Tag: layering an interior

Living Well

Finding Inspiration In Your Surroundings

What inspires me?

One day, it may be the mixing of textures such as iron and raw wood, and on another, it may be a picture or something I come across in nature.

Lately, I have been inspired by subtle details that take a room from pretty to fabulous. Notice how paying attention to the particulars can make such a difference in a space.

Are you familar with the website, www.pinterest.com ? If not, browse through when you have some time as you will find your own inspiration.

1.  Nailheads. Nailheads are modern, chic, and a great way to customize a piece.  Here are some great examples of how they can add just the right touch.

nailheads on a bookcase (from habituallychic.blogspot.com)

 

the nailheads MAKE this settee (from http://eclecticrevisited.wordpress.com/)

This room is just gorgeous to me.  I love how it looks like the items in the room have been collected over time, but don’t be fooled…. the attention to detail is there.   Look at the nailhead design on the loveseat, the banding on the drapes, and even the strategic placement of the books.  This room makes me want to curl up and read one.

nailheads define this board (pinned by Marianna Stephens)

Who doesn’t need a bulletin board in an office space?   The nailhead detail here makes a common item look a little more finished and unique.

2.  Chevrons – From throws to dresses to fabrics, the chevron pattern is everywhere.  Here it is as an area rug, and notice how much the pattern (and color!) adds to the room.

chevon! (from theblondebrunette.com)

 

3. Patterned wood — Wood is a classic I love to incorporate into my interiors when possible, as there is nothing quite like it.  The texture and patina of an old piece of wood is hard to replicate.

Notice the impact of the wood on the ceiling in this room?  I love how they have carried what looks like rough sawn wood from the ceiling down one wall, while adding painted wood paneling to the room.  Beautiful! I cannot wait for the perfect space to incorporate this idea.

(from remodelista.com)

 

4.  Lots of light – Windows, window, and more windows!  Aren’t they beautiful? Why?  Because natural light equates instant beauty.

(from gallery.me.com)
(from houzz.com)

 

…and here’s a combination of light and amazing wood detail to give you an idea of what stunning looks like:

(from tartanscot.blogspot.com)

 

I hope you’ve been as inspired as I have by these ideas and photographs.    I see so much creativity out there, and it’s fun to share.  Tell me, what inspires you?

Living Well

Photo Shoot

I have been working hard the past three weeks on an exciting new project!

It’s an incredible, historical house in Birmingham — home to a fun, young family — and they hired me to work on the interiors of a few rooms.  Interestingly, as we began the project, Cathy Johnson, editor of Birmingham Home and Garden Magazine, called.  It turns out this house appeared in the magazine’s first issue, and she wanted to feature it again for the upcoming 10th anniversary issue!

While the rooms are not complete due to the quick deadline, I was pleased with how it looked for the shoot.  If it looks this beautiful with a few pieces we plan on replacing, imagine how it will look when everything is installed!  While I cannot share the final photos until the article is published, I do want to give you a little preview.

Jean Allsopp works her magic!

me with the girls who live there -- aren't they cute?!
cathy helping with placement for the angle of the shot

Thanks, as always, to Cathy and  Jean Allsopp Photography!

Living Well

How Layering Takes a Room From Drab to Fab

In my previous blog, “From Blah to Beautiful in a Few Easy Steps,” I mentioned the importance of layering a space and softening the hard surfaces in a home.   The last thing you want is for your home to look like it was bought off of a showroom floor, and layering prevents this by creating a sophisticated, collected look.

Windows are everywhere in our homes, and for good reason — they let in natural light! When windows need to be softened,  curtains are a beautiful and easy fix.

Take a peek at this design from one of my favorites, Susan Ferrier:

brilliant use of fabric (from www.housebeautiful.com)

She actually uses the curtain as a “wall” and wow!  These panels soften the room’s hard corners while providing depth, dimension, and character.  Notice the layered cowhide on top of the rug as well.

I will always sing the praises of  banquettes and built-ins, as I cannot help it.  I just love them!  The high back on this custom seating I designed for a client’s foyer is an eye catcher and sets the tone for the rest of the home.

come in and stay for a bit!
another client's kitchen. photo courtesy of jean allsopp and puppy courtesy of homeowner.
great balance here! (from pinterest — materialgirlsblog)

Notice how this banquette softens the stairwell and hardwood floor?  They also receive bonus points for their practicality by allowing for more people to sit around a table.

Here’s a nice example of layering with custom seating AND drapes.  Accessorizing with pillows is also a must!

Mixing the old with the new is a great way to create a room that looks like it has evolved over time, even if it was installed in one day.  In this TV segment from Daytime Alabama, I provide ways to mix the two.

Look what the talented Vincente Wolf created in this room.  He pulled up uber-modern chairs to a table made to look old, and it’s amazing!

old and new = divine

To sum up, here is a picture of where old and new, soft and hard, come into interior design harmony bliss:

the home of designer Fiona Weeks

Living Well

From Blah to Beautiful in a Few Easy Steps

I’m a big fan of layering.  Big.  Layering helps make a home look like it has evolved over time.  With so many hard surfaces found in a room (especially in kitchens and baths), it is important to balance them out.  You do this through fabrics, rugs, throws, etc. — anything that can add softness and dimension to a space.  Take a look to see what a difference layering can make…

Before:

before = blah. notice how everything is the same height as well? boring!

Making Changes:

layering begins -- much better!

After:

wallah! accessories take it to a whole new level!

See how adding a few accessories can completely change the look of a room?!

The before picture shows the bones of the room, but it’s too hard!  By adding a rug,  mirror,  ottoman, and bench at the foot of the bed,  it is slowly being softened and dimension is being created.  The final touches were the accessories ( notice the shoes??!!) such as the books, the throws, and artwork.

Here is another example:

before- awkward table, incorrect height on stools, and mismatched shades

This client’s kitchen held a few custom pillows as well as a custom banquette we made out of some discard fabric; the rest were hand me downs in the space.

See what a difference mixing the elements (wood and iron) and softening the edges can make?

after- beautiful!!

Bottom line:  Mix it up!  If it’s a hard surface, find a way to soften it.  If there is a lot of new, add some old.  If wood is the theme, bring in a little metal.  In short, layering will “take the edge off” — literally.

Stay tuned…..More tips coming soon on creating dimension in a space!