Durable Living Rooms

I've been spending a lot of time going through old magazines this week. I came across two articles touting family friendly houses. To my delight, both houses were very chic, comfortable and approachable. I decided to pull out the living rooms of both houses and post them. They are very similar in their approach and furnishings, yet they have a different vibe.


Sorry for the awful scan. Designer Ken Fulk created the perfect casual yet elegant and refined living room. The warm neutral background sets the stage for the fabulous furniture. The RL raffia club chairs are great. The seat cushions are covered in mohair which is one of my favorite durable fabrics for kids and messy adults like myself. The lucite table is incredibly chic and very life friendly. A little windex and your done! Velvet is another one of my favorite fabrics for a room that's used.

This room created by Lisa Rowe (photo courtesy of Cottage Living) is glamorous. She uses white slipcovered furniture to withstand the owners kids and pets as the neutral foundation for the room. Bleach is a great thing! Notice the similarities of the sisal rug, zebra rug and lucite.

Both rooms are fabulous and livable because of the durable foundations.

Which style do you prefer? Me? I'd be more likely to curl up in Ken Fulk's living room because of the texture and camel color. However, I love Lisa Rowe's style for very high traffic areas or houses with lots of pets.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Happy Thursday!

Score!

Check out this lamp I found yesterday for my client whose moving to Los Angeles.  I snagged a pair of them while shopping at an outlet store no less.    Plastic wrap included. 

It's going to be perfect in her beach house with her white slip covered furniture.  A touch of modern and a touch of california beach.  Perfection.  

  

My husband is in love and is hoping she doesn't want them!   Sorry honey, clients come first.  

Palmer Weiss

With a play date of four year old boys under way at my house,  I'm loving the relaxed style of Palmer Weiss.  I'm having technical difficulties so check out her website. 

It's no wonder she was one of Domino's designers to watch in 2008. 

While most of her portfolio is sunny southern california preppy, her neutral rooms make me take a deep breath.   They combine the perfect amount of sophistication with livable materials giving the rooms a relaxed feel.  

Now, imagine these rooms with Star Wars action figures and Nerf Dart gun bullets everywhere. Perfection!

Shelter Sadness

I know, everyone has been posting about the same thing. However, there's nothing as depressing as wanting to buy a new home magazine and not being able to do so.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to find anything to replace the shelter magazines we've lost over the past couple months. I'll pop into local newstands to see if I can find anything that peaks my interest. I'll stand there waiting for something to magically appear - lifting the magazines to see if something great has been buried behind them.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Southern Accents, and Veranda, but they are all beginning to feel the same. We can't resort to the European magazines as they have a different aesthetic.

Where's the achievable, livable design that was featured in Cottage Living and Domino. Where are the homes of non-celebrities and undiscovered interior designers? Where's the mix of high and low? Where are the houses targeted to the young professionals and young families?

Is anyone in the publishing industry listening? I'm not going to make it through this recession without some great home inspiration.

Chocolate, Cream and Aqua

Flipping through this months House Beautiful, two rooms caught my eye. A rustic, yet sophisticated bedroom by Albert Hadley and a fun, whimsical dining area by Jonathan Berger. Both have warm chocolate backgrounds with pops of aqua and cream. They are completely different, yet both feel fresh and contemporary. I don't think I'm ever going to get tired of this color combination. Although it is so overused it always makes me feel happy. What do you think? Are you tired of it or do you think it's a classic?

Albert Hadley bedroom. I love the pale aqua bed with the rustic English Regency bench. The symmetry of the tables and lamps is perfect. The mismatched paintings is a nice touch. This room is so simple yet inviting.

Jonathan Berger dining room. The coral memo board is outrageous - I love it! I also love the bright aqua chairs. Plus their kid friendly with the leather upholstery. The back of the chairs have a coral print fabric to tie into the coral Murano glass chandelier. (Not crazy about the coral color or the fan on the wall) But, overall this room is fun and casual.

To Family Photo or Not To Family Photo?

That is the question of the day. How do you display your family photos in a beautiful, elegant and personal way in your house?

There are many thoughts on this subject. Some say that family photos should be in non-public areas of the house. Which means they are off limits in the living room, dining room, family room and kitchen. However, some also say that they shouldn't be in private areas of the house like your bedroom as well. What is a homeowner to do?

I believe your treasured family photos can be in any room of your house as long as you make a statement with them. That means a couple things:

1) Pick a frame color and style. The key is to keep the frame style consistent. If you want to mix it up, you can mix together black and white frames, or gold and silver frames, as long as they are the same frame style.

2) Can you vary the size of the frames? Yes, but only if it takes up most of the wall. Varied size frames look best on walls with angles like a staircase. Arrange them in a staggered pattern that follows the angle of the wall. Remember to allow breathing room between the frames. The size of the breathing room is up to you.

3) Pick a focus wall and use the entire space to make a statement. Nothing looks worse than a bunch of little picture frames on a large wall. I love a collection of photos in all one size frame with a large mat. You photos are transformed into artwork.

4) Black and white. If your photos are color, convert them to black and white to unify the space. It's especially important if you are varying your frame sizes and colors.

If you make a statement with your photos, you can hang them in any room you want.

Best of Affordable Design Week: Lamps

Here are some great affordable lamps to update your space.

Pier 1 - very chic in a bedroom or living room.
Pier 1 - Great as a statement piece or in a coastal house. Would also be great oxblood red.

The classic Pottery Barn. Always great in a bedroom.



Crate and Barrel - Mercury glass is always an elegant choice.

Garnet Hill - The finish is fabulous and or so Belgian.

CB2 Pendant - At the incredible price of $49 you can afford to use more than one. Just trim out the shade with ribbon or cover it in the fabric of your choice.

CB2 - Great kitchen or office pendant

Just a couple I found as thought starters. Ikea is always another great source for pendants or office lights.

Hope you had a great holiday weekend.

Best of Affordable Design Week - Area Rugs

Now that you've found that perfect sofa, now it's time to find the perfect affordable rug.

Rugs are difficult to select. First, measure your room. If you don't want to have a custom size made, you have to work within the standard rug sizes of 4x6, 5x8, 6x9, 8x10. If you are working with the standard sizes you want to make sure the rug grounds the furniture in your room. However, all the legs of the furniture DON'T need to be on the rug. That will make things look forced. It's okay to only have the two front legs on the rug. The rug should anchor the room. It's better to have a rug that's big vs. a tiny rug just under the coffee table.

If you are okay have a custom size made (usually in a natural material i.e. sisal, jute, seagrass) you can maximize the layout of the room. Look at keeping it an equal distance from the walls. I like 3- 6" from the wall, some like up to 3 feet. How much hardwood do you want to see? It's up to you. You can also buy a piece of broadloom (wall-to-wall) carpet and have it bound if you are looking for something with better stain resistance.

So - how do you choose what kind of rug is right for you? Evaluate your lifestyle and look at the rooms you're attracted to. Do you gravitate towards the coastal look and like tonal rooms? If so, the sisal/natural rug is for you. Do you like a more layered room and are you worried about wear and tear? If so, traditional persian/oriental or contemporary graphic rugs maybe for you.

How do you make sure all the rooms of the house flow together? Pick a look and use it throughout the house. That doesn't mean that you have to use the same rug in each room. Just something in a similar style. I favor natural rugs as I like the tonal consistency they have from room to room.

So, what are the best affordable rugs out in the market. Here are my picks:

Natural Rugs:
I love the look of sisal, but don't like how it feels on my feet. Get a sample of the rug your going to order to make sure your okay with the texture. I like Jute as it's much softer and easier to clean while still giving me the sisal look. That said, I didn't list any chain stores where the texture of the rug is too hard. If you like the look of sisal/jute but are worried about wear and tear - look at the indoor/outdoor options. I have used those in high traffic areas like the kitchen as they are so easy to clean.

Pottery Barn Jute/Chenille Blend - This will give you the look without the scratch.

Restoration Hardware - Sisal/Wool Blend. Again, it's the softness that counts.

West Elm - Diamond Jute

Dash & Albert - Indoor/Outdoor. This is my favorite indoor/outdoor of all time. Great for a kitchen. Wisteria - Diamond Rug. Pattern without a bold statement.

Custom Sizes:
Naturalarearugs.com
Naturalhomerugs.com

Traditional:
The best traditional area rugs for the value can be found at Ballard Designs. The colors and quality are incredible. Here are two of my favorites.



Contemporary/Graphic:

Garnet Hill - Fun and whimsical.

Garnet Hill - Tonal floral. A little tradition, a little whimsy.

Garnet Hill - Love the giraffe print. It's the newest take on zebra. It also comes in great colors. The teal and ice are my favorites. (sorry, I couldn't add them to the post)

Dash & Albert by Annie Selkie. Comes in a great colors.

West Elm - Zig Zag Rug. Great for any room in your house.

Pottery Barn - Tonal Coral. Gorgeous.

Garnet Hill

Dash & Albert - Annie Selke. House Beautiful loves this rug.

Ballard Designs

Coastal/Stripes:
The best stripes are from Dash & Albert. The range of colors and patterns is amazing. The prices will amaze you as well.

How cute would this be in a girls room?




Hope you enjoyed my selections.
Have a great day.

Best of Affordable Design Week

Keeping with the theme that you don't have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful house, I thought I'd do a daily post dedicated to the best, easy to find, good quality classics.

First up: Sofas, the foundation of a room.

Here are my affordable favorites.

Classic Upholstered:

Restoration Hardware. A classic roll-arm sofa. Great in leather or fabric. The scale is just right and the nailheads and legs add an upscale detail.

My favorite sofa offered through a specialty retailer. The proportions of this english roll arm from Williams Sonoma Home are perfect! Most of the others on the market don't have the right legs, the right height of the arms, and too much of a slope on the back. Plus, this one has eight-way hand tied springs which means it will hold up to years of use. (I believe this is made by Lee Industries) This sofa shape can work with almost any style. It's timeless if done in a neutral fabric.

Another English roll arm, a little less expensive than the Williams Sonoma version. This is much larger than the WS option - with the length being 96" and the depth being 45". The proportions aren't as good as the WS option but if you have a big room, this may work better for you.

Slipcovered:

Great modern, clean shape from Crate and Barrel. It's also made of sustainable hardwoods and cushions for the eco-conscious consumer. I think this is made by my favorite mid-price point manufacturer - Lee Industries. You can't get better quality and customer service for the price.

Ballard Designs Slipcovered sectional. The proportions and fabric selections are great. It's an incredible value.

Ballard Designs Slipcovered Sofa. This is the same as the sectional. Great shape, great choices, great value.

A couple tips for purchasing your sofa:
1) Make sure the shape and size work in your room. If necessary, take a newspaper and cut out the overall dimension to make sure it's not too small or too big.
2) Love the shape. Can you look at the shape for the next 7-20 years? Most people don't replace a sofa any sooner than 7 years, if ever. If the quality is good, you will just want to recover the sofa if your takes change instead of replacing it. I have some sofas that were purchased in the sixties and have been re-done into new shapes because the quality of the hardwood was better than I could purchase today.
3) Make sure to get a swatch of the fabric before you place your order. Look at the swatch in your room during various times of the day to make sure the fabric is the color you want.
4) If you are going to purchase a sofa from a mail-order or specialty retailer find out who manufacturers the sofa for them. Find out their policy on warranty and customer service. One of the reasons I love Lee Industries is they will replace cushions if they break down. You can also order a new slipcover if something happens to yours or you simply change your look. I've been to their showroom in North Carolina on numerous occasions and their product is beautiful. They also have a line from Bobby McAlpine which has incredible, modern shapes. Okay, I'll stop pushing Lee Industries...... But, my point is, you wouldn't by a car without knowing who made it would you? The sofa is a big purchase and you want to make sure it's right.
5) Buy the most expensive you can afford. Don't skimp on quality or fabric.

Hope that helps. Check back tomorrow for another post on affordable foundations.

Fifteen musts for every house

What are the essentials for making your house a comfortable and relaxing home. I've put together my list of the things you shouldn't live without. They are not listed in any order of importance - just how they flowed out of my head.

1. Lights on Dimmers - Essential for changing the feel and mood of a room. Most lights are too bright without a dimmer. They are especially important in the kitchen, dining room and living room. Good light makes everyone look better.

2. Down Throw (if you live in a cold climate) or Cashmere Throw (if you live in a warm climate)- No family room or media room should be without a blanket that you can curl up under. I've created duvets for my down throws so they can easily be washed. This has been a savior with my two boys. Twin sheets sewn together make a great inexpensive duvet.

3. Upholstered Ottoman - No family room or media room should be without a soft ottoman to rest your feet. I'm partial to tufted leather or a textured linen. It's durable and so much more comfortable than a regular coffee table.

4. Storage - Need I say more? Organized storage is a must. Whether its beautiful built-ins, a walk-in pantry/closet or just a space under your stairs or garage. Organized storage is the key to living a less complicated life. Carve out a little space, buy some metal rolling racks and start organizing. The day to day tasks will become easier - I promise.

5. Small Movable Tables - No living room should be without 2-3 small movable tables. When you have extra company at the holidays or for a party, these make it easy to make sure all your guests have somewhere to put their drinks. You can even move them into a bedroom as a bedside table. The options are endless.

6. Small Movable Chairs or Stools - Again, no house should be without at least 3-4 movable chairs or stools. You can move them around a dinner table, or add extra seating to the living room. When combined with the movable tables, you can add true seating to any entertaining situation.

7. Large Down-Filled 20x20 or 22x22 Pillows - These are a staple for any sofa, whether its in the living room or family room. Down-filled pillows allow you to relax into the sofa without springing off like you do with a poly-filled pillow. Plus, they look better over time as they add a relaxed, casual element. Go to your local craft store and buy the insert - find the fabric you love at your pricepoint- and have someone make you a custom pillow. It's worth the extra money as it will change the look of your sofa.

8. Great Wood Windows and French Doors - I know, wood isn't always the most practical, but they are the foundation of your house. They add instant architecture and character to any room. They can dramatically alter the appearance and value of your house. While they are more expensive and may entail more work down the road, they are worth it! Don't skimp on your windows and doors. I never meet a wood-mullioned window I didn't like.

9. Personal and Authentic Artwork - I think artwork that evokes a personal reaction or connection is essential to making your house, your home. Forget all those mass produced posters or prints. Take your time, buy authentic, and buy what you love. Shop antique stores and thrift shops. Shop your local arts and craft fair and support a local artist. It doesn't matter where you find it or how much it costs - it only matters that you love it every time you look at it.

10. Wainscoting - Whether it's bead board or the more traditional picture-frame molding, every house could use some wainscoting. It warms up the space, adds texture, and finishes the room. It can also help define the space for pictures or artwork in a hallway or staircase. Try it in a powder room - it will elevate the space immediately.

11. Real Plants and Flowers - Nothing beats the real thing. No fake flowers or plants allowed - ever. If you have a brown thumb like me, look for easy care plants like Ferns, Orchids, Boxwoods, Cypress, or Peace Lilys to name just a few.

12. Easy Care Dining Chairs - This is an essential ingredient for a house with small kids. I can't believe the great options available today in faux or real leather. It comes in all colors, metallics, textures, patterns and price-ranges. When your kids or guests spill, you just wipe them down. I have faux crocodile on my kitchen chairs and it's been a life saver. I don't have to worry about washing slipcovers or spot cleaning anymore. Its so elegant - no one will ever think you are being practical.

13. Great Books - Every house needs great books. Bookcases filled with novels and coffee tables stacked with coffee table books. You will never have an excuse to not sit down, curl up and read. Plus, books tell the story of the person who lives in the house. Without them, you might as well live in a hotel.

14. Serene Master bedroom - Everyone needs a room that is clutter-free and relaxing. A space they can call their own. A room where they can hear themselves think. For me, this is the hardest room in the house to keep uncluttered and serene. However, when I can get it to that point, it makes a difference about how I feel in my house. Remove the piles of magazines, pair-down the amount of pictures, organize your closet. Only have what you need in this room. Make sure you have great comfortable bedding and good lighting.

15. Wine and Cheese - For me, no house if complete without a good supply of wine and cheese. Life's little pleasure. With a supply on hand you're ready for anything or anyone.

What do you think? Did I miss something that you can't live without?
Hope you're having a good weekend.