Decorating Dialogue, Design Tips, Furniture

Design trends come and design trends go. For many people (maybe you?), decorating your space consists of looking at current design magazines and/or searching online for photos you like. Next you try replicating that image to recreate the design in your own home. That process can and does work sometimes. However, what if I said you can all but eliminate the potential pitfalls encountered with this strategy by following these three timeless decorating tips. Continue Reading

Decorating Dialogue, Design Tips

Are you ready to get inspired and have some fun? Okay, good!
With any new design project, it’s always nice to start with a clean slate; in your mind, that is.
Get a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and take a good look at your room. List out all the permanent features in the space. The doorways, the windows, sliding door, fireplace feature or other architectural details. These are the foundation elements of your space. Now, close your eyes and visualize your room totally empty!

Before you start to go crazy with ideas, it is important to write down the measurements of your room. Also include how high your ceilings are. This will eliminate a multitude of mistakes because it tells you how much space you have to work with.

As with most people you probably enjoy flipping through magazines or going online to sites like HOUZZ to look at pictures of spaces that appeal to you. This helps you to:

• narrow down the style you like
• identify color combinations you are attracted to
• find interesting furniture and accessory pieces

I call this the stage of euphoria, since it appears that anything is possible!
Well, almost anything really IS possible with a little “How to” guidance.

One of the best tips I can share with you when decorating a living room space is to start with the largest piece of furniture and work around it. And, keep your room measurements with you at all times so when shopping you will know if the piece is going to fit in the space!

But let’s back up for a moment. As fun as it is to shop for new furniture, you will want to have a good idea of what style you like and what the color story is for the room before you try to make a furniture selection. So, take your time going through photos and keep a small folder of the designs that truly inspire you.

Here are some examples of mid-century modern furniture pieces which have stood the test of time. They are known for their classic, timeless style.

Figuring out the furniture placement is sometimes a puzzling and stressful job for some people. One of the easiest things you can do is get a roll of blue painters tape and place it on the floor using the dimensions of the piece you want to use in the designated area. You will know right away if it’s too big or too small and also, how much space you have left for other furniture. Once you know the general space layout you can feel confident about making that high ticket purchase.

Creating your dazzling space is like building upon several layers. You will start with your foundation piece and design a conversation area around it. Some of the usual combinations include:

• A sofa and two chairs
• A sectional with one chair
• Two sofas facing each other

With your primary furniture pieces in place, your next layer is adding the coffee table and end tables or accent tables. If you have hard surface floors, you will want to consider anchoring your seating arrangement with an appropriate size area rug. This extra layer softens the space and also helps to reduce the echo effect caused by all the hard surfaces in the room. The next step is to select proper lighting. Preferably you will have overhead or ambient lighting, then add table or floor lamps, and lastly some accent lighting to highlight artwork, plants, sculptures, etc. The last and final layer to finish off the space is to hang your artwork. There are numerous configurations for hanging artwork or if you like the minimalistic feel, a single large piece of wall art and be very stunning.

You might be thinking, why didn’t I mention anything about window treatments? Well, that’s because window coverings are a whole separate subject on their own and deserve a full conversation at another time.

So, do you feel empowered to create a design for your own living room?
Or maybe you are struggling with a design dilemma in your space?

If you crave more detail and guidance on how to design your own unique space, click here to be added to the VIP list – you’ll be the first to find out when I release my upcoming “How to” e-book series for sensational home decorating.

Comments or questions are welcomed!

Decorating Dialogue, Design Tips

Can you believe the calendar says it is September already! The kids are going back to school, your schedule is getting re-adjusted, and the nights are getting longer. My clients usually experience an “Oh Wow” moment this time of year when they realize the holidays are only weeks away and there is so much planning to do!

So what do you do if company is coming? May I suggest a bit of an interior re-fresh. This could be as simple as changing out your linens and throw pillows to reflect the fall season. Or, if you are looking for a more dramatic change… Make a huge visual impact by updating your living room or family room space. It is easier to accomplish than you may think.

This simple guide entitled, “Where Do I Put the Sofa?”  gives you a step-by-step outline on how to create a warm and functional space that will both welcome and “wow” your holiday guests.  You can access it by clicking here.

Or, let your holiday anxiety melt away and enjoy the season to its fullest!!!

Schedule your design appointment with Re-Style Interiors  today at 714.878.6867

Like Us on Facebook and receive 10% off your design fee. ($450.00 minimum)

Decorating Dialogue, Design Tips, Paint Color

Did you know that even a slight change in your color scheme can dramatically affect the look of your space? Yes, we all get tempted at some point to go a little crazy with color so we can really make a statement. We think that the shade we pick has to be loud or dark or daring to make a difference. Well folks, you can change your look without leaving your comfort zone. A well-chosen neutral tone can add warmth and charm to an otherwise stark and cold environment. And don’t forget the addition of artwork and accessories will punctuate the space with even more color and personal style.

Take a look at the before and after photo of this simple dining room makeover. Which space would you rather be in?

Dining room Before
Dining room Before
Dining room After
Dining room After

If you would like help choosing your next wall color contact Sandy@ReStyleInteriors.net to set up a color consultation. And remember you can make your space a better place with a new paint color.