch Charles and Diana marry, then Andrew and Fergie and later to watch Diana being laid to rest. I was so captivated by the tradition, the grandeur and the elegance of it all. Recently, as I was working on my current archaeology project also know as "the garage," I discovered a tea cup that my mother gave to me. It was a commemorative piece to celebrate the marriage of Charles and Diana. I smiled. I thought about the hours I would pour over magazines and draw my "someday" princess wedding gown in my notebook. I even tried my hand at drawing a sketch from a photo of Diana on the cover of Ladies Home Journal. Now, William and Kate have sparked another royal crush. This time its hip and young and fresh just like the couple and their bump-to-be. This British invasion has crossed into the design world. We are seeing those traditionally English elements and icons with non-traditional twists from rocker chic to whimsical fabulous.

Jeeves and Wooster Pendant Lights

Lumbar Pillow

Dog Collar

Vintage Wash Quilt Set

Book Page Wall Art

Queen Wall Clock

Baby Shoes

Turkish Hoodie Towel

Union Jack Sofa

As I always say the key to pulling this off is to only use one statement item in a room. If you create a "theme-y" looking it will come off as cheap and cluttered. Keep it simple and highlight your focal point. Cherio!

Quick Tip: Hanging A Shelf Up High

I love Ikea shelving. My only issue is the lack of finish on the underside. When hanging a shelf that is higher than eye level, the bottom is exposed and not so pretty. So, flip it! Now everyone can see the cool finished side. What do you think? Happy hanging.

Design Day Friday: The Clock on the Wall

peaceloveanddecorating.com

Clocks have long been a staple in homes, even revered as fine pieces of engineering and craftsmanship. However, the functional use of wall clocks is almost obsolete. With our myriad of technology and gadgets, most of us look to our phone, computer, dvd player, cable box, stove or microwave for the time. In fact, the days of teaching kids to tell time using the big hand and the little hand are fading into the digital world. But the  beauty of a clock still holds a place in good design. It brings shape, depth and style to a room and also ads a sense of home-y familiarity. Clocks offer an alternative to wall art and can be used to break up a large wall, add to a grouping of art and wall accessories and hang in places that other objects might seem awkward. In an effort to showcase the timeless (pun intended) accessory, I have collected some lovely clocks worthy of hanging in a place of note.

Jcp.com  

Lampsplus.com

Target.com

Ikea.com

anthropologie.com

potterybarn.com

westelm.com

lightinthebox.com

hayneedle.com

Isn't it about "time" you changed the old clock on the wall? Select a timepiece that really expresses what makes you tick and don't forget to check the time now and then. -Ta

To Target To Target: What's New and What We Love

Spring has sprung and there is a fresh new crop of goodies at Target and a few new ones on the way. Here is a list of my don't miss top picks:

If you haven't heard, Justin Timberlake has a new "album" (I still call it an album). If you pick up up your copy at Target you can get their exclusive bonus tracks. I must say I am kind of all over this one, but its hard not to get carried away by the musical stylings of JT....or Michael Bublé because....Bublé is headed to Target stores on April 23 with his album "To Be Loved" and three exclusive bonus tracks, "It's a Beautiful Day," "Melancholy Baby" and a cover of the Ronette's "Be My Baby." 

I told you about the spring debut of Kate Young for Target on its way in April. Next,Target has yet another design collaboration coming soon, but this one has the potential to provide 10 million meals to hungry Americans. The line FEED created by Lauren Bush Lauren will be hitting stores in June. The designs are fantastic and it is hard to pick favorites. 

Last year, Target launched its house brand of home decor products called "Threshold." As usual they are on trend with affordable options. The look is bright and bursting with pattern and texture. There are many items offered in this line, but I posted some of my favs:

Finally, if you have your eye on an item at Target and have been reluctant to pull the trigger. Keep an eye on their daily deals online. They offer 24hr special pricing on big ticket items as well as small ones. When I see a good one coming, I will alert you so, stay tuned so you don't miss out! 

This Sunday, is your chance to snag a cute little accent chair to perk up your room.