Furtastic

I got my first sheepskin from my brother when he returned from Europe when I was 16, and I still have it.  Yes, sheepskins might be trendy now, but I love the coziness and texture and use them all around my home. 

They will stand the test of time.

Texture is one of the 7 ELEMENTS OF DESIGN that I learned about in college, and incorporate in all our design work. The other elements are: line, shape, size, color, space and value.

The textural element that a sheepskin brings to a room is a significant addition to any style decor.  

 I have found alot of uses for my new 3 x 5 skin. 

[in my son's Ikea Poang chair]

[a throw at the end of a bed]

[or a cozy area rug- perfect for bedside]

Perfect for these cool fall mornings and to cozy up to anytime!

//1//

Happy Fall and Catching Up

Just back from a weekend at Bethany Beach, DE, it has hit me hard that fall is here.  It was 52 this morning when I got up!  The end of summer is beautiful at the beach and I was happy to get a break from our workload this summer. The bonus was that I went with Bethany, as the two of us don't get to go out of town together very often to just play!

Here are some peeks of projects going on, starting with a lovely dining room client, a traditonalist, art collector and horse lover, who took a leap with a bold vintage Kilim as a jumping off point for her room.

As you all know, it all begins with a plan....

The window treatments will be in early October after which we'll get some professional photos.

The Phillip Jeffries ( Grey on Blue) grass cloth is so beautiful and the perfect compliment to the newly painted millwork in the room.

Next is a whole office that is being installed this week.  It has been so fun to build the design from a blank space. Here are some shots of it shaping up:

This week we install the marble on the reception beverage center, hang the barn door in the bathroom,  install some custom wood features, lay more rugs, hang art, style and accessorize...so fun!

A really fun project we both are over the moon about the textiles with, is a wonderful couple who needs a total living room makeover and partial kitchen makeover.

We presented kitchen options...

and love the flow from the living room to the eat-in kitchen.  [We're waiting on their decision.]

Another prospective project is couple who wants to meld their existing things with newly acquired pieces inherited from her mother.  With a mix of his, hers and moms, we are neutralizing the basics and adding layers of rugs and accents to pull it altogether.

[Neutral drapes are waiting a selection of trim banding.]

The exciting thing about this busy summer of projects is how we are honing our brand, business model and skills.  

Have you heard of a "Hobson's Choice"? It is basically when you [more specifically a client] think there are unlimited options and are overwhelmed, the more you define your likes and dislikes and delve deep into the problems and solutions, the result boils down to just one or two ideal solutions.  This is a great way to handle the customers dilemma and insight in working with them. 

Have a great week!

Styles evolve

//1//

Back in 2012, I did a series on Decorating Styles and tried to simplify styles into Traditional, Country, Contemporary and Eclectic categories.  Styles sure have evolved into more categories since then!  I am loving this California-contemporary-swedish-eclectic-vibe currently. 

 It is typically light-filled, a bit sparse, layered with texture, neutral with subtle color and speckled with some antique treasures so it doesn't look all new like a store catalog.  I love natural materials like the brick floor under the sisal rug.

Are you wanting more color these days, or are you liking neutrals still? 

 Seriously, anything goes.

Current Project

What makes a neutral room pop?  Texture, pattern and details!

I am blown away by the exceptional handmade craftsmanship in these Serena & Lily drapery panels. This Indian Zag fabric in the Lake colorway will turn into beautiful pillows. The chenille and jute rug adds a fun layer over hardwood floors and is so soft underfoot. Dash & Albert never disappoints!

Texture...

It's a key design element, it's what lures us into a room; it makes you want to touch it and  compare surfaces.  

1

2

3

4

Whether it's actual or implied, texture is imperative in design.   Have you ever seen a room with all smooth surfaces or the same texture throughout?  It becomes 'too much' and almost mundane, leaving no resting point for the eye. 

 Lesson for the day, remember to vary your textures!

"It's just paint" we always say.

I've been a color-aholic all my life. I have to admit that looking at tons of  crisp white or dark, moody rooms constantly are somewhat intriguing and they photograph so beautifully.

In looking at my dining room, I was never really happy over the last 5 years with the turquoise paint below the chair rail.  I tried new stuff on the walls, a recent new rug, a new light, but it wasn't doing anything for me.  I love what Emily Henderson said about sticking with a room when it's time to move on:

"Like a mediocre relationship, you can only stay in denial that it’s not really working for so long. You pretend you don’t need to move on, that you can make it work, that everyone is happyenough. But, all the signs point to ‘GET OUT AND TRY TO BE HAPPIER’. It’s just hard because its such a risk. You keep telling yourself, ‘It’s not frustrating enough, it’s not terrible enough,’ to make you jump out … but now and again you start looking. Your eye wanders. Your thoughts drift …"

BEFORE

My husband said our dining room was his favorite room in the house because it was finished and it all matched. That about sealed the deal for me knowing how 'opposite' we are- time to change! I don't like matchy-matchy.  Love you honey, but I know you don't read our blog anyway!

AFTER

I went for a fresh, clean, organic and neutral vibe knowing that I can always load it with color as my whim occurs, which is a given!  

I used Benjamin Moore Dove Wing and BM Ancient Ivory for the trim.

Nothing like a fresh coat of paint!

Coastal decor by Brooke Giannetti

A great inspiration for all things 'beachy' is Brooke Giannetti's collection today on One Kings Lane.  Her designer tips on acheiving the seaside-look include using nature's colors - the sky, sand, and ocean and juxtaposing the textures.  She recommends displaying groupings by theme:

Aren't these accessories wonderful?  Brooke and hubby Steve are staples for cool California beach style (check out our post that Bethany wrote previously on the Giannetti's signature Patina Style).

Hope you all have a great weekend!


~Nancy