Powder Blue Sofa Design Board!

Last week I came across a green colored sofa that I loved. I lean towards neutral sofas as a safe and a stand the test of time purchase as our taste evolves. But for the more adventurous, a sofa with a pop of color is a great option. So instead of going over the top with this design below I chose a sofa with a soft color as the center of the design scheme. Please tell me what you like about the design!

Beautiful Image for the Day!

I don't usually like to post just a photo but this one is captures me. It has motivated me to create a design board around a sofa that is a pop of color. Stay tuned I will post it next week!

via Create Live Design

Blue, Lavender and White, Great Combination!

I am working with a client who wants to incorporate soft blues and lavender against a creme sofa and white walls. She had a hard time visualizing the combination but I think these photos capture how great they all look together. This combination is slowly becoming a personal favorite of mine!

Wednesday Ramblings....

I have been stuck at home too many days than I would like to think about. I had a surgery and the side effects are sticking around longer than I thought they would. So, I have been catching up on lots of rest. Which brings me to my ramblings today. I have been thinking about this a lot and I feel like it is time to put it out there to you. Recently, I have been in contact with several interior designers. Many of these designers are older women in their fifties, who have an established business. Look at these images below that some NJ designers posted on their website, case in point.

These designs are well thought out but I often find that their take on design ideas are very "in the box." What I mean is that they tend to be on the safe, traditional style of design that doesn't seem to fit the young modern families in our area. Golden yellow colored walls, plum color damask fabrics, cherry cabinetry and that famous camel colored granite, etc.  I was in an interior shop in Princeton, NJ and overheard a conversation of a woman who was desiring to modernize her home because she feels like when you walk in, it feels more like her mothers home instead hers. Her mom was right next to her agreeing. This exemplifies the challenge. Most of the homes in the northeast have architectural elements of a colonial design and I think that designers get stuck. Colonial design is one of my favorites but you can easily update a colonial with flooring, colors and furnishings and make it hip, modern and fun. I have walked into too many homes of young families that feel like an older couple in their 60's live there instead of family in the late twenties. One factor that contributes to this is that we often start out with passed down furniture pieces from grandma and others. So, I guess what my purpose in writing this today is to encourage doing research when choosing an interior designer. Their portfolio tells a lot about their take on design as does their appearance. Our home should be a reflection of who we are as individuals and families. Designers that push us out of our comfort zone with fresh ideas are worth considering. I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject, please leave me your comments!!!

Office Area Rug?

I am so torn about what area rug to put in my office.

The desk and chest are black against navy walls and I want something that is fun and vibrant. There is a part of me that would like a geometric style like these below......

Then there is this other part of me that wants something even more dramatic like these.....

 Do you have a preference?

Our Home Update!

I just wanted to share some photos of the little bit of progress we are making with our home. Just to refresh your memory, we recently moved back into our house after living abroad for a year. We have done mostly painting but we have also bought some new furnishings and accents. Below is a shot of my home office in Ben Moore's Hale Navy. Other photos show some furniture for our living room and a gallery wall I am working on going up the stairs. Finally, a sneak peek of our bedroom which will be last room to be finished up!

We started with this room and painted it BM Hale Navy and replaced the carpet with hardwood floors.

This photos shows one wall in the office where my cork memo board hangs. I just bought a piece of cork board, spray adhesive glue and a wonderful black weaved fabric. I am really happy with how it came considering I don't feel like I am a professional DIYer....

I shared this photo already but we added this great LEE Industries chair and ottoman and one more chair will be ordered shortly to complete the room.

This is the staircase that leads to our office loft. I found this great Hudson Valley's Garden City Aged Brass Wall Sconce online and I am now slowly putting together a gallery wall going up the stairs.

And finally a sneak peek of our restful and calm bedroom. The lamp I snatched for a mere $10 at a flea market in the Hudson Valley. It was bright orange so a little bit of white paint, gold spray paint and a shade I already had and it all came together! I have another matching lamp but I am not sure where I will put that one yet!

Green Goodness!

These images below highlight the color green in just the right amount. Here are some interesting facts below about the color green.

Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye than most colors, and is second only to blue as a favorite color. Green is the pervasive color in the natural world, making it an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to seeing it everywhere.

Images via Decor Pad, Pink Wallpaper and Veranda

Enjoy another beautiful weekend!

Thinking of Changing Up Our Bathroom........

I am starting to gather some ideas for our one and only bathroom. When we moved in 1998, we used some old tile left over from another job and some free tile that was given to us. Like many baths in the late nineties that medium marble green is found on our floors and shower walls, I am not loving it now and I didn't love it when we put it in but funds were low. So, I think we are going to try to remodel it this coming year. Yes! Dreaming......

Because of size and storage needs these are more like it!

via Decor Pad

Gorgeous Bedroom Recreated!

When I come across a beautiful image, I save them to my personal files of favorite rooms. I recently saw this photo and fell head over heels for it. The room is so soothing and light but also has just the right amount of femininity to it! I just had to spend a little time and I was able to find great deals on items that mimic the room and will give the same feel for about $2,500. Granted the architectural elements of the room add so much but high ceilings and lots of natural light are found in many rooms in your homes.

Below are some awesome selections for the same vibe going on above....

Vintage Etsy.com Crystal Chandelier

Design Guild Wallpaper

Ikea.com

Painted Chest from Etsy.com

Vintage Etsy.com Tulip Lamps

Teak Carved Screen Etsy.com

Paint Screen BM White Dove

Accent Chair Overstock.com

Hope this post gives you some inspiration for your favorite rooms!