Category Archives: interior

Sep 10

Lighting All Four Corners

Four corners chandelierPictured above is a light fixture from the conference room mentioned in a previous post. I love how it extends out in all four directions! Not only is this chandelier unique, but its design is a great way to illuminate all corners of a room. In addition, the light was installed in a way where the lines of the fixture are aligned with the lines of the ceiling-a great design choice!

Four corners chandelier_close-up

The silver finish of the fixture gives it a chic, stream-lined look that doesn’t overwhelm the space. The scallop design around the base of each light (above), gives just the right amount of detail. This light proves that a simple design and great lighting are all you need to bring chic elegance into your space!

Aug 29

The Vault Door

Vault doorsOne day I passed something unusual as I was walking down a hallway: a vault door! I discovered that over the years, this building had been used for multiple purposes. At one time, parts of it were used to store historical documents. Based on this, it would make sense that they would need a vault to protect and secure them. Instead of having the contractor remove the door when they remodeled the building, they left it in place-a great example of preserving historical elements. If you have an old door, windows, or other architectural details, trying keeping them intact to showcase the space’s history. Not only will you be preserving history, but will also have a great story to tell your guests!

Aug 26

Happy Birthday to Me!

Chocolate cake with cookies and cream icing_Birthday cakeI recently celebrated my Birthday, and wanted to share a photo of my cake and tell you about the idea it inspired! This year I decided to go with a non-traditional Birthday cake: chocolate with cookies and cream icing and Oreos. We all have favorite foods, and have probably also taken pictures of them at some point. Why not use those photos to decorate your kitchen? Displaying a collection of 4×6 photos on a kitchen wall is a great way to add color and interest to the space. It’s a unique decorating idea that’s not only fun, but can also be used to reflect the season or special holiday of your choice.

Aug 24

When is a Rug not a Rug?

Chevron comforter carpetAnswer: when it’s a comforter! Ever since I was little, my Mom would use a full/queen size comforter in lieu of a rug in my room. Why? It’s machine washable, economical, easy to replace, and easy to change if you want a different color. In addition, there are more color/pattern options with comforters than with rugs. The comforter I’m currently using as a rug (right), features multi-colored chevrons. It provides multiple pops of color and protects the carpet underneath. Already have an area rug? Throw a comforter over it to not only create a new look for your space, but also provide extra cushion under your feet. It’s a great way to update a bedroom with minimal investment! Another tip: use a comforter that’s two-sided. One side of mine has chevrons, the other is a solid hot pink. This way you’ll have two looks in one, and will always be able to have a bright, stylish bedroom that’s the envy of all your friends!

Aug 14

The Gilded Ceiling

Gilded lobby ceilingThis is a picture of the ceiling in the lobby of a nearby building. I love the gilded, art deco design! There are a myriad of colors and patterns on this ceiling, but the combination works beautifully. There is silver, gold, and bronze used throughout the patterns. Most people would think that all these colors and patterns wouldn’t work. However, this ceiling proves that it can. Not ready to try the same look on your ceiling? Start small by mixing throw pillows, accessories, or art that has different colors and patterns. No matter how bold you decide to go, you’ll have a unique look that’s all you!

Aug 7

Capping off a Column

Corinthian column capitalWhile many think of columns as purely functional, they can also be quite decorative and unique. An example is the picture above that shows the ornate capital (top portion) of a column. This style capital is a well-known feature of Corinthian columns, which are ornately carved and feature various types of designs.

Corinthian column capital_close-up

While most of us don’t live in homes or buildings with such architectural grandeur, there are ways to bring this look into your space. If you have small decorative columns in your home, there are DIY kits available at home improvement stores that will allow you to add a capital to an already existing column. These kits are made from various types of materials, and can be purchased finished (painted) or unfinished. If you’re like me and don’t have columns in your home, you can take a similar photo, enlarge it, and hang it prominently on a wall. Either way you choose, you can bring classic architecture into any space!

Aug 4

Illuminating a Stairwell with Sconces

Stairwell with sconceWhen it comes to stairwells, lighting is usually a second thought. If there is lighting, it usually consists of a basic design that’s more necessity than stylish. However, I occasionally come across stylish pieces where one would normally expect something drab. The stairwell pictured above is a perfect example! A sconce is so unexpected in a stairwell, and this one is perfectly positioned to capture your attention as you’re going up or down the stairs.

Stairwell sconce_close-up

In the close-up of the sconce (above) you can see the pink, marble-like glass and a lattice design at the top. These unique and unexpected touches are the perfect addition to the marble stairs. Despite what you might be thinking, you can easily add a similar look to your own space. While installing a sconce can be quite daunting, many big box stores offer sconces that you can simply hang on a wall and plug in. No matter your level of skill, you can easily get this look, and add a unique touch to your space!

Jul 31

Decorating with Door Knobs: Part 3

Door knob with state sealFor my third post in this series, I’ll be showcasing a very unique door knob. It’s antique hardware that features an uppercase ‘W’ at either end, along with a portrait of George Washington on the door’s knob. The color of the hardware is a perfect match with the stain of the door’s wood.

Door knob with state seal_close-up

As seen in the close-up (above), the knob is actually a replica of the official Washington State seal. Though you’ll likely not find something exactly like this for your home, there are ways to use antique hardware to give your space a special touch. You could keep your door’s basic hardware and only replace the door knob itself with an antique. You can usually find these knobs at antique/vintage shops or second-hand stores. This strategy allows for a great pairing of new and old hardware. I hope you’ve enjoyed my series on door knobs, and were able to find great inspiration for your space!

Jul 28

Decorating with Door Knobs: Part 2

Law library door handle_interiorFor today’s post, I’ll be concentrating on a door located in the same building as my previous post. You can see how the design of the interior door’s hardware (right) is similar to that of the exterior door. This is a great example of how you can have similar, but not matching, hardware throughout your space to create a cohesive look. Since many brands have lines of similar-looking hardware that come in various sizes, textures, and knob types, you can easily accomplish this look in your own space. No matter what style you choose, you can create a cohesive look that will update your space, inside and out!

Jul 26

Decorating with Door Knobs: Part 1

Law library door handlesWhile it’s not uncommon for people to update various elements of their space, a room’s door is usually ignored. Although most think the only way to make a substantial update to a door is to paint it, there’s a quicker, less messy option: install new door hardware! Adding updated hardware can modernize even the oldest door, and can also give the door any look you want (vintage, retro, Victorian, antique, etc.). In the next several posts I’ll be showing examples of hardware that you can use in your own space. First up are the door handles leading into my local law library. As seen above, this is a double-door entry that features door handles instead of knobs. Given the size of the doors and their location in an old, historic building, this hardware is the perfect pairing with its surroundings.

Law library door handle_close-up

The close-up photo (above) shows the intricate patterns around the perimeter of the hardware, as well as various detailing at the top and bottom. Want the same look in your own space? Similar hardware can be found at online retailers, as well as big box hardware stores. Whether you choose a style with knobs or handles, you can easily update your space and add new life to an old door!