Welcome back to another installment of Why This Works… where I show a designed space and talk about why it’s amazing. Today, I am featuring interior designer Thomas O’Brien, who has always been known for his classic, laid back style. I am always drawn to his designs, because they are so livable and real. Today’s guest bedroom he designed for a designer showhouse was featured in Veranda magazine and exudes that casual, classic style that I love!

 

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This room has that perfect blend of comfortable and stylish. I am always drawn to a four poster bed of any kind and I love that this deep wood stained finish balances so well with the light carpet and ceiling molding. The linen covered walls have that small pattern that also mixes so well with the neutral bedding. I am also a fan of pattern on pattern and it works so well here, with the walls and headboard, because it’s a mix of small and large patterns. If the headboard had a small print design too, it wouldn’t work as well. I always love an animal nod of some kind and this oversized feather print is dramatic and restrained at the same time. A perfect way to approach oversized art/accessories in your home? If it looks too big upon first glance, then it’s perfect! Large art and accessories takes some time to get used to, but makes such a wonderful impact in any room. I also love a good asymmetrical balance when done right and this art print does not have a matching piece on the other side, but rather uses the printed linen covered walls and tall table lamp as its counter balance. A small table lamp is then placed in front of the feather art, so there’s functional lighting, but doesn’t compete with the print. The tufted arm chair and bedside flowers add that feminine touch to the classic, masculine blue the room exudes. Overall, this room works for me!

What are your thoughts???

Welcome back to another edition of Why This Works… a weekly series where I show a designed space and discuss why it’s great. Today, it’s all about one particular aspect in design and that’s styling shelves. In the new year, I hope to organize much better and these well kept shelves are making me think just that! This Pasadena home was featured in Domaine and is designed by LA design firm, Burnham Design. Take a look!

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What I love most about these shelves is the effortless way they appear to be styled. They definitely have that collected over time vibe, which I love. These accessories look as if they have a history and meaning to the homeowners. I love when shelves are a mix of books, art and sculptural accessories and these have all three! Bookshelves have much more depth and interest when there is layering going on… it can even give the illusion of a deeper shelf. To achieve this layering effect at home, start with an empty bookshelf and slowly add a couple of books and accessories at a time. Step back every now and then, snap some pictures and evaluate how you would like to go further. That’s what I always like to do when styling shelves. It does take some time and patience, but the reward is a treat for the eyes! Here, you get a glimpse of the top shelf with bone inlay boxes, neutral book covers and art prints. The next shelf has books laid both vertically and horizontally, with an everyday vase used as a bookend. I love thinking outside the box and using non traditional book ends. The books are subtly organized in a color block format, keeping similar hues together. Pieces collected from travels adorns the shelves and memories can instantly be remembered when those accessories are out on display. Book shelves are used for much more than just books and this design shows that to perfection!

What are your thoughts?!?

Welcome back to another week of Why This Works… a series where I show a designed space and discuss why it’s amazing. Today’s room is a showstopper, in my opinion. It was designed by Bailey McCarthy, from the popular blog, Peppermint Bliss. She designed this master bedroom and every room in this year’s Coastal Living Cinnamon Shore Showhouse in Port Arkansas, Texas. This space exudes warmth and charm. Take a look!

 

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Where to begin? I love all of the color in this room, but the muted tones allow the space to remain calm and serene. Our bed is very similar to this four poster option, but with a much more overdone wood stain finish. This beautiful paint color is giving me an idea!! I love this shade of blue and I think it brings a modern touch to an otherwise traditional bed frame. I also love that the nightstands have a different finish from the bed. It brings a collected over time style that is so beautiful. The nightstands and lamps bring that symmetrical look that I love, but the warm wood finish against the blue bed adds an unexpected, whimsical touch.  I love all of the pattern going on in this room and the muted colors allows for it all to remain calm and perfect for a bedroom atmosphere. The south western style rug from Dash and Albert {great rug source!!} is a great piece for this Texas master bedroom. The patterned drapes, rug and chairs each bring their own thoughtful, unique style and also creates a casual, warm vibe. You know that I love to mix metals! I loved seeing the brass chandelier and bedside lamps paired with a pewter curtain rod. I also love to add a subtle animal touch in any room and I love that Bailey did that with the longhorn art print {seen best in image 2} on the left bedside table. And it wouldn’t be Bailey’s signature style without some amazing bedding that is subtle, gorgeous and whimsical. The camo bolster pillow is so unexpected and fun. Her own line of bedding can be found at her site, Biscuit.

What are your thoughts???

Make sure to check back here on Friday, for some exciting news!!

Welcome back to my Why This Works series, where I show a designed room and discuss why I think it’s perfection! This home would make the list on any day, but I’m excited to show it all decked out for the Holidays! {This is also motivation to get me going on some shopping and decorating!} Erin Gates, Boston Interior Designer and author of the best selling book, Elements of Style, posted about her holiday decorated living room a couple of years back. It still works so well today!

 

 

Erin’s dog Oliver, also in the shot! I really think pets love the spot light. My design project HERE showcases my client’s cat taking center stage and loving every minute!

 

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What’s not to love about this cheerful space? I love mixing pattern on pattern and Erin does this so well with the striped Bergere chair and plaid throw blanket. The greenery looks amazing with her black and white decor, making it stand out that much more. I love seeing wreaths and holiday accents in unexpected places and I love that Erin hangs her wreaths on the wall, with her antler display. The gold accents she already has in the room, with the curtain rods and chair, work so well with the Christmas ornaments and holiday decor. I love the flower arrangement she includes on the coffee table. It’s understated, elegant and has the perfect color scheme for the occasion. One of my most favorite features is the woven basket with birch logs. My mom likes to add birch logs in her home and they look so cozy in any space. I also love the bust from the second image, with the black and white plaid bow. No detail is left out, including wrapped packages in the left corner, with a festive green and gorgeous animal print!

What are your thoughts? Does this room get you in the holiday spirit?!?

Welcome back to another installment of Why This Works, a series where I show a designed space and discuss why I think it’s amazing! Next up is Joy’s office studio, from the ever popular blog, Oh Joy! She had worked for years from her own home and decided it was time to have her own studio space. She enlisted the help of Emily Henderson, who created design magic with a colorful and inspiring space. Enjoy!

 

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Now if that is not a fun and cheerful space to work, I don’t know what is! And although this space was designed a couple of years ago, it still feels so current and spot on. It is a bit of a diversion from my regular style that I blog about here, but that is what I find so intriguing. For a work space, play room or studio, this would be a great way to feel energized and inspired! I have had a thing lately for green velvet sofas, so I might be drawn to this space for that! I also love the dramatic gallery wall. What a great way to draw your eye up and give the illusion of more space. When hanging art, try taking full advantage of the entire wall. Art no longer has to be only at eye level! The white walls and neutral painted floors allows for color in the furniture and accessories. The art is playful and whimsical, which I bet Joy’s daughters love! I could definitely be inspired on a daily basis in this room. Emily designed a gem in this space!

What are your thoughts?

Happy Wednesday! I am back for another installment of Why This Works. Today’s space is a living room seen in Better Homes and Gardens. I thought this space really spoke to what I was discussing in my last post and you’ll soon see why!

 

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In my last post, I talked about using several colors in a room and how to make that work. If you have a common thread for all of those colors to come together, then you can sprinkle each color around the room and it will make sense. In this space, the color palette is brought together in the beautiful Chiang Mai dragon ottoman. The raspberry colored side table, peacock art, bright blue throw and pillow and the magenta geometric pillow, all are tied in with that ottoman. The bright hues are then balanced with the neutral seating, wall color and area rug. The black window trim makes you stop and take notice and then the calm white walls tone down the window trim. Touches of nature are brought in with the tall fiddle leaf fig plant and vase of fresh flowers. There is so much crazy good balance and proportion going on in this room! The light area rug is a great opposite to the dark, warm wood floors and leather club chair. The woven basket tray on the colorful ottoman makes the room feel relaxed, as to not take itself too seriously. And the ceiling fan, although not the most amazing accent, shows that the room is also lived in and functional.

What are your thoughts???

Welcome back to another Why This Works post, where I highlight a designed space and discuss why I think it’s amazing! Today, I am showing a cozy eating nook in a stunning kitchen. Take a look…

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Not only do the white cabinetry, subway tile and warm wood floors get me, but that banquette just makes you want to linger for days! I have been using banquettes in my designs lately and if you have a spot for it, it’s the perfect way to bring warmth into the kitchen. This image was found on Midwest Living, for one of their articles about this same topic. When the upholstery is done in an easy to clean fabric, it becomes not only beautiful, but very functional. I also love the pairing of the bistro chairs and metal top table. It provides just the right amount of balance and a collected over time style that I love. I also love the cafe curtains and the softness they bring to the windows. The fresh fruit and flowers provides just the right amount of color to the space, making it a cheery and warm kitchen. The warm butcher block island counter brings a nice balance to the white stone counters on the perimeters. The touches of metal shown in the chandelier and nailhead range brings another texture to the room and makes me want to see more!

What are your thoughts?

A big thank you to blog friend, Emily A Clark, for including me in The Saturday Six series this past weekend. I read her blog every day and I was so excited for the opportunity! My family knew right away, as I yelled, come here, come here! look at this! from the computer room. To check out the post, visit here. You will definitely want to see what else is on the list!

Make sure to come back tomorrow, for a fun announcement!! Eeeeek!!

Welcome back to my Wednesday series, Why This Works, where I highlight a designed space and talk about why {I think} it’s amazing. Today, it’s the former living room of interior designer, Lauren Liess. She has recently moved and is blogging about her new home’s renovations HERE. This space featured today, also underwent a major renovation to make it reflect her and her family. This space is warm, inviting and definitely Lauren’s signature style…

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The earth tones and blending of modern with vintage, gets me right away. I love using warm colors in design and then balancing that with clean, crisp and modern elements. I think it’s such a great combination! The warm leather chairs and patterned rug is paired with a crisp white slipcovered sofa and modern acrylic coffee table, to achieve that collected over time style that Lauren loves and I always appreciate. She loves to use natural elements, so it is very fitting to see her home styled with botanical inspired fabrics from her fabric line and fresh greenery on the table. The warm wood beams on the ceiling pair so well with the modern brass sputnik chandelier and clean lined windows. Although ceiling beams can appear traditional in origin, Lauren has installed them with a thin, more clean beam style. The books on the coffee table, tray with beads and fresh greenery all invite you to stay and linger for a while. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with for her new home! It will be nothing short of amazing. Her new book is also out this week. I hope to show you a picture soon, with how I have styled my table with her new book!

What are your thoughts on this space?

Welcome back to a Wednesday series I used to write and finally bringing back! Why This Works is a weekly series where I select a room and describe why {I think} it works! Make sure to check back every Wednesday {or every Wednesday I get my act together to write the post} to see what space is next on the list! Up today, a lovely, stylish, stops you in your tracks master bedroom! This is the bedroom of talented designer Erin Gates, from Elements of Style blog.

This space doesn’t need much explanation of why it works. I was immediately smitten with it when I saw it. I love it when master bedrooms have that calm, serene vibe. It makes you feel as if you are on a vacation, right in your own home. I love the crisp white bordered duvet and shams and the way it balances so well with the warm wood bed. I always fall for a four poster bed of any kind and this has the ability to be transformed, just by adding fabric to the posts. The neutral bedding and area rug allows for bold, patterned drapes. But when they are done in neutral, almost tone on tone colors, the large print paisley fabric still reads calming. I also love symmetry in bedrooms and the pair of night stands and bedside lamps does just that. But then, Erin balances that with a whimsical, asymmetrical art piece above the bed. {And by the way, if you are a reader of her blog, she bought those sunburst art sculptures at Target!!} A love a great high/low design story! Lets also discuss the way the drapery panels and shades are hung on the walls. High and wide is the important topic for this installation. Erin hung the drapery rods and shades higher and wider than the window frame, drawing your eye up and giving the illusion of more space and a larger window. I love that trick and think it’s so important in any space! I just presented to clients yesterday, where we discussed this same topic. We will be installing both the shades and drapery rods as high as we can on the wall. It’s such a great visual trick. And last but not least, nightstand styling would not be complete without a formula similar to Erin’s… small stacks of books, sculptural accessories and personal mementos/picture frames. And of course, a fresh vase of flowers!

So what do you think? Does this space work for you? Erin also has a NY Times best selling book out and it also happens to be the first design book I have read from cover to cover! Check out her blog and read about her book HERE.