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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Painted Sample Of Stencil

I will share this one picture with you today of the three samples of acrylic metallic paint I bought to test for the stencil for the dining room. Done on posterboard without the ideal paint rollers but it gives one an idea of the colors. I am planning on a dark wall background and these will have a different effect on a dark wall. At first glance, which color grabs you - top left, top right or bottom?. It was not easy getting the perfect picture because naturally the light reflects off these paints.


More details  and close-ups in my next post.

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.



I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Friday, January 27, 2012

What Is Your Choice Of Headboard?

Before I get to the main content of today's post I wanted to say a quick thank you to those who left comments on the Skypak airline trolley post yesterday. I received an email from Skypak and they also left this comment;
 
 
Hey guys,
thank you so much for the great feedback! We are really happy you guys like what we are doing! If you have further questions feel free to contact us via crew[at]skypak[dot]de
All the best from Germany
Kay from Skypak

For today, a short post with inspirational pictures of headboards. This morning I am meeting a client for a follow-up on an idea for a headboard (among other things). These pictures clearly prove that one's creativity can be put to the test.


Pinned Image
Distressed wood, vintage time-ticker. Anthropologie

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Not sure of source

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Reclaimed wood from floor joists and metal frame. Sundance via Pinterest


Pinned Image


 
 
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Tal Goldstein asian bedroom

I am a huge proponent of green design and came across Kelly's blog, Refreshed Designs, very recently. A newly discovered blogger to me, Kelly shares invaluable ideas and tips on sustainable and affordable design. Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from her post  Green Idea: Creative DIY Headboards where you will find more inspiration. Head on over and check out the rest.
via Molitli 



This next picture begs the question, "How would you feel about no headboard?"

This weekend I will be tackling my dining room stencil paint samples and other projects and we plan on taking the kids to see the new movie, Hugo. I cannot believe we are in the last weekend of January!
Enjoy your weekend! What are your plans?

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa


Thursday, January 26, 2012

An Airline Trolley For Your Home or Office?

A novel idea using airline trolleys as a piece of furniture on wheels customized to suit any space. Skypak founder Peter Jorge Fischer has taken this perfectly utilitarian airline bar cart made from original aviation equipment and has transformed it into a modern, glamourous, fun, unique piece of furniture with interior drawers and shelving in walnut or aluminum. Take a look at some of the luxury pieces the designers have created.

Coffee bar.





Extra storage in the kitchen.


Mini wardrobe....


.... with shoe storage.
 

Airport codes on exterior.
 

Stereo.

Available with company logos.


CD storage unit with custom-built pullout drawers.

 
Industrial glamor - studded with 82,000 Swarovski crystals!!

24-carat gold leaf exterior.

Mosaic tiles by Bisazza Mosaico exclusively for Skypak.


Imagine. From this...


...to this. Style.
All images via. For more details visit Skypak
The airline trolley is clearly multifunctional. The integrity of the original design is not compromised - the trolley is still recognizeable with the hardware, overall frame and the wheels (which adds to its versatility). It would be perfect for small spaces. What could you use one for? I could dress one up inside and out with my jewelry - a perfect storage solution!

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Dining Room Stencil Paint

Back in the Fall I had shared some pictures of the dining room as well as some ideas of what I was contemplating for the walls. Go here and here

I had also purchased this Saida Ikat stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils which I am excited to try above the chair rail.
ikat stencil


Here is a platter from Macau which I want to use as partial inspiration for the walls. It has a lot of pretty colors but I have been toying with the idea of a metallic for the stenciling but in a shade of silver.


Earlier this month I had ordered some acrylic metallic paint samples from Nova Color which sat in this box for a few days by the front door. I did not want to open it until I had taken down my Christmas decorations.

This colorful chart is what I found when I opened the box.

My first thought was that it looks like a chart for some fun nail polish color - I am sure I have tried at least half of these shades at some point!

The samples I ordered are Silver, Stainless Steel and Antique Silver. The Silver and Antique Silver are pearlescent-opaque whereas the Stainless Steel is a metallic. The pearlescent characteristic means the paint will change color depending on how the light hits it (refraction). Opaque will ensure the overall base wall color will not show through the pearlescent color.

I have never tried Nova paints before and am excited to see how these look. I am also working on determining the color of the walls. I am thinking darker for more impact and drama but that will depend on which sample I like best and whether to have the stencil contrast with the wall or be more subtle. I will share more pictures as I make progress with this project. Do you think I should go light or dark on the walls?
If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.
I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Thursday, January 19, 2012

A New Home Decor And Furnishings Website

An exciting new members-only private website featuring home decor items and furnishings from around the globe will be launching tomorrow, Friday, January 20th EST. The site will offer items at up to 70% off retail. The first 1000 registrants will receive up to $25 in free store credit.




Check it out at
and also take a look at their Facebook page at

Register now and you might be one of the first 1000 to register and win some store credit! I look forward to seeing more!

In the beginning, this company will only ship to residents in the U.S. but plan to ship internationally in the future. Apologies to my international readers.  
If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.
I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa
Please Note: I have not been compensated in any way for this post.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Interesting Ways To Display Artwork

There are numerous ways to display artwork effectively. Some of the factors that determine placement are the space/room, the style and size of the artwork, the number of pieces, one's own style, height of the ceiling and so on. Here are some pictures for inspiration with some guidelines to keep in mind.

 Artwork is generally hung too high. In a living room, for example, where most occupants will  be seated, the artwork should be at a level at which those seated can appreciate the piece.
 

Mix things up for interest by placing different items on the wall like in the picture below. If unsure of placement, in this type of grouping, start with the largest piece near the center.

Provide a common denominator
Photo: Thomas J. Story


The occupant of the room is important in determining height placement. In this case, a kid's room with artwork by bedside at eye level.
Embrace unexpected placement
Photo: Lisa Romerein

Negative space in a room like in this case, a corner, can be made much more interesting by adding a mix of artwork.
Use negative space
Photo: Lisa Romerein

Bringing the outdoors in adds calm. Note - the artwork is not centered above the bed but above the nightstand and bed together. It works!
Bring the outside in
Photo: Lisa Romerein

Adding artwork to a shelf can break up the monotony of the shelf display if too large.
Shelve it
Photo: Thomas J. Story

A frame with a personal picture displayed on the kitchen counter warms up the space instantly and can be easily changed.
Surprise with it
Photo: Ericka McConnell

Another effective way is to keep everything at the same level (eye level) to create a linear grouping.
Unify it
Photo: Thomas J. Story

A color scheme (in this case blue, yellow and white) and a symmetrical grouping adds balance.
Yellow and blue gallery arrangement

A tall ceiling allows for a mix of artwork with inches between rather than grouped close together. Note the artwork on table and propped up on floor.

In this room, because of the slanted ceiling the collection has been grouped closer. There is balance with the sizing of pieces on either side of the window.


Scale is very important. A piece or pieces (collectively) should be at least two-thirds the size of furniture it is displayed above.
4 pieces of art above sofa


Visual balance with heavier piece near the bottom.
artwork after being cut up above sofa

Level the middles of the artwork pieces when working within one room and different walls, different sized artwork. 
orange and green living room with white walls and furniture

In the kitchen, artwork should be hung away from water or heat.
White kitchen with artwork

Do not hang a small single piece on an oversized wall. Place it on a narrower wall or as part of a grouping or else it will look lost. For example, good for between doors and windows.
3 pieces of art by window seat

Layering adds a lot of interest and warmth, like on the mantle.
Layered art and accents above mantel

Match your style in terms of choice of artwork and the way to display - symmetrical displays are traditional and formal whereas assymetrical ones are more modern.
dining room with flower artwork

This I love. Propped up artwork.
Picture against nightstand
Lastly, use paper (brown, newspaper) templates to lay out artwork. I use this all the time for clients (even for furniture layouts) as it gives one a better sense of scale and balance.
mapping it out with kraft paper
Courtesy here & here

 
These are just guidelines. There is no perfect way to display art. It is your artwork so make it work for you and make sure you enjoy it. Do you display your artwork in one particular way or do you like to try out different groupings and mixes? Would you now try something new?
If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.
I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa