Design Liz-pirations

Easy ways to make a space feel larger

2012-02-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

You wouldn’t normally think adding something to a space would make it feel larger, but that is just what hanging drapery panels can do. Most windows do not go floor to ceiling in a room, thus leaving wall space above and below the window frame. Our tendency is to take a drapery rod and mount it on or directly above the frame. In that same line of thought, we usually only draw the rod out far enough for the finials to stop at the side edges of the window. What we are left with are window treatments hung tightly around the window and a lot of wall space to spare. Mounting a rod this way can dwarf not only your window, but the whole room , as well.

When I hang window treatments, I take the rod all the way up to the crown molding (if there is no molding, go to the ceiling line). This adds dramatic height and plays up the vertical space in the room. When hanging stationary panels on windows greater than 3ft in width, I recommend foregoing the long rod spanning the window width and instead using two short ones on each end. This is an especially helpful tip if you are using store-bought panels because it creates a sense of fullness. Even for custom made draperies, two small rods looks stunning on a window and the rods appear more substantial. To create the illusion a window is wider than it is, place the rods out to the side of the window frame so that only a portion of the panel is overlapping the window.

The Underground Railroad Quilt

2012-02-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

Last week I had the privilege of hearing a greatspeaker. Kathy Kenimer shared apresentation about the Underground Railroad quilt at the Professional Women’s Forumluncheon. I’ve heard the story of theUnderground Railroad all my life, but never from this perspective. Kathy explained that quilt squares were theform of communication to the slaves as they were fleeing. A particular square hanging on a clothes lineor in the window would act as a sign to get ready to leave, signal whether itwas safe to stop there for the night, or to identify where the slave was to gonext. Before that luncheon, I had noidea the role these fabric creations played in history.

Kathy was dynamic and engaging throughout her time at thepodium. She related elements of thequilt back to life and shared inspirational thoughts with the group. Being as February is Black History month, thetopic was appropriate, but the story was so intriguing and inspiring it couldfit any time of the year. If you have an organization that brings in speakers Ihighly recommend Kathy and this topic! Shoot me an email if you would like her contact information.

Get Organized!

2012-02-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

I asked Chris Hall of Bluegrass Go2Girl to share some organizational tips for your office. She is the queen of helping people de-clutter, create a system and stay organized. Here's the great advice she had to offer:

There has been quite the clamor this first month of 2012 of customers looking to get organized. They are specifically looking to get their office/work space streamlined. These clients understand the importance of getting on “top” of their clutter at the beginning of the New Year. This one task will help them with productivity and stress reduction for the entire year.

The first step and probably the most important one is to get everything OUT of the office space that is not necessary to your daily work tasks. This can often be problematic due to space constraints. Lack of space is quite often the reason for the clutter to begin with. If lack of square footage is your problem it becomes even more important to have a clean, orderly system to work from. Once you determine what needs to be out of your office separating into shred, toss and store piles is the next step. Containers for your “store pile” are often determined by where the information is being stored. I am and have always been a huge fan of the banker box. They are inexpensive easily stacked and labeled. However if moister is potentially an issue you may want to consider plastic containers which you can find at most office supply and discount stores.

Once you have cleared your work space out the next step is to create a system to help you maintain a clean space. Each business is different as far as what information they need to keep for their own daily operational functions and tax purposes. I like to keep it as simple as possible for referencing and for end of the year collection. This is where color coding can be helpful. In my business the personal and business information never co-mingle but if space is of a premium different colored hanging file folders help to separate business from personal. For further simplicity I have sub-folders within my hanging folders, i.e. expenses hanging file folder, sub-folders gas, meals, printing etc. If the system is set up at the beginning of the year it makes it simple to follow and nearly effortless at the end of the year. If your business does a lot of credit card sales you may need 12 folders for each month so it is easy to reference a receipt and again a much easier process at the end of the year.

The biggest problem most people have is not having a plan for success. If you can implement a system now at the beginning of the year and take ownership you will be amazed at the lack of clutter and the inevitable end of the year scramble to put together your information for tax purposes. You and your CPA will be grateful for the early planning to streamline your business and your life.

Chris Hall can be reached through http://bluegrassgo2girl.com/default.htm or by phone at 859.230.2298

Family Home

2012-01-30T10:00:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of working on a project for my friend, Allison, last year. The challenge presented was to turn a house that once belonged to her grandparents into a home for her and her budding family. They were moving from a good sized home in the city to a large plot of land in the country with a house that once was cutting edge but by today’s standards could be considered simple. As you can imagine, there was a lot of sentimental attachment to all elements of the house requiring much consideration for any decisions. Each change had to fast forward the look of the home by 50 years and be a nod to the architectural style, all while keep the family memories made there intact. This was like Christmas to me. So many possibilities were available. Do we go retro to suit the age of the home? Would elegant country be more fitting due to location? How do we blend the needs of a young family with the space available in the house? My mind was reeling with ideas. After weeks of various discussions, a plan was formed. With the skill of many talented carpenters the space took on a new life. Some of my favorite features include:

(bottom photo is before update)
The tall cabinets in the kitchen. No need to replace something that has good bones and can be updated with just a little paint, some nice hardware and beautiful countertops. (left photo is before, right is after)

(bottom photo is before update)
The oversized family room that affords plenty of space for seating guests to watch TV and converse while the play area behind the sofa offers an easy solution to keeping an eye on their son.

Each furniture piece in the house has a story. What I realized during the project was that this house and it’s contents were influential in shaping Allison’s personal style through the years. She and her family couldn’t fit more perfectly in their new home.

While I had a very small hand in the process, I felt so honored to be consulted and to help guide them toward what they have now. When Allison shared photos of the home through her blog, she wrote, “Although I wanted to update things, my heart was a little heavy. What I kept remembering, though, was that both of them would have wanted us to give the house new life. Each time I was there, I could feel my Papa smiling down on us, loving the fact that we were making our mark on a place he loved. I only hope that while we are here, we can honor the memory of Mama and Papa and live a life of which they would be proud.”

Colors and fabrics excite me but words like that are what drives me.

A Lesson in Leadership

2012-01-26T10:27:00.001-05:00

Driving to Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon I was pulled over by an Indiana State Trooper (or “the L.A.W.” according to my husband). It goes without saying that I was less than pleased about this. As he wrote the ticket, I kept my mouth shut so as not to aggravate the situation. This was a difficult feat considering what the officer said to me. When explaining that I was speeding (a fact I’m not refuting), he shared that his own speed was 75 miles per hour in a zone where 70 mph was the limit. He went on to say that the reason I was getting the ticket was because I came up next to him and then proceeded to pass him. The passing was due to cruise control so it was a very slow and steady passing, but I digress. I was appalled! He just openly told me HE was speeding and yet I was being penalized for doing exactly what this enforcer of the law did.

Call me crazy, but I believe if you are in a position to enforce rules, you best abide by them yourself. If I, as a citizen, am expected to obey the law, he as a leader and enforcer should without question have to, as well. A slew of clichés come to mind- practice what you preach; do as I say, not as I do; and the like. I’m aware that life is not fair. And I know I was not in the right in this situation. Those are not my points. As someone who holds leadership roles in organizations from my own business all the way to community service groups I could never imagine asking someone else to do something I wasn’t willing to do myself. In fact, it’s always been my opinion leaders should be held to a higher standard and set good examples for those around them. Now more than ever I will be sure to examine my behaviors so that I keep myself in check. While this officer cost me a little bit of money, I gained much more from him than he knows. I got a valuable lesson in leadership I won’t soon forget.

Exciting News!!

2012-01-23T11:25:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted. The last four weeks have flown by and in preparation for the new year I examined all that I did in 2011. I saw exciting achievements along with some things I want to do differently in the future. One exciting change for 2012 is going to be this blog. We’re going to step it up a notch. Posts will still provide design ideas, tips and trends but there will also be a flair of fashion and inspiration thrown in. My goal is to share more of me with you and to immerse you in all things creative. Periodically guest bloggers will offer their take on things and I have lined up a great list to kick off the first half of the year. You will hear from insiders in the fashion industry, the world of television and experts in design related niches. I am SO excited I can hardly stand it. So be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed so you can stay in the know!

Christmas Vacation

2011-12-22T10:00:00.002-05:00

I'm taking a brief hiatus from blogging until the end of the year. This is my time to relax and visit with family. I hope you make time to do the same! Have a wonderful Christmas and I will see you in 2012.

Unique Holiday Centerpieces

2011-12-19T10:00:00.002-05:00

My husband and I hosted Thanksgiving for his family for the first time this year. I loved it!! One of my favorite parts of the hosting process was setting the dinner table. Gorgeous pumpkins from a local farm adorned various parts of our house throughout October and November, so I gathered them at the base of a fun outdoor lantern stand. (The stand might look familiar since I used it for a July fundraiser event. For that tablescape, I incorporated fresh daisies, appropriate for the summer season.)

The benefit of this lantern stand is that it is tall enough for the lowest lantern to hang above eye level when guests are seated at the table. One element we often overlook when setting the table is the ability for our guests to converse freely. It is important to select a focal point for the table that is low enough to talk over or tall enough to see under. There is nothing worse than sitting down to enjoy a delicious meal and having to peer through the candelabra or flowers to chat with friends.

Here are a few creative ideas that can inspire you to make your own beautiful centerpiece for your Christmas table.

A simple red cloth gathered underneath a grouping of silver candlesticks, hand-carved Santas and a vine of glittery berries makes a stunning centerpiece for a large table.

Clustering pieces that vary in height adds dimension to a centerpiece. Don't be afraid to turn items on their sides to make things more interesting.

For those who prefer something more traditional, gathering a plaid fabric around a beautiful floral arrangement makes any table gorgeous.

Spiffy Stockings

2011-12-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

Some of my favorite Christmas memories include dumping out my stocking and finding chocolate covered coins, other candies and little trinkets come pouring out. Stocking have come a long way since the days of my childhood. Here are a few of my favorites available now:
Pier One Regal Stockings. This reminds me of William and Kate. These stockings have a British feel and a regal color about them.

Pier One Striped High Heel Stocking. For the funky at heart. This stocking is soooo playful!

Ballard Designs Polka Dot/Leopard Print Stocking. A little bit of whimsy and style to adorn your mantle.

Happy stocking hanging!

Color Me Christmas

2011-12-05T10:00:00.003-05:00

As with clothing and home fashion, colors come in and out of style for Christmas. My mother- in- law (very traditional by nature) has started to take notice of the changing color schemes for Christmas and is getting a little bolder. She is venturing away from her traditional deep red poinsettias and gold ribbon for her tree and experimenting with lime green mesh.

Lime green is still holding on as a favorite. You can pair it with the traditional Christmas red and emerald green to create a fun color story for you tree. Combining it with pink makes the decor very whimsical. Silver looks beautiful with this shade of green, as well. There is something about mixing an electric shade of green with a crisp metallic that feels very wintry yet chic.

Rose, white and gold. I refer to this grouping as Victorian because of the feeling it evokes when I see these colors together. They look very romantic and feminine when used together. Throwing in a little blue is a beautiful compliment, as well.

Turquoise and gold is a pairing inspired by the peacock. When feathers started creeping in to Christmas decor, the richness of turquoise began to take hold. Accenting with plum gives you a regal look. The gold serves as a little bling to keep your tree from getting too dark.

Black and silver make great accents to any color scheme. Ornaments or decorative stems in black add a backdrop for the bolder colors to stand out. Silver can do a variety of things. The color can bring a sense of winter when used with other metallics, blue, or citrus colors (like the lime green I mentioned). It can also be used as an accent to beautify more traditional shades- red, rose, or emerald green.

Another mix of colors that has remained popular are the bright jewel tones. I used electric blue, hot pink and purple on a black Christmas tree this year and it was gorgeous! Those colors jumped right off the tree!
Over the past few years I've found it interesting that there isn't just one "hot" color or color combination but several. This year is no exception! Be like my mother-in-law, lose your inhibitions about Christmas and go for a new color scheme.

Christmas Trends

2011-12-01T11:31:00.000-05:00

It's finally December so I can talk about one of my favorite things: Christmas!!! This time of year is so exciting with the shopping and the festive decorations. And I'm lucky enough to get to adorn many people's homes in Christmas decor. I've already completed two homes and have several left to do in the coming weeks. Every year I read the trade magazines and blogs, attend market and gather info to discover what new items will be popular and what unique ideas there are to make my client's decor even more stunning than last year. Now I'm excited to share them with you!

Traditional tree toppers are going by the wayside. Instead of topping a tree with an angel or a star, people are using decorative stems. Creating a cluster of stems at the top of the tree adds extra height and keeps the top from getting too narrow and boring. You can take a mixture of items and work them in together to create a visually stunning topper. The best part is you can't mess it up. You simply stick the stems down into the tree and twist some small branches around them to keep them in place. If the branches don't cooperate you can always buy green pipe cleaners, Ribbon intertwined with the stems is also pretty. Here's an example of a tree I did that incorporated a funky topper full of stems.

Burlap is staying strong even now that Fall is over. I devoted an entire post to this fabulous textile a few months back. I've used burlap in wreathes and in ribbon form for a tree. Burlap pairs very well with shiny ribbon or ornaments to juxtapose two completely different textures.

Feathers are still a hot commodity like they have been in previous years. You have an assortment to choose from- peacock, pheasant, brightly colored feathers to suit any color scheme. You can bend and shape them so they are exactly how you want them. Feathers are fun to incorporate in wreathes, garland or your tree topper to make the item (tree, wreath or garland) appear fuller and larger.

You can't go wrong with incorporating food into the Christmas decorating. As long as it's the right kind of food. I'm not talking about mashed potatoes or turkey. Berries and apples have always been prevalent in holiday wreathes, garlands and centerpieces. They are especially appropriate in dining rooms and kitchens. This year artichokes are joining the ranks. The layered skin adds depth to decorations and the texture looks beautiful next to evergreen needles.

Come back Monday to read about the popular colors for this Christmas!

Not your Grandma's Fireplace

2011-11-28T10:15:00.011-05:00

This is the time of year I really miss not having a fireplace! Since I don’t have one, I start admiring other people’s and take note of how their surrounds look. My favorite fireplace surrounds tend to be the ones that aren’t plain Jane and ordinary.

This surround was painted by a local artist and friend of mine, Natalie Brockman. The intricate carving, metallic accents and creamy marble-look make this surround a piece of art!

Simple and clean is what comes to mind when I see this fireplace. I love the miniature tiles running around the hearth and up the wall.

Another faux painting job done by yours truly. This surround had tile on the hearth and up the inside of the built-ins. However, the builder chose not to put any on the wall between the fireplace and mantle. It looked so awkward! My savvy client simply called me in to paint squares that mimicked her tile. Now you can’t tell the difference.

Old School

2011-11-17T09:45:00.000-05:00

Classrooms are leaving chalkboards behind and opting for dry erase boards and even smart boards. I, on the other hand have found a new appreciation for chalkboards! There are a slew of ideas that involve using chalkboard paint and creating a writing area on the wall to hold your grocery list or to let your children get creative. More recently, though, the idea of having a writing area on your drinking glass has popped up. You can buy glasses with a strip of chalkboard material on the side of the glass. For parties or large gatherings, this allows people to write their name on the glass to avoid mixing up drinks. For stemware, instead of placing the chalkboard on the side, the paint can be applied to the base of the glass. This allows the beauty of the drink or the glass itself to be seen.

As we move into the Christmas season, I am busy painting a variety of ornaments and glassware that people often buy as gifts. This year I am excited to add the chalkboard glasses to that offering. People are loving the concept and are ordering pairs to give to friends as hostess gifts.

Is it too Fall???

2011-11-14T10:00:00.003-05:00

A large number of people, including myself are using warm earth tones in their home. I would venture to say that gold, in one shade or another, is replacing the taupe we saw throughout the early 2000s. The transition started with the Tuscan movement we had about 5 years ago. Everyone was in love with the plaster walls, wine inspired art and deep colors. Now some of the colors remain the same but the vibe is less Tuscan and more relaxed. People desire to make their home a warm, inviting place that they want to spend time in.

One client, who has these warm tones in her home, asked me if her home was too "Fall". I looked around a few moments and assured her that it was not. Yes, some of the colors mimicked those of the leaves on the trees outside, but she had a good mix of non- Fall colors to balance out the space. Shortly after this discussion I was reading Better Homes & Gardens magazine and ran across a blurb that addressed my client's concern. I couldn't agree more with what I read! If you have apace that is predominantly red, gold, orange or warm brown you can balance it out with accents of blues and greens. These colors are still very natural and earthy but they "cool" down the color scheme. Since blue is not a color you see on the foliage during Fall , it helps you avoid being "too Fall."

The New Flower

2011-11-10T08:12:00.000-05:00

I've been seeing gorgeous arrangements all over Pinterest and in magazines. I wouldn't call them floral arrangements because they don't contain many, if any , flowers. the focal point of the pieces are bare tree braches. No leaves on the branches, just beautiful, shapely arms stretching out from the trunk. It may sound barren, but look at these arrangements to see how you can blend the branches with other greenery to end up with a beautiful conversation piece!

A Fall ensemble that creates drama and interest for a mantle in a vaulted great room. The branch will provide the serious height we needed for a room with high ceilings.

A pair of these will create a winter wonderland in any room. It's the perfect balance of traditional (with the gilded greenery), trendy (tree branch) and dazzling (the metallic shades that play with the light). They will be used as part of Christmas decor in a formal room with a variety of gold silver and pink decorations.

All of the pieces shown above were custom created for my clients. I worked closely with my floral designer to find just the right pieces to compliment the decor of the homes we were working in. After the pieces were complete, my floral gal shared with me that before we made the arrangements, not too many people were interested in the tree branch. They didn't understand how to incorporate it into their decor. After our pieces were complete, the branches are selling like wildfire. We gave people some vision and they ran with it.

Brick House

2011-10-24T10:00:00.001-04:00

I am partial to brick homes. I love the rich look the deep red colors bring to the exterior of a traditional house. I think the whitewashed brick shade gives a house a casual feel that is so inviting. If you had asked me a few years ago about painting brick, I would have said “don’t do it!”. However, I’ve changed my tune.

It is becoming a frequent occurrence for a home to not be entirely brick. In an effort to save money, many homeowners use brick on the front of the house but are placing siding along the sides and back. Others may use brick for the first floor and siding for the second floor. (NOTE- I am not referring to the well-designed Charleston style homes that tastefully use shakes and brick together.) Due to this mix & match trend, I think painting the brick is a great idea.

A home can look awkward to have tan siding and red brick paired together. An effective solution is to paint both the brick and the siding so the color of the house is unified. Using a continuous color makes the structure look larger, as well. One of my favorite shades for the exterior is Sherwin Williams’ Ruskin Room Green (0042). Coating a home with this color and placing tan, black or even red shutters on it is gorgeous! Another popular option is painting a house a warm tan (like Sherwin Williams Camelback 6122) and using black shutters. Paint allows for a major transformation in the look of a house at a significantly smaller price than making structural changes.

A litlle bit of Monica in my life....

2011-10-20T10:00:00.002-04:00

My husband jokingly (or so he says) calls me Lizzy Limits. I freaked out one time because we passed an Amish horse & buggy on a two lane road with a double yellow line. I emphatically explained that the double yellow line indicates it is dangerous to pass at that time. Through his tears of laughter, he assured me that we would be fine. He was right. But I still didn’t like breaking the rule.

Because of my Type- A tendencies, I have been compared to Monica Geller many times in my life. I like to follow the rules (illustrated by my previous story). I love to make lists and gather great satisfaction from checking items off of those lists. And I tend to be a little overzealous when it comes to tidiness in my home. I have sets of coasters strategically placed about our house. I like to preserve the beauty of the furniture we have and don’t want to find sticky Mountain Dew residue rings on the furniture. When we have a drink in the living room, the cup does not rest on the wood or glass top of a table, it settles on top of a stylish coaster. Coasters are inexpensive, but do a lot to protect the items in your home. Brightly colored coaster with family photos can make it exciting for kids. They will want to use the coaster and it will create a good habit in them. If you want to support your favorite sports team, get logo-ed coasters. Stores offer fancy marble ones or inexpensive rubber ones. For all the other Monicas out there- you can even find coasters for the drink holders in your car (I have some!). There is a coaster for every style, and price range.

Leaf Plans

2011-10-18T10:00:00.005-04:00

Growing up we had two giant oak trees in our yard- one in the front of the house and one directly behind. We never had a shortage of leaves to rake. My friends and I liked to get creative and see what formations we could make. One day we came up with the idea of creating a floor plan out of the fallen leaves. We mimicked the concept of a bird’s eye view builder plan and used the whole yard to create our massive house. We were very thorough leaving openings to act as doorways (you can’t just walk through walls, of course). For authenticity, I spray-painted the image of a front door on the trunk of the oak tree in the backyard. At the time, I didn’t know that spray paint wouldn’t wash off the next time it rained. We spent hours in the yard after school changing the color of our bathroom, choosing where the sofa sat in the living room and lying on our beds made from leaves reading our favorite books. Our imaginations ran wild.

My love for creating beautiful homes, runs deep. Memories like this one are why I love Fall so much. It is the season that seemed to influence me more than any other when it comes to designing.

Happy Fall!

Bonkers for Burlap

2011-10-13T10:00:00.004-04:00

Hitting the scene hot and heavy has been burlap. Everywhere I look, I see burlap throw pillows, tableclothes, bulletin boards and signs. If you flip open a Ballard Designs catalog there are pages devoted to products made from this fine fabric. If you search for burlap items on Pinterest, a world of photos show up. I have always loved the visual texture provided by this natural fiber. It brings such rustic beauty to a dinner table when placed with fine china. You can shred it into pieces and tie it off to make a welcoming wreath for your front door. People are getting very creative with their application and I couldn't be more excited!

One of my favorite items I have found is burlap ribbon. It is available in an assortment of colors and widths perfect for a Fall wreath or your Christmas tree. The beauty of burlap is that it can be used for indoor or outdoor decoration. One friend is using shiny gold mesh and turquoise burlap in her tree to create not only a gorgeous color palette, but an interesting mix of textures and finishes. I encourage you to be creative when experimenting with burlap. You never know what you might come up with!

Southern-ize It!

2011-10-10T10:00:00.008-04:00

On a call with a new client the other day she said to me, “All my friends have these beautiful Southern homes. I just don’t know how to do that. Can you help me?” I knew exactly what she was referring to- a sense of warmth and beauty that overtakes you as soon as you walk in the door. It’s hard to put your finger on and everyone views it a little differently. What does having a Southern home mean to you??

When I think Southern, I think about the symbol of the pineapple, delicious smells of homemade meals wafting out of the kitchen, and furniture pieces with a story. I also think of Southern hospitality and how a home should support that. A Southern home should feel complete but not overdone. Be beautiful but not stuffy. It should envelope you while within its walls, but not suffocate you. A Southern home should be just like a Southern woman- perfectly put together while making it look effortless.

So that is the mission I am charged with for my client: Southern-izing her home. We are beginning to tackle the house room by room until we have that effortless, inviting space she wants to show off to her friends.

Does your home evoke your idea of Southern? If so, cheers to you! If not, happy Southern-izing!

Best Dressed

2011-10-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

I love all things fashion. In college I studied Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles which offered an emphasis on fashion while still being very applicable to the interior design world I am in now. In my opinion dressing a room is very similar to dressing yourself. There are a few key pieces that you must have to be on point.

The Rug- A rug in a room is like good undergarments on a lady. That is your foundation for a good room. Your outfit would be ruined if you had on a super-cute dress but didn’t wear seamless undies. Or imagine how awful a shirt would look if (not to be too crass) your bra were too small. We are appalled by this, but everyday people buy rugs that are too small for their space. Don’t skimp on size!

Quality furniture- Trendy is fun, but it can be costly to keep up. If we only buy clothing that is the latest trend, we would be shopping and spending a lot. Our best bet is to find quality pieces that will stand the test of time that we can update with trendier accessories. The same is true with furniture. By selecting some classic upholstered pieces we set ourselves up to bring in trends through other elements in the room. This helps us to avoid being unhappy with our sofa when newer models come into the stores.

Glitz & Glam- Everyone has their preferred level of WOW! when it comes to accessories. With some people, you can’t put enough diamonds on them. With others, a simple pair of stud earrings and their wedding ring is all they choose to wear. I, myself, fall somewhere in the middle. I think accessories are where you can afford to play around with trends and get a little funky. Accessories in the home are not all that different from those we wear in fashion. We have pillows, window treatments, candlesticks, finials, etc to layer upon the furniture just like we have bracelets, necklaces, belts, scarves and leggings to create a layered outfit on ourselves.

Conversation pieces- I use my shoes as conversation pieces. When the sky is dark and dreary but I am wearing a black & gray ensemble, I throw in bright yellow shoes for cheer. I rarely select a plain shoe. I’m gazing into my closet now and don’t see one pair that doesn’t have an oversized buckle, a fun texture or sheen, or a bold color to it. The same should hold true for your art. Select pieces that catch your eye and lead you around the room. Think about what has meaning to you, what makes you feel comfortable and what might strike up conversation with your guests. Those are the pieces you want on your walls. Don’t feel like you have to put the same thing up all over. Not every pair of shoes you have goes with every outfit, and your artwork won’t naturally fit in every room. Mix it up with mirrors, painting, photos and framed prints.

Think about some of these things and how you’ve dressed your house. Does it really reflect you?

I Didn't Start The Fire (he did)

2011-10-03T11:52:00.000-04:00

About this time last year, the hubs and I were at his family reunion. When the sun set, the party moved to the back of his parents farm for a bonfire. This was definitely not your run-of-the-mill fire. My father-in-law set aside a massive pile of brush and hubs didn’t hesitate to torch it. Being the city girl that I am, I was pretty concerned that Smoky the Bear might show up and haul us off for setting the whole county on fire. But despite me having Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” stuck in my head for the next couple days, everything ended up being just fine and everyone enjoyed watching the flames dance throughout the night.

Since the weather has turned a little crisper and the leaves are starting to change here in KY, I have found myself wanting to sit in front of a fire. Our home does not have a fireplace, so periodically we will switch on the TV and go to the Insight channel that provides an image of moving flames and the crackling noise you would hear from a real fire. I know it’s not nearly the same thing, but it feels pretty close when I curl up on the couch and read.

Beyond warmth, I think we can get so much benefit out of fireplaces. Their mantles provide the perfect spot to display prized possessions. At Christmas, our stocking can be hung there awaiting Santa’s goodies. A raised hearth provides a stage for the child in your family who loves to entertain. (I speak from experience on that one. As a child would always stand on the hearth to sing and dance for my aunts, uncles and grandparents.) If your fireplace doesn’t work or you choose not to operate it, you have the opportunity to fill it will beautiful decor (like this photo I found on Pinterest). The pumpkins spilling out create the perfect Fall ambience!

Whether it houses a fire on a chilly night, your family portrait or your seasonal decor, be creative with enjoying your fireplace and all that it offers.

Don't want to go under the knife?

2011-09-29T10:00:00.003-04:00

I'm not a huge fan of Halloween. Haunted Houses frighten me so badly that I refuse to go in them. I am uncomfortable around people wearing masks because I can't tell who is really behind them. I am pretty sure all of these fears were birthed from watching far too many scary movies in my adolescence. Despite my hatred for being scared, I do enjoy one element of Halloween: decorating pumpkins.

Carving pumpkins can be a chore. Cleaning out all the seeds and pulp creates a huge mess. Then there is the danger of slicing a finger with the carving tools. A great alternative to carving is painting. Pumpkins make a create canvas for kids to paint. It's an activity that everyone can enjoy and it showcases your creative side.

I started painting pumpkins for my nieces when they were too little to enjoy the ritual of carving. I would paint their favorite cartoon character on a pumpkin that was just their size. One year it was Minnie Mouse and Cookie Monster, another year it was the UK Wildcat mascot Scratch. This year I am planning to paint portraits of their favorite Disney princesses.

If you aren't as artistically inclined, don't worry. You can do simple designs that will bring just as much joy to you & your child. Polka Dots are fun. Painting your daughter's monogram in bright green will make your front porch uber chic. Your son would love a fire truck sprawled across the orange sphere! Or stick with the tried & true jack-o-lantern face painted-on instead of hollowed-out. If you aren't comfortable painting free-handed, stencils can be very helpful.

Happy pumpkin painting!

Vintage Vantage Point

2011-09-26T10:00:00.002-04:00

I’m Liz and I’m a Madmen-aholic. It’s true. I love some Roger Sterling and Don Draper. Better yet, I love eyeing the set design for the show. Set in the 60’s- one of my favorite eras for fashion and furniture- the homes and offices used for the show are so eye-catching. Sleek, low-profiled sofas. Sprinkling in metal and glass furniture to modernize a room. Clean lines and silhouettes.

I think this period is my favorite because everything fit well. We weren’t wearing baggy clothes OR bustles under our skirts. A woman’s feet would touch the floor when she sat in a chair, as opposed to the overstuffed and incredibly deep seats abundantly available now. Tailoring is classic and beautiful and the 60s were full of tailored pieces. Here are a few things from that decade that I find inspiring:

Portrait Collars

Streamlined furniture

Picture Windows

Tiny Houses

2011-09-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

I was unfamiliar with the tiny house concept until a couple weeks ago. Per the usual, I was on my sofa watching HGTV’s Design Star and the challenge was to decorate a tiny house. When I saw one for the first time, it reminded me of my nieces’ playhouse. Au contraire! With fully functioning kitchen & baths, these houses can fit full grown adults and all their essentials. Notice, I said essentials. The whole concept of these tiny houses, built by Jay Shafer, is that everything has multiple purposes. With limited room (from 60 to 600 square feet) you have to seriously maximize your space.

This idea really intrigued me. Just a few days ago I wrote a blog post devoted to pieces that are overflowing with function. Things that pull double duty. Now this episode airs all about getting the most out of your small space. I loved it! In fact, I loved it so much that I told my husband if anything ever happened to him the dog and I would live in a tiny house. His reaction was one of concern. I seemed to like these houses just a little too much and he wondered if he should fear for his safety. Once I alleviated those fears, all was well.

But seriously, what a unique concept in a time where bigger is always better and we feel the “need” to have so much. I really love the overall message derived from these houses- slow down, live within your means, and less is more. Sometimes my most rewarding projects for clients are the ones that are limited in space and creativity has a huge role in how to make them function well.

Click here for more info on Tiny Houses. There is a wealth of information and seminars available to educate people on these homes.

Black & White

2011-09-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

It's black. It's white. As I am typing, I am humming Michael Jackson's hit (As mentioned in previous posts, everything to me related to a song). I'm sure that you are glad this is a text post and not a video!

Enough about music, I really want to talk about the trend of using black & white in home decor. These colors have been strong in the fashion world for the past couple seasons and now are making a big splash into the home scene. Everything from checkerboard tile floors to mod bedding to luxurious throw pillows.

Some people are jumping into the trend and re-doing entire rooms to reflect their love for black & white. If you aren't so sure, start off slow. Introduce black and white in small ways. Ceramic accessories in these solid colors lend an air of sophistication to a bookcase. Are you afraid of being void of color? Choose a gorgeous wall color like turquoise, use all black and white patterned fabrics in the space and top it all off with a punch of yellow in the throw pillows and accessories. Be careful not to overdo the yellow, or it will lose it's impact.

Don't forget about Christmas decorating with these colors! White has always been a favorite for the feel of fresh fallen snow that it provides. Pairing black and a dash of silver with it takes the decor to a Chanel level. Very chic, classy and beautiful.

Stretching the Dollar to Cover Your Windows

2011-09-15T11:00:00.002-04:00

We all want unique items. There is something about having what no one else does that makes us proud. But sometimes lack of time and money get in the way of us having one-of-a-kind pieces. When it comes to window treatments like draperies there IS a way to have the best of both worlds. Store- bought window treatments can be dressed up to appear as if they were custom made. Adding trims with beads, baubles or tassels instantly allow the panels to appear expensive. Another embellishment option that gives a more streamlined look is adding a band of fabric along the edge of the treatment.

Don't forget about the hardware. My advice to my clients is to always splurge on a rod with a larger diameter (1.5- 3 inches). Steer clear of the thin half-inch metal poles that look as though they will snap if you stare at them too long. Finials add a sophisticated element that enhances the decor of the room. You want a finial to have some weight to it so it looks sturdy and correctly proportioned to the size of the rod.

A popular look for hardware right now is to use a pair of shorter rods instead of one long one. This can only be done if the panels are not functional (meaning they do not open and close). I refer to non-functional panels as "dummy panels". You hang these drapes on either side of the window, each with its own rod. The appeal to this method is that you aren't staring at a rod that sprawls the width of the window. Instead your eye can focus on the beautiful draperies that flank the window casing.

Happy window dressing!

Hidden Potential

2011-09-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

I am always on a quest to re-purpose things. If an item has multiple uses, you can bet that I will buy it. I'm not sure where my affinity for function is rooted, but it's rooted deep! That's why I had to share my top three favorite pieces that are off the charts in both beauty & function!

1. Cocktail table seating. A storage ottoman that also serves as a bench seat during parties. A round glass-topped table with four seats tucked below. Either option makes a room that is short on space more useable. I have implemented these options for clients who regularly hosted friends and needed additional seating. The dual purpose makes me giddy!

2. Trundle Beds. I know bigger is considered better nowadays. But I still love twin beds, especially daybeds! They are perfect solutions for kids or small guest rooms. Storing a trundle underneath affords you the option of allowing the kid's friends over for slumber parties or creating a double bed when your out-of-town friends come for the weekend.

3. Serving Platters. Pewter, ceramic, wood or glass trays have a million uses. Of course, they come in handy for displaying yummy appetizers at parties. But their function goes so much farther than that. Platters can be used to adorn the top of your kitchen cabinets or dining room hutch. They can be placed on your coffee table to serve as a gathering place for the remotes or magazines. Resting on top of your bedroom dresser, a tray can be the gathering place for loose change, your wallet and car keys.

If you are tight on space or a neat freak (like me!), these three pieces can completely change your space!

Life's A Beach

2011-09-08T10:19:00.000-04:00

Are the cooler temperatures and rain are getting you down? Turn your house into the beach! This bathroom has walls the color of a tranquil ocean. When you look closer you see shimmering, iridescent jelly fish swimming about. Capped off with silver and white accents, it's the perfect setting: surrounded by marine life with no danger of being stung.

It's All About the Drum

2011-09-05T10:30:00.003-04:00

If you pay attention to your surroundings, you will notice that our preferred style of light fixtures is changing. No longer do we have the pleated shade on our table lamps, or the shiny brass curly cues on our chandeliers. Clean and streamlined is taking over. It’s all about the drum.

The drum shade is a round or oval shaped fabric lampshade. You’ll find it in textured fabrics, solid colors or patterned designs. These shades are being used on bedside lamps, foyer chandeliers, restaurant overhead lighting, pendant lights above your wetbar…..the list trails on and on. The drum shade offers a sleek and stylish look and blends well with all styles. Walk into your nearest home store- Lowe’s, HomeGoods, etc- and take a stroll through the lamp aisle. I bet you’ll find a drumshade that you love.

Happy drumming!

All the Leaves are Brown

2011-09-01T14:38:00.001-04:00

Crisp air. Cable knit sweaters. Skinny jeans. Boots. They all point my absolute favorite season! Fall! Not everyone shares my sentiments, though. Here are a few suggestions on how to ready yourself & your home for the cooler temps without adorning the front stoop in scarecrows & pumpkins.

Swap out your lightweight cotton throws with those made of a heavier a material. Great replacements are crocheted or lambswool. Both visually signal warmth and comfort- things we all desire as the weather turns cool.
Exchange brightly colored candles for earth-tones. Another subtle signal that compliments the changes outside.
Update your front porch. Potted mum or a gorgeous arrangement to hang on the front door allow your house to blend well with the landscape.

If you typically grumble at the thought of summer’s end. Try these simple changes to see if they make the transition to fall any easier on you.

Happy Fall!

It's Football Time in the Bluegrass!

2011-08-29T10:00:00.003-04:00

College football season kicks off this week and I couldn’t be more excited as I head to Nashville for a UK game. Well……let me back up for just a minute, because those who know me will call “shenanigans” on my last statement. It is not really the game of football that I am excited about (this becomes painfully obvious when I am spotted reading US Weekly during the first quarter of the game or using my binoculars to spot my friends on the other side of the stadium throughout the second half). It is the weekly appointment for tailgating that gets my heart racing! My husband and I have our season football tickets, our parking pass and a group of friends that we gather with each week during the season. We have affectionately started calling ourselves The Liftgaters because none of us has a truck with a tailgate, instead we all drive SUVs with hatches that lift upward.

In the South tailgating is a big deal and these products that I’ve recently spotted are sure to enhance any tailgate situation!

Melamine plates & platters. I devoted an entire blog post to melamine dishes earlier this year and I still adore them! Just last night I was at Target swooning over a blue & white Ikat pattern. Who needs porcelain and ceramic dishes that can break or chip when you have durable, practical and most of all beautiful melamine dishware! There are a few companies who offer these products with collegiate logos for those die-hard fans.

Chandelier. I was flipping through the pages of my Southern Living magazine when I first layed eyes on this. Love at first sight (minus the color scheme). I suddenly felt inspired to help hubby find an old school bus to convert into a tailgate bus on the condition that I could have this fixture gracing the ceiling!

UK Plaid. I have also focused a past blog post on this product line. I feel compelled to support this student-driven project at the University of Kentucky, not only because it stems from my major but also because the products are so darn cute! I know I am biased since I chair the advisory committee but take a look at them yourself. I bet when I walk past your tailgate tent this Fall, it will be adorned with the tablecloth, a crowd of koozies, tote bags, a grill mit and apron.

Happy tailgating!

Collections

2011-08-25T09:59:00.001-04:00

Nostalgia, interest and sometimes greed feed into our desire to collect things. Some people collect baseball cards, others collect old movie posters. As child, I collected porcelain clown figurines. I now have hundreds of these delicate, handpainted pieces stored away in boxes. To be honest, I have no idea what to do with them. How many of us are like that? We buy and collect all these things we want, but then we just end up storing them away in the basement of attic because we don’t know how to use them.

Watching an episode of Design Star earlier this week provided great inspiration. A couple collected old records. The designer decided to showcase those records as art. Square wooden blocks were attached to the wall arranged in a grid formation to create a platform. Then one record was screwed into each platform. What a fantastic way to fill a wall with a unique art piece! Additionally, it made the room more personal to the homeowners AND cleared out boxes of records that would otherwise collect dust.

It can be challenging to think outside the box but when we do we can usually come up with awesome ways to re-purpose the things we love! I’m tempted to (cover your ears, Mom) take all my porcelain figurines and bust them into pieces that I can use in a mosaic. I could create a mirror frame or a back-splash out of the pieces instead of letting them age in the cardboard walls of a moving box. What will you do with your collector’s items?

Houndstooth Heaven

2011-08-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

Bear Bryant & Alabama got it right. At least when it came to houndstooth! A classic pattern that looks stunning in a simple black & white color scheme, or when jazzed up in brighter hues. I am a huge fan of this design in home décor as well as fashion. It’s a perfect accent for solid colors and shouldn’t be overdone. I have seen more and more of it lately in furniture stores when out shopping. Here are some of the coolest pieces I ran across:

Comfy side chair in stylish shades of green.

Chic ottoman in the tried & true black and white.

Throw pillows are also widely popular for this pattern.

Whatever your fancy, happy houndstoothing!

Make Way for Gray

2011-08-15T15:26:00.006-04:00

I will admit that in the past when I thought of gray a lot of drab, dreary and prison-like images came to mind. Most ladies tend to freak out when someone utters that color name because we dread the day when it will take up residence on our hair follicles. But I have been converted to become a big fan of this color (for decorating, not on my hair). Shades of gray are popping up in rooms all over and people are loving it. No longer is the shade only a cool and institutional color. It has warmth, it can neutralize, and it can offer gorgeous contrast to other colors. Everyone can find a gray that suits their style- from silvery shades to deep charcoal tones. If you want to see what this color can do, check out some of my favorite gray paints from Sherwin Williams:

Cityscape 7067

Dovetail 7018

Mineral Deposit 7652

Pavestone 7642

There are thousands more beyond what I listed, but these are some of my personal favorites that will compliment almost any design plan. If painting the walls are not an option, consider adding throw pillows in a deep slate. Or how about a gunmetal gray side chair with a colorful throw draped off the back?? You can really go wild with this color.

So go ahead....I dare you to go gray!

A tisket, a tasket...

2011-08-11T10:15:00.002-04:00

..I’m obsessed with baskets! As a child my mom called me “the bag lady”. I collected purses and totes and even grocery bags. I would stash them in my closet and every bag would have at least one thing in it. While I am less of a pack-rat today, I still love great storage! Baskets and bins are my favorites when it comes to office and home organization. I use them to hold magazines on my bookshelf, spare blankets near the sofa, and extra knick knacks in the office. Here are a few of my favorite pieces right now:

Wire Baskets, Ballard Designs

A little rustic in feel and very functional! Mount as many as you would like to the wall to keep clutter off your desktop. Another great use is a mudroom. Children’s folders or homework can be neatly stowed until the next school day.

Napa Valley CD Crates

The fact that these are now considered vintage is disturbing to me. Nevertheless, they make great catch-alls for a bookcase.

Fabric Lined Baskets

These baskets can serve as a collection bin for spare hangers. Just place on top of the dryer and you will always have hangers awaiting your fresh clothes. For bathrooms short on storage, place one of these on the floor to house extra toilet paper rolls. It will add a bit of fancy flair to your restroom.

Whether wood, metal or woven, baskets are our friend when it comes to de-cluttering a space. If you are looking for a deal on your baskets, check out your local Home Goods store.

Happy basket shopping!

Campus Life Revived

2011-08-08T10:11:00.002-04:00

Colleges are gearing up to get back in session. Sororities & fraternities are abuzz with recruitment right around the corner. I am thrilled to unveil a refreshed and enhanced sorority house on the University of Kentucky campus to you!! When this project began, we had a house with good bones but a major need some enhancing. A group of great advisers recognized that areas of the house were outdated and wanted to change that for the women who live in the house. A mere 5 weeks later, the finished product was a dramatic difference. Here are a few photos to show you the contrast and a few tips you can apply yourself. (Photos to the above left are before; below right are after).

Living room: Large spaces can accommodate multiple seat groupings instead of spreading furniture out throughout the room. This makes the space feel more welcoming and gives it greater purpose.

For a custom look without the custom price, use two short drapery rods in lieu of one long one above doorways or large windows. This avoids a rod looking minimal in comparison to the window.

Foyer: An open space that is predominantly used as a pass-through can be revved up with a nice light fixture and a furniture grouping. The room is still large enough to walk through and now the traffic pattern is more clearly defined.

TV Room: Goodbye boxy big screen and hello sleek flat screen. This room is where all the girls gather to watch their favorite shows. Additional seating with a bit of whimsy makes the room more lively. Removing and rearranging some of the composites on the wall allows the space to feel more open, as well.

Create Your Own

2011-08-04T09:07:00.001-04:00

When I’m in line at Qdoba, I can "craft" my own meal, at Panera I can pick and choose different items to create my lunch, too. A cute little boutique down the road called Caught Ya Lookin let's me take any of their fabrics and they will create one of their bag styles for me. Call me spoiled, but I love being able to customize things to better suit me. That’s why I am absolutely in love with the option to create my own fabric design. I read about it in a newsletter from a fabric vendor and it peaked my interest. A few weeks later I saw an article about it in a Sherwin Williams publication. That hooked me, I had to check out this Spoonflower site.

You can upload your own photo and then play around with the layout to end up with a unique piece that no one else can duplicate. After exploring the site and creating my own look, I held my breath when it came time for the price tag. I was pleasantly surprised that the cost was under $40/yard. You can be hard-pressed to find mass-produced fabrics at that price. I see a flurry of fabric designing in my near future! Hope you will try it, too!

Tv is Tv, not real life

2011-08-01T09:05:00.002-04:00

I am not usually a watcher of design shows. They tend to frustrate me more than inspire, but that is another topic for another day. The point I am trying to get to is that in spite of myself, I am an avid Design Star fan. This show is a competition for interior designers aired on HGTV. It's become a guilty pleasure of mine each Monday night.

A couple episodes back, David Bromstad, one of the show's hosts and an HGTV designer himself, said something that I LOVED! As the designer's prepared their assigned rooms for that week's challenge, a few of them were struggling. David reminded them that designing for TV is different than designing for real life. FINALLY! Someone expressed on national television what so many viewers needed to hear. When you design for a camera, you have a whole different set of needs than when you design for someone's personal space. Bromstad, reminded them that the camera reads bold colors, solid fabrics and sharp contrast very well.

When people see these bold and electric rooms on TV and try to mimic them at home, the result is bad news. When in a space like this you can feel anxious, antsy & uncomfortable. At the very least, you'll probably get a headache. Also consider that sharp contrasts don't appeal to everyone. Don't misunderstand what I am saying. These shows can be great inspiration to many and show others what possibilities are out there in the world of decor. I am simply trying to remind people that not everything on TV can be transferred over into real life with great success. Maybe the network should put a "Don't try this at home" disclaimer on the screen. Just a thought...

Centerpieces

2011-07-28T09:15:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I was at a fundraiser with my husband and a couple of our friends. When we sat down for dinner, none of us could see the person sitting across the table from us. There was a gorgeous (and very large) azalea plopped in the center of the table. We promptly moved the flower to the floor so we could all converse with ease.

We want centerpieces to be eye catching and attractive. It's important for the piece to not be too small, as well, or it will look dinky in comparison to the table or the room itself. There is a fine line between impressive and intrusive for centerpieces. If a centerpiece obstructs a view and has to be displaced, it's purpose is not being served. Here are a few photos of some appropriate focal points for the table that still allow conversation to flow.

Low & Spralling: A great go-to style that ensures your guests can see each other, talk openly and pass food without problems.

Clustered: An interesting grouping can create visual interest and varied levels of height that still don't interfere with the view across the table.

Tall & Thin: When the surface area of the table is important, shooting for the sky is a good idea.

If you have a table where guests will not be seated, than there are no restrictions as to height or width. Food tables are often a great place to do something very grand and over the top because function is not important.

The next time you host a party, keep these ideas in handy and create a centerpiece that works for you & your guests.

Happy centerpiecing!

What do fashion greats Badgley Mischka and Polka Dots & Rosebuds have in common??

2011-07-26T09:09:00.000-04:00

They both showed their support for the Woodford County Humane Society at this year's Freedom Fest. Freedom Fest is an annual fundraiser for the animal shelter that provides the majority of their funding for the year. Each year the event is held on a horse farm in Woodford County, designers transform horse stalls into dining rooms for a weekend, and there is a celebrity speaker at Friday's breakfast (past events have boasted Vern Yip & Jon Carloftis as celebrities supporting the shelter). This year's keynote speakers were the fashion designing duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka. They MCed a fashion show of their latest designs while attendees dined on quiche and fruit from Selma's catering. Saturday evening was the main event where many gathered in designer stalls and at designer tables under the party tent. That's where Polka Dots & Rosebuds comes in.

For the third year in a row PD&R decorated a designer table for the event. The themes of each table have varied. This year's theme was the quintessential summer table. When the heat index is reaching into the hundreds and partygoers are dining outside, the illusion of feeling cool is a useful one! The color scheme was inspired by fabric ordered for a client's chairs- a navy & white lattice pattern. White became a major focus for the table due to its clean and cool appeal. A floorlength white tablecloth was the first layer while white dinner & salad plates were tiered overtop of the navy & white tabletopper. My take on white dishware is that the usefulness is endless. The timeless details and color allow them to be so versatile. You really can't go wrong with them!

The color punch of choice was lime green. Napkins in the lively shade (reminiscent of limes, another fave for keeping cool) were pulled through white beaded napkin rings for a finished look. The final, and most important element was the centerpiece. A four foot lantern stand was set in the center of the table (check back for Thursday's blog all about centerpieces). Three lanterns with battery operated candles were placed inside to create a romantic evening glow without producing any more heat. Arranged around the base were summer florals in crisp colors- white, yellow and green. This table could have easily been one for a family patio dinner, an outdoor wedding reception, or at a fun summer fundraiser thus making it the perfect summer table!

It was an honor to once again be able to help support Woodford Humane in their great mission of helping animals find homes. I encourage you to visit their website for more information if you are not familiar with all that they do. Their work is applauded by many far outside Kentucky and I think it's great that high end fashion designers, Badgley & Mischka, paused their schedule to help keep this cause going for another year!