Be BOLD

No room for scaredy cats here! This inspiration board is my idea of what is hot and fantastic RIGHT NOW!  Mix, mix, mix! Pattern, pattern, pattern! Texture, texture, texture! Be BOLD. This look is all about mixing and matching, but also being able to find that common ground. My common ground is black and white. It ties everything together and makes everything work beautifully with one another regardless of the pattern. You do want to have some variations. I first started with my “inspiration” fabric. This happens to be the beautiful purple patterned one I have chosen to put on a chair. I wanted to keep my sofa clean but I needed some interest so I chose a grey textured upholstery with sort of a rustic, canvasy feel, grabbing ones attention but not stealing the show. I needed some fun… so BOOM! Zebra upholstered square ottoman!-Creating the perfect marriage between the sofa and chair. For my drapery I knew I wanted something airy but I also wanted to pull in one last pattern… ta duh! Gorgeoussssss black, white and grey airy floral print drapery set upon my punch of color… LIME GREEN accent wall!-Perfect complementary color! The hard part is over, accessorizing is easy breezy! I chose some fab accent pillows, and a funky frame, mirror and vase of fun flowers turning this space into a BOLD but beautiful seating area! Fun right!?

The National Opera House turned Steelpan Academy

First and foremost, please excuse my lack of blogging during the past week or so... one word. Finals.

So anyways... for one of my larger projects this quarter I have been working on the restoration and transformation of The National Opera House located in the Homewood area of Pittsburgh, PA. The National Opera House is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status, whose primary goal is to restore and maintain the original National Negro Opera House in order to teach culture through arts and music to the youth of its local communities. The programs of the Opera House are designed to create a bridge between members of the community of every age, race, background, and interest through music. These goals will be achieved through the creation and operation of the first school for steelpan performance in the state of Pennsylvania. For more information on this historic building, or perhaps to donate please refer to the following link! http://www.nationaloperahouse.org/

For my design proposal I have focused on first restoring this building as much as possible to it's original state and really focusing on the Queen Anne style elements in the architecture of the building, and then applying that over all look to my interior designs with a more updated, transitional style and decor! Check out my proposal boards below to really get an idea of my vision for the space!

Enlarged 3D Renderings

Quote of the day:

     "Remember, color is not just color, but mood,   

  temperature and structure." 

-Van Day Truex

Remember my Moroccan inspired board?

Check out this awesome DIY project I found on Design Sponge to complete your Moroccan look!

 

Love these? You can do it yourself! 

Refer to the link below for materials, instructions and more information!

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2011/03/diy-project-moroccan-lanterns.html
 

Traditional Living Room

Traditional style living rooms are typically used as a sitting room or parlor area. Or in other words, the room without the flat screen. When designing with a traditional style in mind there are a few key elements to keep in mind that may help. The look is traditionally more formal with classically designed furniture arranged in an inviting way for entertaining, whereas modern living rooms or family rooms are typically designed for informal family gatherings and tv viewing. When you're designing your traditional space it's a good idea to incorporate a mix of both traditional and modern elements to create a space that is usable and comfortable. Decorative wooden legs such as the chair above give the room an instant look of timelessness and tradition. Soft lines such as the curved back and arms on the sofa above give the traditional look whereas most modern pieces of furniture are made made of hard, straight lines. Instead of arranging your furniture to focus on something such as a television, create a layout that is conducive to conversation. Include antique elements, or faux-antiques such as the chandelier and sconces above to bring a look of age and tradition to the space. Last but not least- dramatic window treatments. Because traditional living rooms were used for entertainment of important guests, window treatments were often designed to add a touch of drama to the room.Create this look with heavy, rich fabrics arranged in a way such as the sketch above. Use my few pointers and you're on your way to a gorgeous and timeless traditional living room.

Quote of the day:

"Design is not just what it looks and feels like. 
Design is how it works."

-Steve Jobs

The LOOK for LESS

 

So do not get me wrong... you get what you pay for! But when you're on a budget and you see something you love, but just can't afford chances are there is something very similar to that piece out there that is much more affordable! Yes- it probably won't last as long, but in some cases does it really matter? In the case of a sofa? Yes. In the case of a mirror or vase (something that isn't subject to daily wear and tear)? Not really. In my opinion if you trying to watch your spending, which we all are these days, then spend a little more on the important things and maybe a little less on the accessories. Look for sales. Look for similar pieces. Don't jump on that one chair because you love it and then feel guilty about it later! Look around. Wait, and like I said chances are there will be another piece very similar out there at much lesser price point! Now, don't look for 3 years people! You are NOT going to find it EXACTLY the way you saw it at the higher price point!... but maybe low enough to spare on some minor details. Happy shopping! :)

How To: Look Fabulous & Professional on the Job This Season!

Want to look great on the job?! Not sure how to look stylish and professional at the same time? Easy! I'm a true believe that if you feel great and look great then your confidence will really come through and bring out a side of you that is very attractive to those around you! Perfect for sealing the deal or giving that presentation you've been dreading right!? Seriously it's true, as long as your comfortable and feel great your mood will improve! Check out my inspiration board above for some great ideas! Pair a soft print silk blouse with a pencil skirt and a great pair of sling backs! Accessorize with an amazing briefcase, some simple jewelry and complete the look with an easy updo and a soft shade of pink or a neutral polish on the nails (Please no fake nails!-tacky, tacky, tacky!... just file those babies down to just above the finer tip, give them two coats of polish, a sealer and you're good to go!) Go get em' ladies!

Contemporary Chic Living Room

Love this look? Then you are contemporary chic! Creating this look is actually pretty simple, with only a few things to keep in mind... clean lines, sleek, geometric, and shine. When creating this look I knew I wanted to keep my color scheme pretty simple. I decided to focused on white, black and a soft burnt orange with a calm cream paint color and touches of "chic glam" and shine in my accessories, furniture finishes and the nailhead trim on the sofa! I added some geometric printed throw pillows, a sleek wall mirror, a pair of abstract paintings and contemporary shelving to tie it all together, creating this FABULOUS look! Like?

Quote of the day:

"If every piece is perfect the room becomes a museum and lifeless."

--Nancy Lancaster