Typically, I am a bit of a minimalist. Not too many prints or accessories. However, I am a big fan of packing it in when you are living in a small space. Think function first, then make it look pleasing. Some good tips to take from these images are: use pretty baskets or bins to organize unsightly items, use art to break up a massive bookcase of not so pretty books, use furniture for double duty (like this desk as a nightstand or this sofa which can double as a bed), use every inch of space (storing magazines under the coffee table) and I say keep the walls and architecture one color so that all of your "stuff" stands out like a punctuation mark!
I am a huge fan of big, fat coffee table books. I have a ton of them, most on interior design, that are scattered throughout my house: on tabletops, under benches, in baskets tucked into nooks and of course, on bookcases. I recently told a client that she needed to buy some coffee table books and she looked at me with a puzzled expression. I defended my statement by saying that I think books are a great way to express your personality. Walking into my house, you can tell instantly that I am into interior design, architecture, Charleston history, art, photography, fashion and cooking (although those books are rather dusty these days). I suggested she spend an hour or so on Amazon researching her favorite subjects. You can oftentimes find slightly used issues at a discounted rate. The bargain table at Barnes & Nobleis another great spot to pick up some good quality books for a steal. Artbook.com is also a great resource for all things design related.
I especially love them stacked on coffee tables like this...
Or use them AS your coffee/end table/nightstand!
Or try one of these creative book displays...
You can get a spine bookcase similar to this from WestElm.
I love the idea of covering them in craft paper or wallpaper for a more unified look. [I know I have seen them also with the titles handwritten in caligraphy on the spines. Can't for the life of me remember the magazine. Anyone? Anyone?]
Or arrange them by color...
Need some more inspiration? Check out this book by House Beautiful.
~Images: 1) Ruthis Sommers home in Domino Spring/Summer 2005 2) Domino Nov 2005 3) Domino May 2007 4) Courtesy of Apartment Therapy 5) Domino Nov 2006 6) KWID 7) Unknown 8) Ad for Briger & Briger 9) Domino April 2007 10) Domino April 2006
In today's economy, so much emphasis is being placed on decorating on a budget. Understandable, right? I feel that you can make BIG impact with small changes. Namely, by re-Decorating a space. You can give your home a fresh new look instantly by editing, moving some things around and adding a few new pieces.
Soooo, I am holding a lil' contest folks! If you have an area of your home that you want to re-Decorate (mantle, foyer table, bookcase, etc.), email me a picture of your space and give me a few thoughts on what you would like to achieve. I will pick one space to give free design advice on and this space will be featured on my blog next week.
Here is an example I have shown before of Rita Konig's living room. See, what I mean? Quick fix! (Well, apart from the re-upholstery!)
The deadline is this Friday, September 3rd so hurry up!
Short on wall space? No problem! Layer, layer, layer. I have a client who has almost ZERO wall space in her new home but LOTS of large art and mirrors so we had to get creative. I LOVE all of these ideas...
Hide some of your bookcase clutter.
This solution allows for some privacy but doesn't block all of the light.
Hanging the art over molding adds interest to the space without taking away from the architectural detail.
*My apologies for the lack of sources. I am trying to be better about this in the new year but these are old photos!
People are often intimidated by the prospect of hanging artwork. I have been in homes where there is literally nothing on the walls. Or worse, there are stacks of art leaning against the wall and they didn't just move in. I swear, I can almost smell the owner's fear! Hanging art is one of the best ways to personalize your home so don't be afraid! I think the key is to plan ahead. Gather up all of your artwork and photographs in one spot and think about where each piece will go before you start the hanging process. Here are three basic tips for arranging artwork:
-Keep the artwork in proportion to the wall (if you have a long skinny wall, try hanging the art stacked in a vertical grouping)
-Makes sure the scale of the art relates to the scale of the furniture it is hanging above (you don't want a huge art piece hanging above a tiny little table or it will just look dwarfed)
-Hang artwork in groupings that relate to each other (black and white photos in a grouping or hang different mediums of art that are framed in a similar manner like all in gold frames)
Here are some more tips and images for inspiration!
Hang artwork in a row TIP: Note that the space between each piece of artwork (both horizontally and vertically) is the same.
Hang artwork vertically
Hang art in a grouping TIP: If you are considering doing a large art grouping, I recommend tracing the frames out on craftpaper and arranging the paper on the wall first with painters tape so you don't end up with a million holes in your wall!
Wrap art around walls gallery style
Mix up different sized artwork within an overall group
Stack art in a vignette
Ideally you want to hang artwork at eye level for proper viewing but there are times when it can be more interesting to hang art in unexpected places.
Having a hard time filling a bookcase? Try adding art to break things up.
Draw the eye up by hanging art above a doorway
My last tip involves hardware...you have to use Ooks! It is the best product for hanging pictures straight and it doesn't damage your walls. You can also buy them locally at Michael's and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
1. A fast-growing vine widespread in the southern United States.
2. My high school art teacher's band's name.
3. A 25,000 sq ft antique mall in Decatur. It boasts being named "Atlanta's Best Since 1979" [I hope it isn't by the same people who keep voting Hyman's the best seafood restaurant in Charleston! Gag.]
When I was in The ATL a couple of weeks ago, I stopped by as Kudzu is one of my favorite spots to shop. Here are some pics of the items I heavily considered...
It is hard to see but this long table would me AMAZING as an island in a long kitchen. It is a mix of metal and old wood.
Something like this..
Or a long vanity like this...
I LOVED this zinc table and coveting it for my back porch. (still considering this one so please don't buy it!!!)
Pair of 60's Bertoia Chairs. They sell them new but it is cool when you find vintage ones! I would paint them a bright color.
Or white. They look great here...
Coastal Living
This old work table was cool. I would leave it as is and hang a large, modern mirror above it and use it is an entry table! But an extra large basket underneath to hold all your "stuff" and you are good to go.
This would be killer painted! That large door pulls down, I would use that as a desk and make this whole unit a home office in a small space. What great storage!
I adore this old metal cart!
It would look good mixed in with a neutral interior like this...
Cottage Living
It is hard to see the great colors from this photo but I would hang this old science chart as art and use the colors as inspiration for the room's palate.
This proves that anything in mass quantity can be interesting! I would buy all these old bobbins and arrange them on a table or bookcase for an eye catching display!
Dang, reviewing all this gives me SUCH buyer's remorse!
I have a client who's handy husband is going to build some built-in shelves and cabinets that I designed for their living room. We are toying with painting the back wall the color of the adjoining dining room to subtly tie the two rooms together AND bring some color to the large, boring wall. Here is some inspiration...
