Deck the Dining Rooms!

It might just be the beginning of September, but the holidays are just around the corner. Pretty soon you’ll be shopping, baking, and preparing for company. How’s your dining room looking these days? Have you been meaning to revamp this oh-so-important family space, but every year the holiday season sneaks up behind you and finds you unprepared for another season full of  dreams of a formal dining space? Well now is the time to start!

{Image Courtesy of Lexington Brands}

This festive time of year can be stressful. Let’s face it. You have expectations, your family has expectations, and so do your guests. Everyone would like their Thanksgiving dinner to look like it came straight out of one of those warm and fuzzy holiday movies that we will all be piling up to watch after we’ve had our fill of turkey and dressing. But somehow this special space so often gets left on the back burner (just like that mystery casserole).

So what makes a classic dining room so memorable? I think the most important aspect is quality. These tables will stand the test of time and become a family heirloom, passed on through generations. What could be more special than coming together with the family and reuniting with pieces that your grandparents worked hard to provide and were so proud to share? Investing in quality sets that will be the center of your holidays for many years to come will create memories that won’t soon be forgotten.

{Images courtesy of Millender Furniture Company}

Newly weds? Just bought your first home? Is it your first time to host the family holiday get together? Perhaps you want something a little edgier than your parents’ traditional set. There’s nothing wrong with making a statement with your dining room furniture. If you’re not into ornate carvings and heavy mahogany, there is still an array of options to express your unique style.

{Images courtesy of Hooker Furniture}

Do you have a talkative grandparent who loves to spotlight each member of the family during these yearly get togethers, resulting in hours spent at the dinner table? Comfy chairs are a nice way to keep the family hanging around a little longer for some quality time. They also provide a way to introduce color, texture, and pattern into your dining space.

 {Images courtesy of Bernhardt}

Formal dining rooms aren’t the only spaces where holiday family time takes place. I personally love breakfast tables and nooks. Morning coffee, reading the paper, a game of cards at the end of the night, or maybe a midnight snack … this space is small enough to feel less intimidating, yet practical enough to make it the ideal place to start and end each day. I think having some type of upholstered piece is important, whether it be the seat or the whole chair. Benches are nice in these smaller spaces as well.

{Images courtesy of Stanley Furniture}

Sometimes the best holiday cheer is spread in the moments in between – appetizers being served, cookies being rolled out, and pies being burned. Whatever the case, the kitchen is usually  the center of the home. People tend to gather and taste-test, share recipes, or just watch and learn. This is where you’ll find children building gingerbread homes and dads carving turkeys. Center islands, when the space allows, can create a dynamic space for entertaining, mingling, and creating.

{Image courtesy of Habersham}

So whether you are just starting out and are investing in your first dining room set, or are ready to take your existing space to the next level, don’t forget how important this space will be in your home for years to come. Make sure that yours is exactly how you’ve always dreamed it would be. Now is the time to get your furniture ordered for the upcoming festivities! While the holidays are more about the people who fill those rooms than the pieces that do, give them something special to come home to this year!

Check out my latest post for Furnitureland about preparing your dining room for the holidays: Forget About The Halls...

Keeping It Clean

{Image Courtesy of Elle Decor}

 Ahhh! Look how perfect  and immaculate this space is. So crisp, flawless, and … unrealistic? Perhaps. If you even know someone with a child (or a pet), you might want to rethink making your living space this stark. I love daydreaming about living in this utopia just as much as the next Elle Decor reader, but deep down, I know at the end of the day that this ivory interior would end up more ecru at best.

Now I know this is not everyone’s fairytale space (it does happen to be one of mine), but I think it well represents one common goal I see among many of my clients. They want their space to look “put together,” “complete,” …”clean.” By “clean” I’m not talking about disinfected and free from stains (although that’s always nice). It’s a look created by intention and a sense of thoroughness.

Thankfully, there are other ways to achieve this look other than the obvious choice above. I’m going to break it down into four scenarios that can create a clean and finished space, however there are numerous options.

{Image courtesy of Huntington House}

This is a very popular look and can work from the most traditional style into the more modern. What I refer to as “tailored” is a refined aesthetic created by tight-back upholstered sofas, tufting, scalloped corners, and nailhead trim. Perfectly coordinated with a fashionable fit.

{Images Courtesy of: Huntington House (Sofa & Chairs), Stanley Furniture (Ottoman & Drum Table), Oriental Weavers (Ariana Rug), and Currey and Company ( Floor Lamp).}

{Image courtesy of Barbara Barry}

Like the stark, white living space I first mentioned above, monochromatic (tones of one color) schemes are successful at creating a complete look. But it doesn’t have to be white … go gray, chocolate, or gold. Using one color really plays on this concept of a unified whole. Still want to add color? Its okay … you can! Just try to keep the goal in mind and don’t get too carried away. Having too many different tones and patterns creates separate focal points, and the eye does not know where to focus.

{Images Courtesy of: Huntington House (Sofa), Ferguson Copeland (Armchair), Century Furniture (Chair Side Table, Cocktail, & End Tables), Ferguson Copeland (Tapered Ottomans), Oriental Weavers (Knights Bridge Rug), and Currey and Company ( Table Lamp).}

{Image courtesy of Huntington House}

So what’s a clean line? I think the best way to explain it is to imagine tracing the item’s silhouette. Are you having to swirl around curved arms, intricate carvings, and other oversized, cluttered features? Clean lines are fluid, uninterrupted, and most importantly … simple. They allow Mies Van deer Rohe’s minimalistic approach of  ”less is more” to create a clean, blank slate.

{Images Courtesy of: Huntington House (Sofa & Chair), Century Furniture (Side Table & Cocktail Table), Ferguson Copeland (Tapered Ottomans), Karastan (Plum Blossom Rug), and Currey and Company ( Table Lamp).}

{Image courtesy of Elle Decor}

Proportion is one of the fundamental elements of design. Creating the perfect ratio of positive and negative space is crucial in interior design. A symmetrical space removes any doubt of whether or not this proportion has been met and creates a naturally appealing environment. Sometimes playing it safe and sticking to the basics is the best move to make.

{Images Courtesy of: Huntington House (Sofa & Chairs), Stanley Furniture (End Tables), Century Furniture (Cocktail Table), Ferguson Copeland (Dressmaker Ottomans), Momeni (Elements Grey Rug), Currey and Company (Wall Sconces), and Currey and Company (Table Lamp).}

As I mentioned earlier, these are just a few possibilities that can help you transform your room into an intentionally clean and refined space. Didn’t see one that clicked with you? I’d be happy to help you find one that does!

Welcoming Back MCM through Lexington's new line 11 South!

Lexington Home Brands just introduced a new line to its vast array of furniture collections. However, this collection is unique and this look cannot be found just anywhere. 11 South is a collection composed of beautifully constructed pieces, featuring aesthetic properties that echo the style from days past.

Mid-Century Modern was a significant design movement not only in product design, but also interiors and architecture that started in the 1930’s. Never heard of it? Just google it! You will be surprised at all the chairs that will pop up that you recognize from magazines, movies and commercials. These designs, largely by Eames, Saarinen and Bertoia, harken back to an organic style that exemplifies the natural without the need to add “fluff” because it stands on its own. Though these designs are simple, they say so much because of their finishes, silhouettes, and composition.

Many clients I work with are a little afraid of color and like to go neutral to stay on the safe side.  If you’re like that, you can’t go wrong with these pieces! Look at these images. There is hardly any “color,” yet there is warmth, depth and energy. You don’t have to have color and patterns all over the place to make a space lively.

And now some of you color-loving people are probably wondering why you would want any of these pieces! Well … neutrals are colors too! And if you are used to applying a lot of color on your walls, accessories, and even in your furniture, then you could probably use a little neutral and more natural pieces to tone it down a bit.

Like all of Lexington’s collections, 11 South offers pieces that would look great all together, filling up your room (or entire home!), but they also work well with other pieces from other collections or existing items in your space. Want to add some new bold pieces for accents? Or are you a Mid-Century Modern enthusiast who desires some newly constructed furnishings to fit in with your classic collectibles? Either way, you can’t go wrong here.

11 South is not boring. I like to compare it to a stunning black and white photo. There is so much more than black and white going on: tones, depth, contrast, shadows and highlights. Your eye concentrates on the composition and the complexity of the palette of grays. But with these pieces from Lexington, you also get the additional impact of depth from that gorgeous umbra wood finish.

So whether you’re looking for some of these classic elements to add to your space or if you’re just intrigued and want to learn more, contact me and I will be more than happy to assist you!

Check out my latest professional blog here!

Its not a Bed... Its a Berg!

Wouldn’t you love for your children’s furniture to make them more creative, more well-rounded, and maybe even smarter? Imagine that! And you don’t have to just imagine it … you can experience it with Berg Furniture’s amazing beds.

There have actually been some studies on the positive effects Berg furniture has on kids. The researchers, who are analysts on consumer behavior, noticed children in a local store flocking to the Berg beds and heading straight up the signature staircase. These beds are not just a place to sleep. They are systems that create environments. They initiate special moments within the actual bedroom space. This is where the creativity begins.

Berg offers so many different elements that make up these “environments.” First off, almost every set comes with those great stairs. They take the idea of a bunk bed to the next level. I think the stairs allow children to imagine that it is their own little house. Not only do they provide more safety benefits than the traditional bunk bed ladder, they also offer tons of extra storage space built in to each step. The width of the staircase is about the same as a nightstand, which meas there is no wasted space! 

Berg’s beds have plenty of shelves that add even more storage, as well as nice display space for books and your child’s greatest treasures. Almost all of the beds provide additional space underneath, whether it be a desk, another bed, or even a small playroom. These little spaces help create moments that spark a child’s imagination. The bottom beds provide areas of opportunity for snuggling, book reading, and story telling, all with a roof overhead and a nightlight for that nice little added glow.

One key feature that parents love about Berg beds, is that they give your children what they need (a bed, desk, storage, play area) while consolidating it all into one piece that takes up only a fraction of the room. This creates more floor space to move through, play on, and use. That makes Berg’s beds ideal for small spaces – just put one of these in a room and you’re done! (How easy is that?)

Check out the pull-out desk  feature on this Play & Study Group! You can tuck it away when it’s not in use.

There are even options for your teens! Look at this cute take on a day bed. Tons of storage underneath, a built-in bookshelf, and it can act as a place for your teen to lounge with friends during the day.

Need space for a few kids? They have that covered too! Sleepovers are no problem when your kids have a Berg bedroom!

Berg gives you more then just a bed. These are not just bunk beds – they are room systems. They give you every piece of furniture you would normally buy for a space, consolidated into a concise arrangement that (in most cases) fits into the space of an average bed.

Children’s environments are so important, as they make an impact on the subconscious and can shape the sociological future of a child. Kids respond to their surroundings, and the Berg environment sets them up to respond intelligently and creatively.

Need another reason? They are constructed from engineered wood and melamine that is non-allergenic, easy to clean, incredibly durable and will not scratch like most wood furniture. (Oh, and don’t get put off by “engineered wood.” It is still a natural product and uses 65% more of a tree than typical wooden furniture would use, thereby eliminating waste.) And last, but certainly not least, they are a family-owned company made in America!

So if you want to encourage a creative environment for your children and are looking for a way to save space in your kid’s room and maximize storage, then come on over to Furnitureland South. I will be happy to introduce you and your kids to the wonderful world of Berg.

Have you ever heard of Berg? They are a family owned, US made, furniture company who produces these wonderful children bedroom systems. Check out my professional blog for more!

All Decked Out

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So we got a (little) above ground pool. When I say little, Im talking not even 3' deep, however it does not equate to little when it comes to work. We dug for 3 days to get the ground level and of course its still not quite perfect. But...we LOVE it! Especially Karmyn. All this time, work, and investment in such a small pool (that's not quite on the permanent side) has got us thinking about upgrading one year to a larger pool. For cost reasons it would still be an above ground, but we look at this as an opportunity to create some wonderful outdoor spaces in our already lovely back yard.

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(This image and the one above are from an awesome landscape design firm called earth inc. you should check them out! They are great!)

So....with the whole above ground pool...we really want to tie it in to the great outdoor features that are already here like our patio and small deck. We are thinking of adding to the deck by enlarging it and adding some levels as well as stairs of course. We would also increase the deck to encompass the perimeter of the pool so that it all looks more built in rather than just a pool plopped down in our yard. It will be more like a entertainment deck system with a pool sunk in!

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And in some nice railing, cool lighting, concealed storage and some comfy seating space and voila!

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We cant wait! You are all invited! ;)

little tweed chair: my little designer friend

I would like it if you could all please visit one of my best friend's blog little tweed chair. Ashley graduated from the department of interior architecture with me and is a very talented designer. She has a new blog showcasing her amazing hand made pieces, especially her upholstery projects. She is just starting out so I bet if you hurry and book her now you'll get a great deal ;) Im proud of you Ashley!

Check out my Professional Blog!

Do you have a vacation home that needs freshening up? Sometimes it’s easy to forget about the furniture in a space we are not using on a daily basis. Over time, certain pieces get outdated, worn, and just lose their appeal. Why not add a few stylish pieces to breathe new life into your home away from home?

{Image Courtesy of Century Furniture}

One of the best ways to bring life to a space is to look to nature and bring the outdoors in … but you can only have so many plants. Try bringing in the colors, textures, and lines that we see in nature instead! Soft, wave-like curves, high-gloss finishes, cool colors, gritty natural textures, and translucent accessories can add glimpses of the coast without stepping foot in the sand or laying an eye on a seashell. In fact, these subtle gestures can have a greater impact than the expected beach house decor.

{ 1. Arm Chair from Century, 2. Bedside Table from Century, 3. “Honor Floor Lamp” by Pacific Coast Lighting, 4. “007″ Lamp by Pacific Coast Lighting, 5. “Masquerade Chair” by Century, 6. Sofa by Century, 7. “Veranda: Mocha” Rug by Momeni}

{Image Courtesy of Century Furniture}

This display cabinet from Century would look great in a coastal home showcasing treasures from the beach. I love these soft blue accents through sandy white space.

{Image Courtesy of Century Furniture}

Create a bright and playful focal point in your space with these “Masquerade” chairs from Century. They’re a contemporary twist on a classic style that will lighten the mood and pull in some exciting floral motifs, high-gloss shine, and great color!

{Image Courtesy of Century Furniture}

Don’t feel like you are restricted to light colors! Go bold with accents of coral, turquoise, and navy like in this beautiful setting from Century! This color scheme is still reminiscent of the tropics, but has a lot of depth and contrast which goes great with the main white upholstered pieces.

So if you are thinking of  giving your home away from home a face lift , come see me and I would be happy to help you bring the coastal concept into your space!

This is my new blog for the Furnitureland South website and blog! Please check it out and feel free to follow along!

Inspired Designs by Furnitureland South