Design

I Love Me A Painted Ceiling…

Posted by Lindsay on Jan 12, 2010 in Color Therapy Thursdays, Design, DIY, Featured Articles, inspiration | 0 comments

Check out this lovely set of photos from the Southern California home of Kristan Cunningham (yes, the host of HTGV’s Design on a Dime!).  Most of the walls in their rental are white, but they’ve painted most of the ceilings a dark charcoal gray.  And their ceilings really don’t look that high, which is a nice example of how dark ceilings really don’t make a room look and feel smaller (like most people believe) but they push the walls out and make the room look and feel larger.

I also love the lighter gray trim, and the dark lower cabinets with matching pulls.

They added the wainscoting backsplash as well.

They removed a few upper cabinets to the left of the kitchen window and added open shelves there – perfect touch!

I love the black accents and black, white, gray and brown/wood color scheme.

How great is that ceiling? And that painting? And those orange Eames Molded Plastic Armchairs!

Even the stacked books on the mantel are coordinated!

I’m grateful for my new vinyl windows, but there’s something about painted window grids.  And cute little owls.

Probably my favorite shot from the whole house.  I love the doilies and the ticking stripe bolster.  But just wait…

LOVE that closet paint job!

And the bathroom cabinet got the same treatment as in the kitchen.

Turquoise front door.  Enough said!  PS – Turquoise has been named Pantone’s 2010 Color of the Year…just in case you didn’t know. 

Enough eye candy for you today?  Me neither…I could always use some more! If you’d like to read about Kristan’s house, budget and DIY tips, you can read the entire article here at the LA Times. Enjoy!

What are your thoughts on Kristan’s French-with-an-edge Venice California house?  How about that ceiling color?  A little masculine with a little quirk? Just my style! Leave your thoughts here!

Welcome Lonny Magazine!

Posted by Lindsay on Oct 2, 2009 in Blogging, Design, Featured Articles, inspiration, Magazines | 0 comments

I have missed Domino Magazine (so, so much like a lot of us – how did this happen??!!) and now there is Lonny, a new online magazine that is trying really hard to fill that void.  With former Domino staffers brought in as contributors, along with many talented designers, decorators, bloggers, photographers and design industry professionals, I think that they will succeed.  I really hate that my favorite type of magazine – shelter and home decorating mags – are the first to go in these trying times, so maybe something like Lonny will bring this particular magazine industry back to life!

Lonny officially launched yesterday, and being that I’m home sick – guess what I was doing!  Looking over Lonny – and that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  And inspired.  And happy.  My little laptop struggled a little bit, but one restart later (and closing down my 10 other tabs that were open) and it worked just fine.  Lonny is beautiful, and a great read.  But there are some pros and cons – and so here is my first assessment of Lonny!

One thing I do miss, which is a given, is actually flipping through those glossy pages and holding the magazine in my hands, bookmarking my favorite pages to reference (with those Domino stickers!!), but there are a lot of pluses to looking at Lonny online:  1) You can print or share the pages that you like very easily.  2) You can click on products that you like and it will take you straight to that webpage to shop! Or if you’re like me, window shop.  3)  You can search for keywords and all of the results are right in front of you.  4)  You can view the entire magazine on one page, and then click to zoom in on the specific page you want.  It takes a bit of getting used to, but I really think that an online magazine is the wave of the future and a lot of others will follow suit very soon.

It seems to have everything that I, along with others like me are interested in and missed about Domino; house tours, decorating tips, easy-to-copy/reinterpret styles, gardening how-to’s, budget style, eco-friendly products, and fashion/interior correlations and predictions.  I also like how Lonny showcases a huge variety of price points – from $7.99 IKEA side tables, to thrifted antiques, to a $1,200 dining chair (or how to turn a thrifted antique into one that looks like its $1,200) and how to mix them all together stylishly.  There are 4-5 tips in almost every article, for example, 5 tips when renovating, 4 Easy Pieces, 5 easy ways to live more sustainably, 5 tips on entertaining with style, 5 tips on DIY – I like it broken down like that – having “rules” to pull from.  And the “tips” sections are easy to spot in the index – they’re in pretty little scrolled boxes so you can skip around and find them quickly!

Lonny is also all about the bloggers.  They feature them in their articles, they have bloggers as contributors (Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge, along with Eddie Ross of Design Star), and they thank the bloggers for talking about Lonny and allowing it to “see the light of day.”  I think that’s pretty cool.  The end section is even called “Blogger Style.”  So calling all bloggers – here’s your big chance!  I’m interested to see what else they do with regard to bloggers in future issues.

And the final thing I love about Lonny: it’s free.  Well, it isn’t “final” but I can only talk about so much here!!  You go to their website to read it and that’s it!  I’m assuming that the clickable ads that are placed throughout the magazine are all that’s keeping it running, but I’m not going to question that for now.  I can’t wait until the next issue…does anyone know how often they’re going to be publishing?  I would LOVE it if it’s a monthly mag, but I don’t see that happening.  Let me know if you know more!

Have you clicked over and checked it out yet?  What do you think??

(images via Lonny Magazine)

Harper's Room

Posted by Lindsay on Aug 10, 2009 in Baby Stuff, Bedroom, Crafts, Creativity, Decor, Decorations, Design, DIY, Etsy Finds, Furniture, inspiration, Likely Favorites, Nursery | 8 comments

I wanted to title this post “Harper’s Nursery,” but I really don’t feel like she is a baby with a nursery anymore.  It is turning into a little girl’s room.  She just turned 1 last Friday, and I can’t believe how fast she’s growing.  I guess it’s technically a nursery — she still needs her crib and changing table, but she is rapidly turning into a little girl right before our eyes.  She plays in her room, with her toys.  It is her very own room.  She is getting more and more independent every day, plus she’s mobile and has a hilarious little personality starting to shine through.  I think her birthday gave me the little motivation I needed to finish her room like I wanted it, and I finally got it all set up and photographed today.  Enjoy!!

If you’ve been reading, you’d know that I’ve been busy painting things for her room – including her changing table, a side/magazine table, a wall shelf, and her dresser. Here are some “before” photos, and you can see the finished product in her room photos!!

Here is the entire room from the doorway:

So as a refresher, here is what it looked like when we first moved in:

And here’s a shot of it that I took today (at almost the same angle):

Lots of new details!

So here’s the breakdown on Harper’s room:
Crib: IKEA
Crib bedding: Olivia by Dwell Studio for Target
Recliner: La-Z-Boy
Blinds: Home Depot
Rug: Target
Bookshelf: Way Basics
Dandelion Wall Decal: Etsy
Pom-poms: Michael’s by Martha Stewart
Changing table: Hand-me-down
Baskets: Wal-Mart
Dresser: Thrift Store
Side table: Hand-me-down
“H-A-R-P-E-R” Wallpaper Letters: Land of Nod
Lamp Set: Fred Meyer
Wall Shelf: Hand-me-down
LOVE Print: Oh Brooke

This is my new favorite room in the house! What do you think of Harper’s room??

This Makes Me Want to Re-Paint

Posted by Lindsay on Jul 12, 2009 in Appliances, Design, inspiration, Kitchen | 2 comments

I love, love, love this kitchen.  Well, more specifically I love the color scheme.  It reminds me of the gray that I have in my living room, and I’m tempted to carry the color into my kitchen. I’ve actually had a lot of positive comments about the bright color I have now, which made me take notice of the subtle colors I’m attracted to. I’m not sure about the semi-bright green (“Misted Fern” by BM) I have now but a girl can dream.  Always looking out for the better color, or side table, or rug, or ceramic garden stool.  Which brings me to this kitchen from House Beautiful.

I love the white cabinets, gray background, and black and green accents.  What do you think?  It might actually help me tie in the “I am too cheap to buy stainless steel appliances” white and black appliances that I have.    Don’t judge me.  It’s a starter home!  The only problem I have now is my stock blonde “wood” laminate countertops. They’re in good shape so they’re staying for now, but we are planning a kitchen remodel – SOMEDAY.  Our kitchen is way awkward with no storage, so it should be fun!  But I can always repaint!

On another note, I just helped a client choose countertops from a color selection of meganite.  Ever heard of it?  It’s an acylic solid surface.  She wanted black countertops, which would have looked great, but after seeing a friend’s dark acrylic countertops (which were full of scratches) she voted for my lighter selection, which should hide the scratches.  Soapstone would have been so beautiful…but so expensive!

I can’t wait to see her “after” pictures!  I’ll have to post them as soon as I get a picture.  Have a good week, everyone!

(images via House Beautiful and Meganite)

{E-Decorating} Tonya & Cody's Wyoming Bedroom

Posted by Lindsay on Jul 7, 2009 in Bedroom, Creativity, Decor, Design, E-Decorating, inspiration | 18 comments

Tonya and Cody asked for my help, ready to move the babies out of their room because they wanted an update to their bedroom (which is already an amazing room to work with) with some rustic modern style.  They love neutral and natural colors and furnishings, but with some contemporary style.  The bed and headboard, green chair and ottoman, black desk, rug, and black gun cabinet had to stay, while everything else was able to go, so I got right down to work to put a plan together.  Tonya’s biggest issue was the bed. It really can only go on one wall (unless you get rid of the headboard — not happening according to Cody) because of the angles of the roof — something you don’t realize will be problematic until you live in the space. I’ll let the pictures do the talking!

Here are Tonya’s before pictures:

As you can see, the bones of the room (and rest of the house) is new and updated, so they wanted their decor to be calming and a restful space to enjoy away from the kids. The floorplan is a “U” shape surrounding their master bathroom, with a lot of difficult angles and tight spaces, so I had to focus on low furnishings and camouflaging to make use of wasted space.

Here is their new bedroom floor plan (click the photo to see it larger):

The main differences are that the desk will be to the left of the bed, the chair and ottoman will be in the entry, and the new furniture is around the walls. See more info. below!

And here is the plan I came up with:

And here is the color/material board breakdown:

1. This room will be a palette of green, brown/blacks, creams and a little red in the existing rug and bathroom paint.  This first color is the wall paint color, a soft, sagey (yet masculine) gray-green to coordinate with their existing green chair and ottoman, and ground the room in a nice, earthy color.  It will also bring out the greens in the rug, and tone down some of the other main colors.  If possible (but it will work either way) I would like the headboard and floor mirror to be stained a deep brown/black stain.  This color is called Misty Air (OC-44) by Benjamin Moore.
2. This is the ceiling and trim paint color, a nice warm cream that will soften up the ceiling angles and warm up the space.  Sea Haze (2137-50) by Benjamin Moore.
3. I chose to darken up the duvet with a nice chocolate brown organic set with lots of fluffy texture.
4. These wall mirrors with java-colored shelves will add some sparkle (especially with a few candles flickering on them) and reflect the warmth of the ceiling.  These (I chose them as a pair) will go on the flat wall on either side of the bathroom door, off the foot of the bed.
5. I chose black grommet curtains for both windows to add some modern pop and to make sure to block out the view as the neighbor’s house is right out of the window behind their bed!  This will also tie into the black desk, gun cabinet, and new brown/black furniture.  They will have to be hemmed for the low window.
6. To soften up the modern black curtains, I’d choose a double rod and add these graphic (yet rustic-patterned) sheers underneath.  Layering always helps finish a room.
7. Another great contemporary decor statement would be these block shelves, which come as a set, and will go above the existing desk.  The desk will be moved to the left of the bed, on that same wall.  The existing photographs and artwork (which is now on the floor and the gun cabinet) will go here, along with some candles or accessories that Tonya already owns.
8. These black and white ikat print throw pillows will add more rustic, yet contemporary, charm to their bedroom while coordinating with the other patterns in the room.
9. Tonya requested some natural textures and botanical touches, so these willow branches (maybe even 2 or 3 vase-fulls around the room) will add some height and camoflauge in those awkward spaces.  So speaking of camoflauge and awkward spaces, the gun cabinet will be pushed away from the corner as far as it can go and turned 90 degrees (with the door facing the room), and the vase of willow branches will be placed in front of the door.   Another spot that could use a vase of willow branches is in the opposite end of the “U”.  Back there is a built-in countertop, sink and mini-fridge with a mirror above it.  However, the slope of the ceiling is so sharp that unless you’re standing right next to the countertop, you can’t even stand in there.
10. This is the vase that the willow branches will go in.  Self-explanatory, right?
11. What do all quiet work desks need?  Why a nice little lamp!  Again, the desk will be over to the side of the bed!
12. This is a black and white woven throw, which would be a nice touch on the green chair and ottoman to make a new little reading nook.  The reading nook will be located in the room’s entry, which is where the gun cabinet is located.  This will also help to camoflauge the awkward corner that is left right there. (Note – this throw has already sold out!! So I’m substituting this organic version in natural or clay.)
13. Tonya and Cody’s bedroom could definitely use a little more storage — so let’s cue the new dresser!  The nice thing about this dresser is that it is low enough to fit under the angles of the ceiling, and it also will triple as a media cabinet (to hold her printer) and a changing table (which is what it technically is).
14. I thought this console table with storage baskets would be a nice storage piece for right next to the entrance; a spot to drop change or watches, and it could store some books as it is right next to the reading nook.
15. All reading nooks need some light, and I loved the shape of this floor lamp.  Another piece that would camoflauge the gun cabinet with some height.
16. As to not leave the other far wall bare, this black/brown bookcase will be laid horizontally underneath the low window in the room, providing storage and display space.
17. This side table will add some more natural texture with its woven base, and a little sparkle with its glass top.  These could be used in the reading nook, next to the armchair, or even against the bathroom wall (under the mirrors) off the end of the bed.

And there you have it!  Tonya and Cody’s rustic modern bedroom, set in beautiful Wyoming!  We can’t wait to see what they come up with!

If you’d like your own custom color/material board and e-decorating package, then visit this site or contact me to get started!

Our Bathroom Plan

Posted by Lindsay on May 15, 2009 in Bathroom, Decor, Design | 2 comments

Our main bathroom is something to behold. It is lacking any style, mainly because the tub is a gorgeous (i.e. hideous) shade of green…I call it pistachio! And the shower surround is old and dated and needs to be ripped out. But we have a plan for it, so we’re very excited to get started!

The Before:

My husband and I love dark colors. We knew we wanted to do something dramatic and fun for this bathroom and I was so excited when I re-opened my Domino Book of Decorating and saw this bathroom. I showed it to Glenn and we instantly clicked and knew it was the inspiration for our bathroom! We’re even planning on adding some architectural features to the room by putting up some vertical molding like the inspiration photo.

The Inspiration:

So here is our plan, which shouldn’t cost too much as we plan on doing a lot of projects ourselves!
The Plan:

All we need to buy is 1 gallon of dark brown semi-gloss paint, a cheap-o fiberglass tub surround, a potted fern for some greenery, the wall sconce, a mirror and some driftwood (I already have the glue gun!), a few yards of linen, the molding, and new towels! We’re hoping to keep it all under $300! We already have a tub re-finishing kit (sparking white!), some nice bath mats, a decent sink vanity that we re-painted white, and some dark brown baskets for storage!  Wish us luck!