Tag Archives: design

Aug 10

Framing Your Favorite Fabric

Pink summer yukata 1After wanting a kimono for a long time, last month I decided to purchase a summer yukata (similar to a kimono, except made of cotton). Once I saw how beautiful the yukata was in person, I decided I had to share a picture with you! As seen in the photos, the pink fabric is accentuated with sparkling, silver thread and features several varieties of flowers.

Pink summer yukata 2

Framing photos of your favorite fabrics is a great way to add personality to your space. It provides a pop of color, and the intricacies of the fabric’s design will have your guests talking. No matter what type of fabric you choose, you can create a beautiful piece of art that’s all you!

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 23

Lightly Etched Glass

Lightly etched fixtureWhen you walk under lights you tend to notice only the shape and overall design. However, when I saw this light, it appeared to feature etched glass. The etching was so faint I could barely see it, but on closer inspection I was able to see a design and pattern on the glass. As seen below, the light features various patterns and designs that complement the fixture’s shape and its scalloped, copper-colored base.

Lightly etched fixture_close up

Using glass that is lightly etched is a great way to add style without taking away from the other features in the room. If installing a new light fixture in your ceiling is a bit daunting, try using lamps in various sizes and shapes to get a similar look. No matter what type of fixture you use, you’ll have a light that not only brightens your space, but also provides a unique accent to any room.

Jun 16

Decorating with Clocks: Part 3

Clock in marble_rotundaIn my third post in this series, I’ll be revisiting a location from a previous post. Specifically, the picture above showcases a clock that was easily lost in an otherwise large space. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be set into the stone itself. This clock is bronze in color and features roman numerals on its face. A close-up of the face (below) shows detailed metal work that reveals a leaf design.

Clock in marble_rotunda close-up

While we often only pay attention to a clock’s face, the surround can often be a beautiful addition. No matter how plain or ordinary a clock may appear, its elegance can often be elevated by the addition of a unique surround. This clock and its location prove that sometimes, it’s the decor that doesn’t stand out, that can make the biggest impact. No matter the proportions, you can create a cohesive look that will bring a touch of elegance into your space!

Jun 13

Decorating with Clocks: Part 2

Plain clock_officeWelcome to my second post on decorating with clocks! This time, I’ll be focusing on a more classic design. Particularly, this is the kind of clock most often seen in offices and public buildings. While it could be described as plain and slightly uninspiring, it still has a function in decorating. This type of clock is great if you’re looking for a clock that will blend into your space and not distract from other decor you already use as a focal point. Every type of clock, even plain ones, can look great in the right space. At the end of the day, a clock’s function is to tell time. As long as the clock does its job, then there’s always a way to successfully integrate it into your decorating scheme. Check back soon for more ideas on decorating with clocks!

Jun 10

Decorating with Clocks: Part 1

Bronze clock_hallwayWhen people think of ways to add something new to their space, they rarely think of clocks. But in this digital age, what better way to stand out than with a genuine old-fashioned clock? There are a myriad of sizes and colors that you can purchase to create a useful and decorative update. With so many options, I’ve decided to focus this post on the clock pictured on the right. It’s a bronze-colored wall clock featuring roman numerals. Its sleek design and classic numbers is a great way to add a bit of interest to your space. While this clock was used in a hallway, you can use this classic design in a main living area or bedroom. Additionally, you can easily personalize a similar clock by painting the roman numerals a different color, or multiple colors, to make them pop. Stay tuned for more ideas on bringing classic pieces into your space!

May 30

Symmetrical Spaces

Symmetrical marble rotundaThe picture above is an example of a symmetrical space. While the space pictured is large, it can serve as a great inspiration for your own home. Adding symmetry is a great way to add a classic design element to your space. One place to start is in a bedroom. Center your bed on a wall and add matching tables or night stands on either side of the bed. You can also adorn each table with a lamp, or put up a line of pictures above the bed (I’d suggest an even number of pictures), to create this look. Not looking to re-do an entire room? Start small by using a shelf or dresser. You can use books, accessories, matching picture frames, or a variety of other items to create a symmetrical look. Remember, even the largest of designs can be scaled down to fit any space. All you need is a bit of inspiration and imagination to create a great look!

May 11

Geometric Floors that Pop

Geometric marble floorWhen you think of flooring, several things usually come to mind. While most people immediately think of the type of material used, what about patterns? Pictured above is a marble floor featuring a classic geometric pattern. Geometric patterns are a classic design that can complement any space. While most of us can’t afford marble floors, there is a way to bring this classic look into your space. Similar looks can be created by using rugs that feature a similar pattern or, if you’re feeling creative, you can buy a plain rug and use cut-outs to paint out the pattern of your choice. The second option is the best way to really let your inner creativity shine. No matter how you decide to go about it, you can easily bring the geometric look into your space in a way that’s uniquely you!

Apr 13

The Ornate Wooden Library Doors

Wood carved library doorsIn my previous post, I showed you a picture of wood covered windows in my local law library. To the right, is a picture of the doors below each window. As you can see, the doors are made of the same intricately carved pattern that adorns the wood embellished glass above it. It adds even more elegance to an otherwise simple library. Just like in my previous post, you can also bring this look into your space. There are DIY kits that you can buy to add embellishments and raised patterns to your furniture and doors. You can use these to create a similar look for your own doors. Remember, no matter how grand a design may seem, there’s always a way to scale it down and make it work for any space.

Mar 31

Two-Toned Stair Railing

Although most people enjoy a mixed-metal look, very few would consider it for their staircase. Well, someone did, and it looks great! As with most design elements, it’s all in the execution. Shown below, the main railing is a dark color, topped with a brass-colored handrail.

Library staircase_1

The design of the staircase is kept simple, which allows the contrast of colors to meld seamlessly.

Library staircase_2

It pairs perfectly with the library books, and adds to, rather than distract from, the surroundings. Remember, mixing metals is a great way to add an elegant pop to any space. The key is keeping it simple so it blends into a seamless, elegant space.