Every home should have a little bit of rustic decor in it

Why do you want to mix it up a little?  So that your décor won’t look like you just pulled it off the showroom floor of the local retail furniture store.  You can base your design around one of these styles, or you can craftily mix them in as one or more of the three elements I will cover in the next three blog posts.   In this article I will start with “rustic” décor.

Rustic décor:

Rustic décor adds warmth to a room.   It can work with most styles, from modern to traditional.

Great example of mixing modern and rustic decor in this photo from Rejuvenation Hardware

A creative mix of modern and rustic. Source

How great is this look?!? Source

Notice the rustic touches mixed into this room. Source

How fun is this pool table from www.PotteryBarn.com?

The stylists at www.Flor.com did a great job of inter-mixing in a touch of the rustic look in this photo… 

Another great example of mixing in a touch of the rustic look. Source: Flor carpet tiles.

Consider mixing in a rustic cocktail table or some old doors as a large-scale wall decoration…  

Look how great these old rustic doors look as large-scale wall decor! Source: www.Trend-Fabrics.com .

Great rustic cocktail table. Source: www.TheDecorDivas.com .

Love this rustic storage option! Source: www.TheDecorDivas.com .

Love this look from OMyGosh!

Here's a modern twist on a traditional French-country fabric design available from www.TheDecorDivascom .

Unique light fixture from www.TheDecorDivas.com .

There's always a spot for a rustic clock. Source: www.TheDecorDivas.com .

Even just a light fixture can add a touch of the rustic look. Source

Rustic accent wall in a photo shoot by Rejuvenation Hardware

January is a great month to start dreaming about what you really want for your home!

1.  Start dreaming and create a to-do list:   Take your dreams and list them as goals for your home.   This is the fun part.  Turning your dreams into goals and to-do lists will get you well on your way to accomplishing those dreams!

Find your inspiration!

Find inspiration by looking through home magazines and their Websites.  Start a file containing your inspirational images, whether paper or digital.  Most of the home magazines now publish great home  photos on their Websites.  Or you can easily create idea photo files on www.Houzz.com or www.Pinterest.com.  (Contact me if you need an invitation for Pinterest.)

2.  Get cost estimates:    A simple step that is often overlooked!   This isn’t exactly the fun part, but you can’t make progress without knowing what to budget for.  Then you can formulate an action plan to build up your budget.  For example, you could cut back on eating out, and put that money aside for your home improvement budget, and/or selling unwanted, large ticket items on www.Craigslist.com.  You might be surprised at the extra boost your budget will receive!

Tackling one room at a time often works great

3.  Prioritize… Of course it can’t all be done at once, so prioritize what is most important to you. Tackling one room at a time can work great, or you can prioritize by the type of home updating  that needs to be done, such as replacing the flooring, or updating the shades and blinds in the house.  (Perhaps it’s time to get rid of those vertical blinds!)

This room is also a great example showing the amazing wow-factor and texture fabric can add to a room with the window treatments!  I love, love, love the pop of color from the vivid blue silk draperies and pillows here!

I also like to change out the arrangements in a vase or two to compliment the current season.   You can add sticks and tall dried grasses with silk arrangements in wall hanging vases, around floor standing candle holders, garlands on fireplace mantles, buffets, and wrapped around chandeliers.  Oh dear, I’d better create another blog on this subject with photos of what I’m talking about!

Wallpaper installed on one wall can really add the “wow” factor to a room as shown in these photos below.  Additionally, wallpaper is much easier to strip these days once you’re ready to redecorate. 

Echo Design wall coverings for Kravat

Ralph Lauren wall coverings for Kravet

Albert Van Luit wall coverings for Kravet

Ralph Lauren wall coverings for Kravet

Next in line cost-wise comes wall decals, which are basically vinyl pieces applied directly to the wall.  These are very easy to remove once you want to change the look, however they can’t be reused after you pull them off the wall…

Wall vinyl from coolwallart.com

Chandelier wall vinyl decor

Wall vinyl from Coolwallart.com

How fun is this wall vinyl art from Coolwallart.com

Headboard out of wall decals from Coolwallart.com

Another great accent wall option is using a stencil or combination of stencils.  Stencils take a bit more work and patience, but the expense falls on the lower end…

vineyard wall stencil from Benjamin Moore

Can you believe this accent wall was created with paint and a stencil from Benjamin Moore paint?

Stencil magic yet again! Papillon wall stencil from Benjamin Moore.

Accent walls created from stencils aren't for large walls only. Hibiscus wall stencil from Benjamin Moore.

Lyric wall stencil from Benjamin Moore.

And then there is the least expensive accent wall option of all… simple wall paint! 

Accent walls are a great place for adding a bright paint color that you're afraid to paint in an entire room... Also easier to paint over! Photographer: Koksharov Dmitry.

Easiest accent wall technique of all... solid paint! Benjamin Moore paints.

Accent walls aren't for bright colors only. Again, Benjamin Moore paints.

Color crayons helped shape who I am today!

While choosing paint colors can come naturally for some people, it is one of the most common dilemmas I see people struggle over.  It’s also an area where people seem to make a lot of painful mistakes.   

Choosing colors always came naturally for me, but then again I spent many hours as a kid playing with color crayons…  I even had the colors sorted out by masculine verse feminine and then would pair them up as couples!  (My parents didn’t let us watch much TV.)

What is My Tartan by Frank Adam

We also had a book of tartans (plaids), and I spent hours mulling over the different color combinations.  A little strange eh, but we’re all drawn to different things!   Enough about me though, the purpose of this article is to help ease your pain when trying to decide on paint colors.

Make sure you have a design plan for the room before you choose your paint colors.  

This is VERY IMPORTANT!!!  This will save you so much time, money, and lead to a polished and finished room that you’re happy with.   I have been hired many times to help people pull a room together and give it finished look after they started by choosing their paint colors first, typically because they were moving in and wanted to quickly get it done.  This is a big mistake because it is much more difficult to match area rugs, upholstery and artwork to an existing paint color, than it is to match a paint color to furnishings.  The options for paint colors are unlimited, but the options for furnishings are not.  It can take a lot of time to shop around for the right color match of furnishings, particularly when retail stores only stock in the color trends of the season.

Click on images for a larger view

The non-neutral colors can be added through accessories, making it much easier to change your color scheme when you tire of it. Benjamin Moore paints.

How to choose a color scheme…   It works well to base your color scheme on an area rug or the artwork you want put in the room because these are two of the hardest areas to match if you add them after you’ve done everything else.  If you are starting totally from scratch, look at other rooms for inspiration in magazines.  Or think about one of your favorite outdoor places, take a photo of it, and base your color scheme on that. 

Click on photos for larger view

Base your color scheme on existing artwork or area rug. Benjamin Moore paint colors shown.

Upholstery fabric can be the inspiration for your color scheme. Benjamin Moore paint colors.

 

The color scheme of this room was based around the area rug.

Consider how long you will be in the space.  If you plan to sell your home in the near future, consider painting just one accent wall if you want to add a non-neutral color.  It will be easier to neutralize when you put your home on the market.  

One accent wall is much easier to change in the future. Benjamin Moore paints.

You can always keep your wall paint color neutral and add the color on your furniture! Benjamin Moore paint colors.

 

What are neutral colors?  Warm grays are the new neutral.  Also tan, beige, taupe, white, browns, and goldish tones.  Green is a safer non-neutral color to use.

Neutral paint colors from Benjamin Moore paints

Neutral paint colors from Benjamin Moore paints

Green-- a safe and calming color. Benjamin Moore paint.

View the paint color in the space to be painted before purchasing your paint.  Some paint colors will drastically change in the various lighting of different rooms.   In the least, attach the paint swatch to the wall, and observe how it looks during different times of day and at night. 

Beware of flourescent lighting in stores…. It distorts the color.    If you’re in a rush,  at least take the paint swatch outside to view it in natural light.

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Paint used to the fullest on these walls and ceiling

Paint provides unlimited creativity

Adding 3-dimensional objects with paint, doubles the wow factor. Photo courtesy of This Old House.

The power of paint and 3-dimensional wall accessories. Photo source: Street of Dreams, Portland, OR.

Notice the wall paint

Source: Decorating Den Interiors wall coverings

Source: Decorating Den Interiors wall coverings

This almost looks like vinyl, but the flowers and butterflies come in mural panels.

Source: Decorating Den Interiors wall coverings

Source: Decorating Den Interiors wall coverings

Vinyl appliqués are a less expensive alternative to wall paper, and easy to remove…

Example of a giant wall decal that retails for only $22.50.

Vinyl appliqués are cost-effective and easy to remove.

Notice the vinyl circles on the walls

Fabric provides unlimited creative options.  You can get creative with fabric in the window treatments, bedding or hanging fabric in other places… 

Notice the fabric hanging at the head of the bed

Creative fabric treatments are not for windows and bedding only

Source: Decorating Den Interiors wall coverings

Another great room design that can last from little boy to teenager

This whimsical window treatment can be carried through to an older age. Source: Veranda Magazine.

Fabric can define special areas. Source: Decorating Den Interiors wall coverings

Source: Decorating Den Interiors wall coverings

Remember to plan for storage areas to help keep the room neat. Source: Decorating Den Interiors wall coverings

A great design and color scheme that can carry through to older years. Room by Vern Yip, HGTV

A design scheme that can last from baby to teen to guestroom. Sarah Richardson's house.

Rely on room photos for inspiration.  If you find your budget is limited, consider the save and splurge strategy, i.e. splurge on the high impact areas you know you’ll never be able to tackle on your own, and consider alternative options for the other areas.  For example, shop for funiture at flea markets and learn how to refinish them on your own.  You’ll then save on furniture, and have some budget to hire out for the window treatments, or wall paper.  Also consider trading labor such as painting, or throw a painting party and make it fun!

With Valentines Day right around the corner, this is a great time to think about adding some romance to your home.  One of the biggest ingredients we use to add romance is fabric. Fabric to an interior designer is like a paintbrush to a painter.

Trick #1: Add beautiful fabric to your windows and bedding, and layer the textures and trimmings…

Click on photos for a large view

Add romance with beautiful fabric in your window treatments and bedding

Notice the double chandeliers & the extra romance they add.

For romance, add customized window treatments, ambiant lighting, and accessories with reflective surfaces

The romance of fabric

 

 Trick #2:   Add ambient lighting:  Hang  a chandelier above the bed or above each night stand, use table lamps and candles…

Create ambient lighting

Use table lamps and candles

Trick #3:   Add fresh flowers…

Nothing like waking up to fresh flowers as a surprise!

Trick #4:   Add sparkle with reflective surfaces…

Add sparkle with reflective surfaces

Trick #5:  Add window treatments over your bathtub (plus wine and candles of course)

Even a simple fabric treatment can add a bit of romance

Trick #6:  Arrange your furniture in an intimate setting

Furniture arranged in an intimate setting adds romance

Trick #7:  Add some bling and pizzazz with throw pillows and extra trimmings

Add bling and pizzazz with throw pillows

Add layers and trimmings

Focus on the food table area(s), especially if your short on time.   Table coverings and center pieces are  a great place to prioritize if you’re in a rush.   And in the game watching room, also consider the coffee and side tables.   Below are ideas for doing even more.

Start by looking at the team colors for inspiration:

Start with your inspiration and consider what you have to work with

Now if those colors don’t inspire you, I don’t know what will!   Just joking, however use the team colors as inspiration and think about what you have to work with.  (I’ve been advised it’s best to represent both teams colors when you’re hosting a party for people rooting for either side.  Consider…

• Colored vases filled with correct color of flowers.  If you don’t have vases or bowls, smaller-sized colored gift bags can be filled with the flowers. 
• Cloth table coverings in the team colors  
  • Table runners and napkins.  If you don’t own anything in the team colors, you can spend approximately$5 on 2 yards of fabric and make a table runner, and/or fabric squares.  Use hemming tape if you don’t have a sewing machine.  These are quick and easy to make! 
  

  Tissue paper pom poms, layered cloth, and colored vases. What do you think... Is this too feminine for the Super Bowl?

  • Layer cloth pieces, sprinkle with colored glass rocks, confetti, add ribbon, or colored paper accents.  You can even mimic the stripes on the team uniforms, from the pants or jersey sleeves…

Layer ribbon over a table runner to mimic the stripes on these pants

Layered ribbons to duplicate stripe effect. The colored tissue poms poms are too fun! Directions for making them are below.

• Use food as décor in appropriate colors…
  • For example a bowl of lemons with some green sprigs of Rosemary mixed in
• Spring potted flowers are on now the market, and there are bright yellow primroses and daffodils that can be added to your table decor
• Christmas lights in appropriate colors.  Wrap around trees, plants, mantle, doorways
• Spray paint flea market finds
• Sofa pillows and throws

Hmmm, what can I do with these colors....

 Examples of what I would do to represent the above Pittsburgh Steelers team colors… 

• Black or white vases filled with yellow flowers… fresh yellow flowers might by hard to come by this time of year, but you can make tissue paper pom poms or flowers. 
• Here’s a link on how to make tissue paper pom poms by Martha Stewart.  You can hang these from the chandelier and/or add wire stems and stick them in your vases. 

Photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

• Or make cheer leader pom poms out of tissue paper
• Black or white table runner with yellow napkins or visa versa
• Put three squares on table in the colors on the helmet:  yellow, red, and blue
• Fill a black bowl with lemons and set on top of a piece of white or yellow fabric– great for a coffee table or smaller kitchen table

Coffee table with layered cloth pieces, and a primrose wrapped in colored tissue paper

Other great crafty ideas if you have ample time:

Make Martha Stewart’s football table runner and coasters…

I’m working with two clients right now who both have plaid sofas they purchased a few years back and they both want to keep the plaid.  They’ve been happy with the pattern and bold colors, and they really don’t want to change.   What is amazing is that these sofas were purchased during the time of floral sofas… Remember those?  I think most of us have rid ourselves of that trend by now.  Floral sofas got tiring really quick because not only was everyone buying them as they were being offered everywhere in the stores, but they were one of the biggest pieces of furniture in the house, and covered with a boldly patterned fabric!  Oh the trends that are thrust upon us by the store specials.  The floral sofa fad is a great example of a short-lived trend that caused people to spend more money than they originally intended.   These short lived trends quickly become outdated and people end up spending the money to replace them sooner rather then later.

Remember the floral sofas being widely sold in the 1980's? Bright and bold patterns on a sofa can quickly get tiring.

Back to plaid… It’s brave and not very practical to put a printed fabric on a sofa, because typically you get tired of the print a lot faster, and it’s more practical to put the print on a chair and the throw pillows.  However these clients of mine aren’t tired of their plaid because for one it’s a classic; and two it hasn’t been a widely used trend. 

A classic and traditional look using plaid fabric. Even when plaids are in bold colors, plaid lovers tend to never tire of them.

A more practical route is to use the print on your throw pillows and window treatments. It's much easier to change the look when you're ready for a change.

The key here is to beware of trends if you want your purchases to last longer than three or more years.

Before photo: Two large pieces of upholstered furniture in a bold fabric dominate the room. They stand out because the rest of the colors are in muted beige tones.

Updated plaid sofa. Photo source