Elegant Nursery

Source: babylifestyles.com via Kimber on Pinterest

Love the way this nursery is designed. Using white makes it feel pure and natural. By furnishing with mirrored pieces gives the nursery an elegant style, while keeping it baby-friendly. The shag rug also gives a soft textuire and brings in something playful.

To paint the ceiling or not?

The ceiling is the fifth wall and many decorators and designers feel that keeping the ceiling white is like “throwing a sheet over the room” (Christopher Lowell said that years ago). But there are a few conditions to consider before painting the ceiling anything other than white:

1) Is your ceiling heavily textured? In many old houses, the ceiling is patterned (and God forbid, “popcorned”) and therefore very difficult to paint well. Also, painting it anything other than white will call attention to it and maybe that’s not what you want. One solution is to have your ceilings replastered to match your walls and painted, but if that’s out of the question, I would stick with white.

2) Is your ceiling a smooth plaster? If so, you should definitely paint it. How lucky you are! >

2A) Is your ceiling really high? If so, you can paint it virtually any color that goes with the rest of the room. If you’d like to bring the ceiling down visually, consider a color darker than your wall color or a warm color (both will advance and appear to bring the ceiling down to a level that’s more in scale with your room). Also consider adding crown moulding if it’s not already there. The moulding will also bring the ceiling down by calling your eye’s attention to it. And it really finishes the room.

2B) Is your ceiling low or average height? Consider painting it a tint of the wall color. If your walls are a medium blue, then your ceiling would be the very lightest blue on the color swatch or even lighter (white with a dash of blue). This will help to round out the room and make the ceiling part of the overall decor — not just that white sheet over the top.

3) Does your room have enough light? Bright white ceilings do help bounce light back into the room so if your room is already dark, pay special attention to the ceiling color. White can be used effectively, but light tints on the ceiling will also reflect light. Just avoid a ceiling color that is going to absorb all the light and leave the room dark.

4) Are you painting a guest bath? I like to paint the wall color right up over the ceiling in a guest bathroom. Doing that makes the room feel larger by blending the walls and ceiling together and avoiding sharp lines and corners.

5) Are you painting a bedroom? In what other room do we lie around and stare at the ceiling? Why not paint it something interesting. In a bedroom, the sky’s the limit (literally) — from puffy blue clouds on a backdrop of sky blue to a quilt of squares in different colors. And in kids’ rooms, the ceiling is just one more space to use your creativity.

Organizing Pantry

Get It Done: How to Clean Out the Pantry

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Bath Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bath Mats · Bathroom Faucets · Bathroom Mirrors · Bathroom Sinks · Bathroom Vanities And Sink Consoles · Bathtubs · Toilets · Towel Bars And Hooks ·

Decorating with different patterns

Because you will more than likely repaint your children's rooms several times as they grow up and their tastes change, the sky's the limit when it comes to your creativity and color use. For a younger child, try bold colors and large, geometric shapes. Be sure to ask your child what his favorite shapes and colors are before beginning.

Cozy up

Love the idea of creating a bench-style seating at the base of a staircase. Gives a cozy look and it also works as a functional space for when kids need to put on their shoes in the morning.

Source: homedesignpins.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Soft color palette

Neutrals and blues give a room a tranquil and relaxing vibe. If you feel it's not enough color, pop in some coral whether it's a pillow, throw blanket or accessory piece.

Why work with an Interior Designer

https://twitter.com/christinahaire/status/256073498492035072

Using different textures of pillows on a sofa

Shades of Grey

Source: houzz.com via Erica on Pinterest

Grey wall colors look sophisticated and elegant, and they can have a peaceful, calming effect on a room. But depending on the undertone, each grey also has its own distinctive characteristics. For example, pure greys are clean and crisp; bluish greys are pretty and light-hearted; green-based greys are more serious and grounded, while greys with purple undertones add a touch of mystery and warmth to a room. Grey walls look best when they have a chalky, flat finish. A glossy sheen does look sleek, but it also brings out the coldness in greys. Deep, dark grey color looks stunning in powder rooms, formal dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms (but it needs to be balanced with white or cream) as shown above.

Stacked pumpkins for porch

Love this idea of stacking pumpkins in your favorite planter or urn. Even add foliage to the bottom under the pumpkins.

Source: momdesigner.blogspot.com via Tiffany on Pinterest

How to transform your closet into a pantry

Instructions 1 Choose a closet near your kitchen. Any closet will work, but you'll quickly grow tired of trekking food across the house every time you want something, especially if you have to go to another floor. For this reason, bedroom closets and storage trunks tucked in the basement rarely make good pantry storage. 2 Pull all stored items out of the closet and find them new homes. Remove any shelving, hooks or hanger bars you won't be using. 3 Repair any damage (such as holes in the drywall) if necessary. Once all drywall patches are dry and sanded smooth, use a mixture of hot water and vinegar to scrub the entire closet. Don't forget the ceiling and floor. It's important to remove any insects and their waste. Paint the closet if desired. This task is much easier before shelving installation. 4 Use a stud finder to install heavy duty adjustable metal shelving bars in your pantry cabinet. Adjustable bars work best because you can reposition the shelves as needed over time. Keep the bars close together and always in studs; they must withstand a lot of weight. Bars installed in drywall alone are not safe to handle the weight of pantry storage. 5 Measure the size of your new pantry cabinet. Purchase pre-fab shelving and brackets to fit. (Bear in mind the wider the shelf, the less sturdy it becomes.) You can also cut your own shelves for a custom fit if preferred. Use treated lumber at least 1/2-inch thick; sand, polyurethane and lightly sand again once dry. Wipe shelves clean. 6 Bring out your largest food storage containers. Use them to help with shelf placement. Place the bottom shelf first and work your way up. Adjust shelving as desired and fill your new pantry. Tips & Warnings Be certain shelf width is appropriate for the brackets. If the shelving is too narrow, you'll end up with a gap at the back that small items can fall through.

How much should your kitchen remodel cost?

http://fb.me/1cmc7JA6q

Inventive way to utilize an unused closet...

Source: housetweaking.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Breakfast nook

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Beach House Project Renovation.

All Before photos. Stay tuned for this massive remodeling/decorating design. I'll be keeping an online journal of every step that goes into a project of this size. Should be fun!

Tween Bedroom Idea

Add a little funk to a girl's tween bedroom by incorporating a shag chair or pillow. It gives a fun twist that your daughter can appreciate for years to come.

Kitchen Renovation

Deciding on a backsplash for your kitchen? Using glass gives it a contemporary twist without fighting the classic lines. Glass is also cost-effective and gives a clean look with no grout or grimy corners. When using glass, you should use tempered glass for behind a range. It will cost extra, but it's worth it in the long run. Glass can crack with extreme heat.

Arcadian Lighting

Hello! I’m Jessica with Arcadian Lighting, which is a wonderful online source for beautiful and affordable ceiling lights, wall sconces, and other lighting fixtures! I’m delighted to be guest posting on Downs Interiors today because I’d like to share a collection of rooms that feature mirrors in order to create drama and interest. I hope you enjoy!

An ornate gilded mirror frame against a rich gray wall color certainly adds a lot of drama to this dining room. The sparkling chandelier offers a welcome bit of brightness to the room.

Intricate etchings and elaborate detailing on this lovely bathroom mirror adds beautiful detail to this simple room. The multifaceted mirror makes a great focal point.

The dramatic black mirror frame in this chic vanity contrasts beautifully with the shimmering wall tiles. A petite chandelier hangs before the mirror, adding an extra bit of elegance.

The collection of gorgeous mirrors in this room creates quite a stunning focal point. The colorful bedding creates a vibrant energy for the otherwise all-white room.

The modern pendant light could easily add enough drama for this trendy living room, but the mirror frame and traditional fireplace create a truly unique environment. A piece of driftwood on the mantle provides a natural touch.

The symmetrical wall of mirrors helps create a very modern feel in this bedroom. A pair of rustic nightstands add some beautiful natural texture to the room.

The dramatic size of the mirrors, set side-by-side, tower over the seating in this cool living room. The mirrors help make the room feel even more spacious, as well.

The weathered mirrors propped against the wall in this bedroom creates a faux window. The ghost chair is a charmingly chic addition. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

What do you think of using mirrors to create drama in a room? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to stop by Arcadian Lighting for a brilliant pendant light or wall sconce for your home!

Tip for de-cluttering Garage

http://bit.ly/Nwmpgm

Vibrant colors

Something as small as a vase or 3 is a great way to bring color into your space.  If you have a tan sofa, add colorful throw pillows or a blanket to spruce it up.  Don't be afraid of colors.  It gives rooms personality.  Shown below are 3 beautiful vases in different heights that I think would make great statement pieces whether it be on a coffee table, end table, or console.

Don't let wallpaper scare you!

Adding a pattern to one of the walls in a room is an easy and effective way to create a focal wall. You can use stencils or tape to paint a pattern on your wall, but doing so can be time consuming and difficult to get the spacing right. While wallpaper takes time to hang, there are a great deal of design possibilities, and you don't have to worry about painting the pattern yourself. To find the right pattern, consider the style of the rest of the room. A floral pattern is an attractive option for a soft, romantic bedroom, while a bold, striped pattern may be the ideal choice for a modern living room. Visit a home inprovement store to see what wallpaper patterns are available, and see what calls out to you.

3 of these mirrors over upholstered bed

This mirror will look beautiful as a set of 3 hung over upholstered bed.  It will soften up the rectangle of the headboard and give it symetrey.  I can't wait for these porthole mirrors to come in for my client.

Howard Elliott Soho 21" Convex Decorative Round Wall Mirror | LampsPlus.com

Small Space Solutions for Every Room

Design Small Rooms to Multitask

If your house is too small to meet all your needs, gear spaces for double duty. A daybed anchors this living room by mimicking the look of a trendy, extra-deep designer sofa -- and scores space for guests to sleep. Look for a daybed with a solid back for all-day lounging support. Cap off the ends with a pair of bolster pillows to imitate the rolled arms of a sofa. Two small tables work together as a larger coffee table but move aside easily to give guests more space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose Small-Scale Furnishings

Small spaces are quickly overwhelmed by large or overstuffed furnishings. Choose neatly upholstered pieces with compact frames and slimmed-down, leggy pieces without skirted bottoms that allow you to see through them to the walls and floors. In this living room, a pair of low-profile chairs eliminates heavy arms that take up visual space and interrupt movement through the conversation area. The open area under the lightweight side table gives the illusion of space. And petite upholstered stools maintain the small scale.

 

Combining styles in any room......

A well decorated home is one unified whole with rooms that blend and relate to each other like members of a family.
When you are dealing with furniture, the whole collection must take priority over individual pieces. It is easy to fall under the enchantment of an antique piece of furniture, but you have to consider how it will fit in with everything else. Plus, you have to ask whether it meets your needs. Everybody loves to buy new things, but before you bring in new furniture you must figure out whether to take advantage of what you already have.
You may want to restore or renovate the external appearance of furniture if it is shabby or drab. Decorating is not merely throwing out the old and bringing in the new objects. New furniture is certainly attractive, not to mention pricey, if you were to search second-hand market and antique stores, you would probably come across some surprising pieces of furniture that add a touch of distinction to your home. Remember, that some old furniture has more personality than new designs and can be a source of inspiration as you seek to create your own decorating scheme.

The general rule is that if you have one unique piece of antique furniture, the other, more reserved pieces, should stay out of the limelight. In bigger rooms you can place two or three pieces of antique furniture without overdoing it. Decorating a home is a lifelong process that changes as you adjust. It’s an unfolding experience that lets you express yourself. Enjoy the time you spend doing it.

Office Project BEFORE photos

This was the office BEFORE. Did not like the green on walls, so I lightened it up with a buttery cream that you can see in my AFTER photos. It made the room look 2x as large. Bookcase arrived today so I will be posting pics of it soon.

New Project

I just started on a new project for a loft space.  It's a combined living space of a dining room, living room and kitchen.  She also wants me to design her master bedroom.  I just purchased the chandelier below for her foyer.  It's a small foyer so I didn't want anything too over-the-top.  My client's style is modern, streamline with a color palette of corals, grey blues, and creams.  I will be keeping a journal of progression of the project.  Stay tuned......

From Little Girl room to Big Girl room

From Little Girl room to Big Girl room

How quickly children grow.  Just like that, my 9 year old wanted her room to look more "sophisticated" then babyish.  I was hesitant, only because that meant to me that she is getting older.  i wanted to hold onto that little girl image a little longer because before you know it, she'll be a teenagerand then a young adult. 

I did sit down with her to see what her vision was for her room and she gave me her color palette which was blues, browns and creams.  I eliminated a lot of her stuffed animals, knick-nacks, any type of clutter to give her a clean look.  What we both came up with was a modern yet shabby chic style which we both agreed on.  It all came together nicely and hopefully, this bedroom will grow with her into her teenage years.

Home office project

Office space AFTER pictures.  This is phase 2.  Painting has been already completed. The desk has been delivered.  I bought a few accessories, but the major things to get are window treatments and flooring.  You really don't need an absorbent amount of time when decorating or designing a room in your home.  A lot of people get intimated when thinking of putting a room together.  As long as you have a vision which you can get from reading design magazines or checking out pictures online. 


Here is Phase 2 of the Home Office:



Home office

Parisian take on a little girl's bedroom

My Daughter's Bedroom

This is my newly designed bedroom for my daughter Emma.  All she wanted was a pink room.  I incorporayted black and white to add a little sophistication.  She is now 7, but I want this room to grow with her.  I can always change up the accessories to give it an teen vibe once she gets older.  The most important thing was, she was very happy with it which ultimately is all that matters. 

Doing what I love.....

Just like a lot of women or men these days, I love decorating my home.  Always did, even back when I got my own bedroom as a little girl.  I wanted to put my own touches into it.  As I got older, and got my own house with my husband and kids, my love for decoration soared.  I always found myself buying all the Design magazines in supermarkets, driving around looking at other people's homes. eyeing my friends furnishings, and of course, the fun part, shopping!  I am always in and out of furniture stores, flea markets, Homegoods, where ever I can find items for the home. 

After my kids got a little older, I found myself with more time.  I through myself into decorating our new @nd home from top to bottom.  Everything from paint, to floors, furniture, bedding, window treatments, and accessories.  It all came together beautful.  I then would have friend's say how beautiful this room  was and how they can never envision what I've done.  I would b e asked to assist friend's with their own homes and actually do personnel shopping for them.  From there, it just snow balled into a little business. 

When I am decorating, I am 100% focused.  It's alomst like I have tunnel vision.  I see the vision, and it's my job to see it through. 

Well, that's me in a nutshell.  Hope you enjoyed reading my blog and hopefully it gives you the inspiration to do what you love to do......

Lisa