House and Home - Interior Decorating RSS Feed

DESIGN TIPS FOR SPRING

Pamela O'Brien — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:39:00 EST

Right after spring cleaning it�s nice to brighten up your spaces. Changing out accessories like rugs, pillows and poufs is a quick and fun way to update your interior decor.

Let�s review a few, fun trends to make your design fresh as springtime:

Blue Mood � bold jewel tones and brave indigos are coupled with eye-popping metallic and white, working in any room in your house.

Prints Charming � mix and match prints with solids for a grown-up yet whimsical style. Anchor exotic patterns and softer florals with solid brights. When paired with clean, modern pieces, prints completely refresh you.

DESIGN TIPS FOR ART PLACEMENT

Pamela O'Brien — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:12:00 EST

As far as art is concerned, many of us run into one of two problems: what can I put here, or where do I put this? You are browsing around and find a wonderful piece of art just begging to go home with you, but where in your home is that perfect piece going to go? Here are a few tips to help you solve this dilemma.

Firstly, just make sure you like whatever artwork you have chosen. What is the point if you don�t enjoy it? Once you have something you like, decide which room in your home it should be placed. This can depend on anything from size, colors, subject matter, etc. If it is something like an abstract painting, hang the piece in a room with a color scheme close to that of the painting itself. On the other hand, if the painting is full of color, you may put it into a room devoid of color to make it both of them pop!

DESIGN TIPS FOR A FUNCTIONAL KITCHEN

Pamela O'Brien — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST

The kitchen has become a central hub for home life. While we are always recommending that each room or space in your home have a specifically designated purpose, the kitchen seems to want to ruin our plans of total world organization. So, in this ever-changing space, here are a couple of design tips about space management to keep your kitchen functional.

Space is something that is important in every area of your home. In the kitchen it is paramount. A universal element of the kitchen is something called the work triangle. This triangle refers to three components of the kitchen and their relative distance to one another � the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove. While there are different ways to configure this triangle depending on the overall design of your kitchen, there is one thing you should always keep in mind � do not block these paths.

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME...AT HOME

Pamela O'Brien — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:10:00 EST

Going on vacation is always an exciting experience. While the destination and the activities you expect to partake in are definitely at the forefront of your mind, there is one thing that is almost universal in a trip away from home - the hotel room. The room itself can often add to the excitement, and here are some tips that can help bring a bit of that simultaneous hustle/bustle and comfort to your own bedroom.

The key to many hotel rooms is the space. There is room to sleep, relax, and prepare for the day which is undoubtedly going to be filled with enjoyment. It is likely that you may already have ample space in your bedroom. However, you should be sure that the space is not wasted. While there should be enough room for maximum mobility, you must also designate spaces for certain activities.

DESIGN TIPS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY

Pamela O'Brien — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:59:00 EST

This week I would like to talk about something very common, very important, and often taken for granted � lighting. Here is a short guide as well as some tips on using the three types of lighting: ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.

The broadest and sometimes only lighting that many think about is ambient light. You can consider the light peaking through your windows during the day as this type. Ambient light also covers lights on ceiling fans, chandeliers, or generally anything that is used to illuminate a large area. One tip I can offer here is not to use this light if you do not need to. For example, during the daytime, even if your blinds are closed, light is coming through and serving its purpose.

RENOWNED FAUX FINISHING EXPERT PROVIDES EXPERT TIPS AT THE FIFTH ANNUAL CY-FAIR HOME & GARDEN SHOW

No Author — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:16:00 EST

Saturday and Sunday, February 25 and 26

HOUSTON, TX - Homeowners across the country are choosing to stay in their homes longer and update instead of moving, according to numerous studies.

One of the first steps most take in updating their home is interior painting. Yet, they are opting not to just change the color and swipe on a coat. Instead, many are adding flair, personality, character and elegance to once bland walls with faux finishes and decorative painting. Today, there are more choices in colors and finishes than ever before.

DESIGN TIP: ROMANCING THE BEDROOM

Pamela O'Brien — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:25:00 EST

Valentine�s Day is right around the corner, though I would hope you do not need me to tell you that. �Tis the season to be romantic. That romance quite often leads to the bedroom, where the right atmosphere is key to the evening�s enjoyment. As with many things in your home, you can enhance the atmosphere of your bedroom with lighting and color in addition to turning your bed into the focus of the room.

Though it is often suggested to let in light and keep parts of your home well-lit, this is not necessarily the case with the bedroom. At least not during this particular time of year. Make use of heavy, dark drapery with some kind of intricate lace work to keep out light from your windows. Candles are often a standard, is as demonstrated by almost every romantic movie or novel in existence.

DESIGN TIP: COZY UP THE HOME

Pamela O'Brien — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:15:00 EST

There are many ways to make your home feel �cozy.' As simple as it may be to understand on an individual level, it is a very interesting and subjective concept. While that sense of coziness may affect different people to different degrees, the hominess of a home whose bedrooms are furnished with beds of nails is likely only to appeal to a small demographihc. Some ways to make yourself and your guests feel at home in your home include the use of scent, photo displays, and textures of furniture.

Before we can even get the door open wide enough to walk in we are often able to perceive the environment of the room by the scent that invites itself into our nostrils. That said, it is arguably the ultimate of first impressions. In the same way it can help in an immediate transition from a long day or working in the outside world to a calm and relaxing evening at home.

GREAT DECOR IS IN THE DETAILS

No Author — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:20:00 EST

By Bill Lasar, Champions Real Estate Group

Sometimes the grandest design changes are in the small details�a re-covered lampshade, painted knobs for old cabinetry, a new valence above a window. Plus, small changes are manageable because they don't cause household upheaval. Transform your home decor style by paying attention to little design details.

Replace dated hardware for a shiny new look.
Simply replacing wooden doorknobs, for instance, with gorgeous crystal knobs can add dramatic vintage appeal to bedrooms or closets. Switch nondescript drawer pulls with something sleekly modern or decidedly retro for a new look.

DIVERSITY IN DESIGN: MIX, DON'T MATCH, WOOD TEXTURES AND COLORS

No Author — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:18:00 EST

Still worrying about what goes with what when you're decorating? Design style leaders nix the matching�'too boring'�in favor of mixing colors, wood grains, stains and textures throughout a room.

'Consumers think everything has to match, but the pros mix,' says Laura Dalzell, owner and president of Cabinets & Designs, Inc. in Lexington, Kenn. She's a firm believer in combining, �for example painted wood cabinets with cabinets in both natural wood tones and a wide range of colored stains. Mixing is the magic that brings a kitchen to life, she believes. 'Different finishes create the 'furniture look' that's been the trend in kitchens for the last decade or so.'

HOME ORGANIZATION DESIGN TIPS

Pamela O'Brien — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:42:00 EST

Keeping your home organized can sometimes seem like a daunting task, but a simple principle to keep in mind is that everything needs a place. By designating an area for everything and every activity in your home, it is easier to organize and maintain.

To start off with some specifics, there are some items which always seem to just find their own place in the home whether we want them there or not. These items typically include junk mail and magazines (which are sometimes � but not always � the same thing). Dispose of all junk mail as soon as it enters your home in whatever way you see fit. Bills and other important pieces of mail should be placed in a highly visible place in order to be sure that you do not forget about it. Magazines should be stored or at least placed in an area in your home where leisure is the primary objective.

DESIGN TIP: DECK OUT THE HOLIDAYS

Pamela O'Brien — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:32:00 EST

Getting right down to it, the holidays tend to make us focus on our families and enjoying a short break from responsibilities outside the home. That said, you should love what you do to your home during this time of year. Some prefer to place a motion-detecting singing Christmas tree near the door. Others may favor mistletoe over every doorway. Whatever it is you love to do, here are some tips or suggestions for how to possibly do them better!

Firstly, choose a color scheme for your home and stay consistent with it. Make sure that all of your holiday accents and decorations fall somewhere into that scheme so that you maintain a sense of cohesion and professionalism. Too many colors can become distracting, especially with respect to lighting. You could purchase decorative lights which fit your color scheme but, if your scheme changes from year to year, you will find yourself buying new lights rather frequently. To avoid this, invest in white lights as they go with everything and will not clash with an existing color palette you may have implemented.

DESIGN TIP: THANKSGIVING TABLE SETTING

Pamela O'Brien — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:35:00 EST

When planning your Thanksgiving table, decide what look you prefer. A classic style will use traditional elements, while a modern table might use only a harvest color scheme. With any style, consider these three tips for Thanksgiving themed table settings.

10 TIPS FOR SETTING A BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY TABLE

No Author — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:07:00 EST

By Roxanne Hughes Packham, Co-Author of the Hospitality Book: Inspired Design

Inspired

~Place cards

I love to use the ceramic place cards that can be written on with a wipe-off marker. You can quickly write people�s names, a favorite quote or sentiment. Friends love that you thought about them before the dinner and even something as simple as writing their names on the place cards really makes them feel remembered.

~Welcome Sign

It is so welcoming, to have a sign somewhere near the front door to greet your family and friends. From a very personal �Welcome Smith Family� or a seasonal �Merry Christmas� to �We are so glad you are here� on a casual chalkboard or an elegant mirror or glass framed, and write with a wipe-off marker, that welcome sets the tone for the rest of the event.

DECORATION INSPIRATION FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

No Author — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:22:00 EST

Creating a Beautiful Home for the Holidays by Embracing Family, Traditions and Love

Dallas/Fort Worth � Drawing from a rich family history and her own collection of acclaimed designs, California-based interior designer Roxanne Packham has joined with her teenage daughter Hannah to create Inspired Design (Inspired Design Publications, 2010), an idea-provoking book filled with stunning photographs, treasured family traditions and a plethora of truly inspirational tips for creating a warm and welcoming home, not just throughout the holiday season, but every day to follow.

Whether seeking unique ways to entertain for the upcoming holidays, celebrate with friends, begin new family traditions or showcase the family history, talents and passions in the home�s interior design, the Packhams have shown the way.

DESIGN TIPS FOR THANKSGIVING

Pamela O'Brien — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 12:14:00 EST

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, our homes will be doing double-duty to receive friends and family.

Start with a welcoming wreath of nature�s autumn harvest to hang on your door.

When Thanksgiving guests enter your home, the first space they see should be both beautiful and inviting. Elevate the seasonal feel of your entryway with a warm fall arrangement that is both natural and elegant.

Have cinnamon and spice scented candles. They say that the pumpkin pie smell is like an aphrodisiac to men and certainly everyone enjoys the scent of delicious foods.

DESIGN TIP: BIG, BOLD, EASY, FLOORS OF THE FUTURE

Pamela O'Brien — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:14:00 EST

Size Counts. Advances in technology have now allowed porcelain tile to be produced in sizes as large as 24 by 36 or even larger. When using these larger tile formats, there are fewer grout lines, making the area appear larger, and requires less upkeep (grout joints are the most difficult part of the floor to keep clean).

Faux Floors. Manufacturers of porcelain stoneware are now able to print amazing images of stone and wood on the face of the tile bodies which is then pressed to have a textured finish. Now you can specify �wood� for the floors of your projects, even in locations with very hot and humid weather.

DESIGN TIP: ROMANCE FOR ALL - EUROPEAN BEDROOMS

Pamela O'Brien — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:53:00 EST

Most days are hectic, sometimes they�re not. Either way, your master bedroom should be your own private luxury suite. I am getting more and more calls for romantic French design and Swedish style rooms. My clients are enjoying gray walls, lots of white woodwork, limed and distressed woods and a few curves here and there.

This featured French Style bed is teamed with soft gray walls with cream accents throughout the room. Try adding a few soft metallic items such as a wrought and gilded round table next to the bed, or a large carved framed mirror to reflect the design of your space.

DESIGN TIP: UPDATING YOUR DINING ROOM

Pamela O'Brien — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:56:00 EST

Now�s the time to start thinking about it � the holidays are just around the corner! You will use your home like never before so try some of these simple design updates for your dining room:

Decorate in the Shade � Mini-shades are a quick and fun way to add glamour to a chandelier

Paint Your Walls � Try adding a little interest by painting your walls with a striped paint treatment. Paint the stripes vertical or horizontal depending on the effect you would like. A more subtle option is to add a clear glaze coat over a painted wall for very soft striping by alternating glaze and no glaze.

DESIGN TIPS FOR THE DORM ROOM

Pamela O'Brien — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 06:08:00 EST

Starting school away from home is an exciting time; new academics, new friends, and new adventures. Settling down into a new dorm can be quiet challenging. According to college veterans, there are two words a freshman should remember: Storage and stacking

Here is a list of some of the most useful dorm room storage items:

SAFETY IS THE NEW BLACK

No Author — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:31:00 EST

Hip parents embrace child-friendly design

When it comes to interior decorating, style and children don�t always mesh well. But that doesn�t mean parents should toss out the trendy design magazines. It is possible to maintain a modern, stylish home while raising small children. By selecting colors, fabrics and furniture that will withstand the attention and activities of toddlers, you can ensure that your home is chic yet child-friendly.

Here are some helpful tips to creating a swanky and safe house ideal for the entire family.

CHILDREN�S ROOMS FOR INDOOR FUN � DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

Pamela O'Brien — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:59:00 EST

Once you have the basics down, like good lighting, durable and functional furniture and lots of storage, you can concentrate on the fun details that make kids love their play rooms. Here are a few tips:

� Use appealing colors and patterns creating a color scheme of two or three colors

� Paint furniture pieces (if they are non heirloom) one color and add wood pulls and knobs in another color or design just for fun

DESIGN TIP: CHILDREN'S ROOMS FOR INDOOR FUN - FIRST STEPS

Pamela O'Brien — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:41:00 EST

Making your child�s playroom a daily wonderland should consist of comfort, style, and practicality. Each of these is important when decorating your child�s room. And don�t worry; if you provide the right space, your child will supply the imagination.

Consider these guidelines to create the wonderland of your child�s dreams:

DESIGN TIPS: GUEST BEDROOM

Pamela O'Brien — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:22:00 EST

Here are some simple tips to having a fabulous guest room. Sleep in your guest room every once in awhile. Is it comfortable in both summer and winter? Is it quiet at night?

The top of the bed doesn�t have to hold the luggage. Nor is the floor is an appropriate spot. A folding luggage rack, a low console or a bench could be a perfect place to unpack. Think about your favorite hotel. Mimic your favorite details. Summer is the perfect time to schedule a trip to do some research.