Decorating Ideas
Although Shabby Chic has morphed over the years and has been adopted, expanded and respectfully plagiarized, its basic ingredients remain the same: washable slipcovers in creamy whites and pastels, with very little pattern but lots of texture. Those are married to furniture that is well worn (usually with peeling paint) and accessories that often include vintage gilt and crystal (think Paris flea market).
Cuisinart Fresh Edge 6-Piece Vacuum-Sealed Food Storage Container Set - $49.98 Running out of space for those holiday baking essentials? This Cuisinart six-piece clear container set (with red tops) gives you stackable, seal-tight options to store your food in the refrigerator or freezer. You can also heat them in the microwave and clean them in the dishwasher. A pump-and-turn feature removes excess air and seals the container, keeping your food fresh longer.
Black + White The dialogue here is one of contrast. The stair and cabinetry geometries are elemental, bold gestures. In this renovation all the interior materials rendered in black represent new architectural interventions, while all of the white areas highlight the existing structure. The architect for this project has taken a highly mannered approach to the material selection, and it pertains to the finest of details. Space constraints inspired the material thickness of the new stair walls — 10-millimeter plate steel. After you subtract the width of the various spaces required and the necessary minimum stair width, the material selection becomes obvious. Why this marriage works: As in a simple black and white photograph, composition and contrast are capable of producing striking beauty.
The horizontal floor planes here are natural wood. Rising up, appearing to hover and cantilevered from the painted wood screen element, the natural wood treads are subject to the same rigor the architects applied to the overall composition. Why this marriage works: It’s a simple, casual and accessible combination. Wood tones highlight important elements, while the white ensures that the overall space remains bright and airy.
White + Wood This union has a humbleness to it that I find really appealing. Natural wood tones can be used sparingly when paired with white surfaces; it requires surprisingly little wood to enliven a simple space. This particular expression, while apparently simple, is actually the result of a lot of careful construction work. Creating the reveals at the wall intersection of the treads and risers is a time-consuming detail, but the effect is that the stair appears to hover in space. An understated and utilitarian look, simple white and wood can be used sparingly when the budget requires a pared-down palette of materials.
White + White My entire first year of architecture school involved compositional exercises done using only one material: white museum board. There’s a reason architects begin their training this way: It forces a focus on form, hierarchy, solid and void. That’s why white on white is a favorite of many architects and designers. In this monochromatic bathroom, the primary forces at work are form, texture and sheen. Neutral color palettes accentuate form above all else. Subtle variations in texture and luster, from the dull matte of the floor tile to the gloss of the shower door, suggest a deeper understanding of what surfaces are made to be nonslip and what are made to shed water and be cleaned often. The soaking tub, the vessel sink and the cantilevered vanity are read as singular sculpted objects. The natural light in this space emanates from an unseen skylight above, reflecting off the white surfaces, which effectively become a large, luminous diffuser. modern bathroom by Ken Gutmaker Architectural Photography Ken Gutmaker Architectural Photography Save to Ideabook Email Photo Each of the materials of these simple forms — a cantilevered cabinet, shelves, an elemental freestandi...
White + White My entire first year of architecture school involved compositional exercises done using only one material: white museum board. There’s a reason architects begin their training this way: It forces a focus on form, hierarchy, solid and void. That’s why white on white is a favorite of many architects and designers. In this monochromatic bathroom, the primary forces at work are form, texture and sheen. Neutral color palettes accentuate form above all else. Subtle variations in texture and luster, from the dull matte of the floor tile to the gloss of the shower door, suggest a deeper understanding of what surfaces are made to be nonslip and what are made to shed water and be cleaned often. The soaking tub, the vessel sink and the cantilevered vanity are read as singular sculpted objects. The natural light in this space emanates from an unseen skylight above, reflecting off the white surfaces, which effectively become a large, luminous diffuser. modern bathroom by Ken Gutmaker Architectural Photography Ken Gutmaker Architectural Photography Save to Ideabook Email Photo Each of the materials of these simple forms — a cantilevered cabinet, shelves, an elemental freestandi...
Glass + Paint The combination of a highly saturated paint and a single sheet of floor-to-ceiling clear glass appears effortless, understated and forceful. In small spaces this treatment can be used very effectively. Consider how this hallway would feel if the glass were replaced by a painted wall or if there were a busy combination of guardrail, newell post and balusters. The painted stair element, along with the entry door and trim, are the dominant elements in this compressed space. There’s simply not enough visual room for competing objects, and the glazing insertion reflects this. Why this marriage works: Glass allows deeply saturated paint colors to advance and is a classically modern complement to any color palette.
8. Display cabinets. More than 50,000 readers love the idea of showcasing most-loved shoes, but with this space, there's even more than meets the eye. Principal designer Michael Fullen included a swiveling mirror with hidden clothes storage, as well as lift-up seat benches with hidden hampers. Pair those with the light-up boxes and Lucite columns for displaying special shoes, and this is definitely a dream closet.
1. Dresser island. This photo has been added to more than 136,000 ideabooks, making it the most popular closet photo on Houzz. Interior designer Elizabeth Munger Stiver thinks it's because of the white cabinetry, glossy surfaces and inset mirrors, which create a crisp, clean feel. It also has a lot to do with the built-in dresser, a commonly requested closet storage option when space allows. "For an island dresser, you have to have a fair amount of space on all four sides — 3 to 4 feet all the way around," Stiver says. "If you don't have the space, a peninsula dresser is the next best thing, since you don't have to clear all four sides."
10. Don't stop until you layer. Designers use layering and repetition of elements and motifs to achieve a professional look. Most people get the concept of layering when it comes to fashion. In design it isn't much different. Pick something you love, like this patterned headboard, then repeat the color or the pattern. The artistry lies in stopping before the look becomes too matchy (it always helps to toss in something unexpected to achieve this). Subtlety is key. Drapery, wallpaper, pillows, throws, bedding, accessories — all are great options for layering in a bedroom. You be the judge as to how much is enough.
9. Don't forget the details that make a piece special. I sometimes find the hardest things for my clients to understand is that the details make the design. Nailheads, custom pillows, millwork trim and inlaid floors create a custom look that's drop-dead gorgeous in the space here. Once you train your eye to notice the details, you'll see that a chair with a beautiful turned leg carved by a skilled craftsperson is different than a mass-produced machine-made piece. Custom details are evident in professional work. Contrast piecing or piping on a pillow, or welting, nailheads or trim on a chair. Details, details, details make the result special.
6. Don't isolate rooms. Create flow from one room to the next by visually linking adjacent spaces. Repeat a pattern or carry an accent color or another visual element (such as a leg detaiI) from one room to another.
5. Don't skimp on area rug size. An area rug defines a grouping of furniture. Buy one large enough to lie under at least the front legs of each piece of furniture in your grouping.
4. Don't sacrifice lighting to trim your budget. The mistake I see most often is light fixtures that are too small or that don't dress the room properly. Use appropriately scaled, relevant lighting. Lighting, more than any other element, asserts style, much like a chosen piece of jewelry defines the style of a little black dress. Don't be afraid to inject personality with a statement piece.
Martha O'Hara Interiors 3. Don't use a good-enough paint color. Paint color makes or breaks the look of a room. If it's poorly matched, the result will be weak at best. It takes experience and a trained eye to correctly read undertones. Consult a pro on this one to set your results ahead of the crowd.
2. Don't buy small, cheap throw pillows with solid forms. Pillows should be generous, overstuffed and formable, like these. Use soft, plush, down-filled pillows that can take a shape. There are great synthetic fill options, too. Use the classic "designer's chop" to determine if they will shape up: a quick karate chop to the top edge to break up the pillow's blockiness. Get rid of any dead pillows that sit like a lump. Say goodbye to postage-stamp-size pillows and matchy-matchy ones that came with the furniture. Instead, overstuff an 18-inch pillow cover with a 20-inch insert for a professional look.
1. Don't push the furniture against the wall. You will have a much more interesting space if you allow breathing room around your pieces of furniture, as we see here. Allow the furniture to float in the room, away from the walls. This will help create a conversation grouping. The optimal distance for conversational seating is 4 to 8 feet. This is the Goldilocks zone.
Mix of old and new
Mix of old and new! Carving / Detail (Instead of Cabinetry)” “Love the chandelier and the wood floors” “Love the mix of old and modern, wood and aluminum.” “This is a good example of modern mixed with antique which is how I would like to integrate the French turn of the century breakfront into my kitchen.” “spaces. Antique cupboards and functional stainless steel workspaces are united under the ornate chandelier.”
The Detroit Wallpaper Co. Los Angeles Customizable Wallpaper Embodying the creative and innovative spirit of Detroit, we are an independent studio that designs and produces customizable wallpaper.
A delicate picture rail brings a dramatic hallway with larger-than-life architecture down to a personal level.
eclectic family room by Sullivan, Goulette & Wilson Ltd. Architects Sullivan, Goulette & Wilson Ltd. Architects Save to Ideabook Email Photo Use a wall of picture ledges to display books and art for a fascinating and vibrant collage.
9. Go subtly sophisticated with wainscot paneling. Create architectural interest on a plain wall by using 4- to 6-inch-wide pieces of MDF wainscot paneling applied in a grid pattern, then paint it all a superrich, dark hue.
7. Add oomph with framed paper (customized paper). Lengths of wallpaper framed with basic wooden wall molding beef up the headboards of a pair of four-posters in this bedroom. A gorgeous F. Schumacher paper was used here, but you could frame a really pretty gift wrap for a budget take on this look.
Just as important as the tile is what's between the tiles. At this year's CERSAIE, I saw several companies playing with using the grout as a way to unite two contrasting looks in subtle ways. Tile: Sant'Agostino
Natural and organic references persist, but there seems to be more emphasis on texture. Juxtaposing contrasting textures also resulted in some interesting patterns.
Make it flow. If you plan to invest a significant amount of time and money in a certain area of your house, looking at the broader context will ensure that the new space flows smoothly with the existing ones in both function and style. Exploring more than one plan option in drawings can allow you to select the design that will work best. "Flow" can also refer to style; think about whether you want parts of your house to feel distinctly old or new, or to have a particular architectural style. You might want to carry one style throughout or introduce something different in a remodeled area or addition. For instance, a modern renovation can certainly work in an older home; it will be most successful when it is thoughtfully integrated.
Create a master plan. If you're working with a professional, you'll want a master plan drawn out for your project. A master plan is typically a drawing that takes a comprehensive look at a large area, focusing on the relationships between individual parts rather than the details. I usually use the term "master plan" when referring to an entire house or site, rather than a single space. A master plan is particularly helpful if you plan to move things around and make changes to your floor plan, rather than basic cosmetic upgrades to finishes and fixtures. It can help you keep the big picture in mind, so you create a house that feels cohesive and complete.
Measure everything. Measure your space before you go shopping (as well as the doorways, stairs and elevator openings leading to your domicile), and bring those measurements when you shop. Furniture will look smaller in a showroom with 20-foot ceilings than it will look in your living room. And don’t buy matching sets of furniture, unless you want your home to look like the sales floor at Sofa City.
Translucent panels appear down here, too, separating the laundry room from the downstairs media and family room. Separate neurofeedback rooms.
The main entrance from the courtyard opens up to this piece of custom art by Thierry Martenon. Each wavy wooden "finger" is attached to a metal plate with a magnet.
Humans prefer not to sit in the middle of spaces, particularly when people are walking behind them. But pushing all the furniture against the walls of a room doesn't work for many reasons. High-back furniture can save the day. Sitting in it makes people feel more relaxed. Take this public space for example. Even when pedestrians walk behind, anyone on the couch will still feel sheltered and comfortable.
Window seats built in spaces with lowered ceilings are a great place from which to survey the world inside and out. Just another way to get prospect and refuge into our lives. traditional bedroom by Handcrafted Homes, Inc Add to ideabook by Handcrafted Homes, Inc It's possible to vary ceiling heights throughout a space to create places that feel cozy and protected. If it's not possible to build a lower section of ceiling, try draping fabric from the ceiling to create a canopy above one or more chairs.
Humans had a similar set of options for keeping themselves safe eons ago, and early responses to threats remain locked into our brains, where they still shape the sorts of places in which we thrive. Research has shown that when humans create spaces where their primitive selves would have felt safe — also known as biophilic design — they live better lives. mediterranean kids by RYAN ASSOCIATES GENERAL CONTRACTORS Add to ideabook by RYAN ASSOCIATES GENERAL CONTRACTORS Humans feel very comfortable when they are in a space with what's known in the psych biz as prospect and refuge. That means that they are in a place that's slightly darker than the nearby world, with a lower ceiling, looking out over an area that's more brightly lit and has a higher ceiling. This means we feel comfortable in spaces that remind our chipmunk brains of sitting in a cave looking out over a valley. We particularly like it when our hiding place is a little elevated.
Although these two area rugs are very different, they're compatible because they share a similar color palette. They also share a similar sensibility, which is nearly as important. Had one been a modern geometric or overtly lower in quality than the other, this wouldn't have worked as well. modern dining room by Webber + Studio, Architects Add to ideabook by Webber + Studio, Architects Oriental rugs can be easier to combine than other carpets, because they often share a common sensibility and color palette, and the patterns are so detailed, they're less likely to clash with other patterns. The mix works best when there's a common dominant color, as in this yellow-based pair.
It's easier to combine solid carpets than patterned ones. Just choose two colors that look good together, like this pair. Pairing is always easier when one of the carpets is a neutral.
Matching area rugs can feel a bit predictable and safe. Using an unusual rug is one way to avoid that problem. Here a bold graphic is repeated on both sides of the room. The repetition helps to temper the high-contrast pattern so it doesn't overwhelm the space. modern dining room by Rodriguez Studio Architecture PC Add to ideabook by Rodriguez Studio Architecture PC Two different floor coverings were used in this interior to help distinguish the dining area from the living area. The rugs share a similar color palette, assuring harmony.
When you have several area rugs in a common space, the simplest approach is to use matching rugs. This separates the spaces but keeps the feeling harmonious. In this example, the areas serve the same function, so there's no need to create a great distinction between them.
6. We keep the whole picture in mind. Part of the reason you may want to hire a decorator is for his or her ability to see how each decorating decision, no matter how small, effects everything else. From Maggie Rose Interiors: "I do choose each and every item carefully. My decisions are based on scale, texture, color, shape, price and how those elements balance with other items in the design. How it all plays together is key in a well-designed room."
The baby pink walls
Chairs would be great in black and white
Love couch
Stick with the 80/20 rule. It works beautifully here. If you are just gaining confidence in this mix-and-match game, take some cues from this look. A traditional area rug grounds this otherwise modern living room, giving it an air of history. If you have modern furniture, injecting a bit of history through a traditional element will keep it from looking like a showroom setup. The result will be more individual and personal.
Repeat, relate and get the mix just right. This beautiful room, by C.R. Lane, is a great example of a balanced mix of traditional and contemporary furniture. The sofa and the chairs on the left are versatile pieces (they would work well in a contemporary or modern room) that harmonize well with the more traditional wing chair on the right, as well as with the kilim-upholstered ottoman. If you look at the details, you'll see that each element is related to another by color or pattern, and the elements are repeated. If you love this look, remember that the key to success is repetition (don't just include one piece that is traditional; encourage it to welcome a friend), and relate the pieces by use of color or pattern.
Relate through form. This room is successful because the use of organic form is common among the elements, and they all have a tactile quality about them. You can achieve a great result like this when you really understand why each of you is drawn to a certain look of a piece. This chair, by Eero Saarinen, was called the Womb Chair when designed for Knoll in 1948. Named for its comforting sense of security, it marries well with other security- and comfort-offering pieces with which it keeps company. For many people traditional or historical elements offer a feeling of comfort because they have stood the test of time. Understanding the reasons your partner is drawn to a different look is key to understanding how to work with these preferences. And when both partners' tastes are reflected in a room, the result can be far more interesting.
Natural lighting is a good thing to have in a workspace, like this one by David Howell Design. This was especially true for our dark cave, an interior room into which incorporating a window wasn't possible. Our solution was to have a light tube installed (it's a one-story room) for about $1,500.
Style Secret: Beachy Treasures What did you bring home from your last trip to the shore? Odds are, you filled your tote bag with shells, sea glass, bottles, maybe an old ship's cleat or two. Take inspiration from these finds in choosing small accents. The key word is restraint. One or two starfish on a shelf look striking and sculptural; baskets and vases full of them can be overkill. Something different: Bring in a few objects that have a foot in coastal design but venture into broader territory. French glass wine jugs or Japanese fishing-net floats, for instance, hew to the look yet aren't cornerstones of American coastal style. Or experiment with new ways to display old favorites — instead of filling a lamp base with shells, frame them solo or in pairs and hang them in a grid.
Style Secret: Casual Furniture Imagine flopping into a velvet armchair in a wet swimsuit or dumping shells onto a gleaming mahogany table. Did you wince? Coastal furniture should give the impression that it can stand up to salty air and sandy feet, even if you actually live on a suburban street in Dallas. Slipcovers, sturdy wood tables and case goods, wicker and even thick glass fit the bill. Something different: Casual doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice elegance. You'll find lots of high-style pieces in materials that can take a little wear and tear. For upholstered furnishings, consider outdoor fabrics, which come in designs and colors that look as spot on in a living room as in a screened porch.
Style Secret: Light, Weathered Woods While exotic hardwoods may jibe with tropical interiors, American coastal style dictates a lighter touch. Picture driftwood: worn smooth and bleached out, with a salt-kissed patina. That's the look you're after. Whitewashed or pickled woods, blond maple and ash, or bamboo — on flooring as well as furniture — feel pitch perfect. Painted planks and beadboard are coastal classics as well. Something different: Darker woods have a place in this style, but they're generally the exception rather than the rule. A walnut chest or teak armoire can look stunning against a room full of light colors, as long as the deeper tones don't overtake the space.
Something different: Does this mean you can't have brights in a beachy interior? Nope. While a high-octane mix of persimmon, turquoise and lime might seem more like the Caribbean than the Eastern seaboard, you could certainly go in that direction if you don't mind sacrificing the serene feel. Another strategy: Bring in varying shades of a single color, such as coral. Or add hints of classic nautical hues — navy and white, for example, looks as fresh as a sailor's just-pressed uniform. The key is to stay consistent; too many color schemes in different rooms add up to too many personalities for a single house.
Style Secret: Pale Neutrals Did we mention that white is key to the coastal palette? When they're done right, crisp white rooms are arresting in their purity and simplicity. But if they feel too austere or one-dimensional to suit you, branch out a bit. Layers of cream, beige and khaki evoke the subtlety of shifting dunes. Matte and honed finishes, rather than shine and glimmer, give the colors a soft, chalky spin. Barely-there blue is a close runner-up as an iconic coastal color, calling to mind the essence of ocean and sky. It's a classic choice for bathroom tile and bedroom walls, but it can function as a neutral anywhere, especially when you keep it tone on tone.
Style Secret: Crisp, Clean Fabrics In coastal interiors, fabrics are simple, unassuming and put-your-feet-up comfy. Think linen slipcovers, cotton rugs, and muslin curtain panels or floaty sheers that billow in the breeze. You can't go wrong with pure white, but washed-out pastels or tailored stripes fit with the look as well. Something different: The market is loaded with shell- and nautical-print fabrics — many of them tasteful and chic — so go ahead and give in to temptation. But don't layer them to the point of kitsch. Keep these patterns minimal: a pair of throw pillows, perhaps, or a single side chair. (The same goes for wallpaper, incidentally.)
Style Secret: Abundant Light Light may be the single most important, yet most overlooked, element of coastal style. Think about it: When is the last time you entered a beach house that felt dim and cramped (and if you did, how fast did you want to scoot out of there?). That's one reason white is the hallmark color of coastal interiors: It spreads and amplifies light rather than soaking it up. Coastal interiors blur the line between indoors and out or remove it altogether. Plentiful windows, glass doors and skylights allow sunshine to flood in, so if your home is skimpy on these elements, consider adding them. If that's not an option, at the very least fake it with lamps and sconces. Window treatments should be spare and simple enough not to muffle the glow — and if you're lucky enough to have a home near the water, the last thing you want is to obscure that view. Something different: While coastal interiors aren't known for shine and shimmer, a few carefully chosen accents can help to diffuse light even further. Consider a mirror mounted opposite a window or a glass-topped table in a sunny breakfast nook. Just be sure not to bring in so many high-gloss notes that you lose the co...
Enjoy the tension. Divert the tension into your project instead of having it in your relationship. Here we have the inverse of the previous examples: a very modern structure with traditional furniture. You can get this effective result if you remember to keep the fabrics simple, allowing one or two prints to stand out. Choose a strong color like the outstanding blue of this rug to set off the prints, and the mix will feel just right. It will be bold and simplified but still with a nod to tradition.
More: “When I hang photos myself, I use an easy trick,” says Mughannam. “I arrange the photos on a big sheet of kraft paper. When I have them as I want them, I trace them. I tape the paper to the wall with painter’s tape and use a nail to mark the spot where I want to place my hangers. I take the paper down and nail the hangers into the wall. It works great!”
Q