How to add (Kentucky) Blue and White Into Your Decor

It’s the last day in March and what could be better than ending the month 38-0? Wildcat fans everywhere could not be more thrilled. With the next game being the final four I figured the most appropriate subject would be on how incorporate Kentucky blue and white into your home.

 

Quick and Easy

If you’re looking for a simple way to quickly add blue into your home, start small. Pick up some royal blue throw pillows and blankets for your couch, chairs, or bed.

Another easy task would be to add blue artwork and accessories. This could be a painting or a print you pick up, picture frames, jars, or any other little trinket to decorate your tabletops and shelves.

Something that is different and bound to become a conversation piece is taking pieces that are typically used for one purpose and using them for another. An example of this is, hanging china on the wall and making a very cool and elegant collage.

Not Quite as Quick but Still Easy

For those of you that are a little more daring at heart and don’t mind making a few permanent changes around the house, consider painting a room a bold and bright royal blue. White moldings will look crisp against this intriguing color. Or if painting an entire room still isn’t your cup of tea, try painting a piece of furniture, such as a console or side table, for splash of color. No matter how you add blue to your space, it will read fun and vibrant. 

It's Spring! 5 Ways to Welcome the Season

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1              Rearrange your accessories.  All winter your bookshelves and tabletops have looked the same.  It’s time to shake it up! Clear everything off and start again.  Rework the items you have grouped together and where you place them.   When you’re finished your space will have a fresh look. 

2              Dress your windows.  Fabric window treatments are the perfect way to complete the look of your space. I will often use floor to ceiling panels in a living room, dining room and bedroom, while using valances and cornices in kitchens and other casual spaces.  If you don’t want to have treatments custom made, there are great store-bought options available, just be sure they are lined so the sun doesn’t shine through the fabric. 

3              Update your throw blankets and pillows. I coach my clients to keep their upholstery fabric neutral and incorporate fun, colorful pillows that they can swap out as needed.  Some retailers offer pillow covers, so all you have to do is slip your existing pillow into the sleeve and zip it up.

4              Paint.  If your home hasn’t been painted in awhile and you feel your colors no longer reflect you then it is time to paint.  Spring is a great time for a project like this because you can open the windows to let fresh air in.  Extra tip: 72 degrees is the ideal drying temperature for paint.

5. Liven up your curb appeal.  The weather, everything from sunshine to snow and rain, can do a number on your front door.  Spring is the perfect time of year to give it a fresh coat of paint.  While you’re at it, why not pick a new color?  This is also a good time to update your welcome mat and door-hanging.  Remember, the entrance is the first impression guests have of your home…make it a good one! 

 (photo credit: www.brightboldbeautiful.com)

It's Spring! Hot Colors for the Season

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With the late winter we’ve had, I simply cannot wait for spring, I am so excited to discuss the on-trend colors for spring 2015! Warmer weather means less layers, and brighter colors.  And it seems pastels are in again this spring.

Aquamarine is the perfect transition for this spring. It is still icy enough that it pairs nicely with your winter wardrobe, but pastel enough that it really gets you excited for spring AND summer, both of which are right around the corner!

Tangerine is completely on the opposite side of the color wheel, so it goes so well with cooler tones such as navy and lavender. 

 

Lastly, there’s Custard. If you are looking for a color that will make a statement, this is it. Custard will stand out no matter what it is paired with, whether pinks or oranges. It is sure brighten any combination, and will be sure to serve as a conversation piece. 

How to Choose a Sofa

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Oh sofas, they get passed around from family members, to rooms, and finally at the end of their long-lived, and very much loved lives, they end up in our basements. Sofas are one of the biggest purchases you are likely to make. But before you have a heart attack, know that this process can be easy peasy if you keep in mind exactly what you’re looking for, so you don’t feel quite as overwhelmed.

First off…quality over everything. A solid base will ensure for the longest life possible for your sofa. Don’t be afraid to bounce around on your options to ensure stability. Actually being able to sit on your sofa before purchasing is very helpful, this way you can make sure the cushions are as firm or as soft as you want, you can make sure the depth of the cushions are appropriate for you as well.

(photo credit:

As far as style of sofa, that of course depends on your style. If you have a more traditional style, choose a sofa with rolled arms and tufted cushions. 

On the other hand, if you have a more contemporary style, choose a sofa with cleaner lines and understated upholstery. A good rule of thumb is, if there are other skirted pieces in the space, choose a sofa with exposed legs and vice versa. Since sofas are just a large investment, you of course want it to stay in style for as long as possible. Go with a neutral and switch out throw pillows for a trendier look.

A few other quick tips, if you’re short on space, look at sofas with low arms or no arms at all, it will help to make your room look bigger. Also, take into consideration the durability and finish of your fabric selection. If you have small children or pets, be sure to pick a fabric that is heavy duty and stain resistant for quick and easy clean ups!

Source for these lovely sofas, basset.com

How to Choose a Rug

The number one mistake I see clients making is the SIZE of rugs in their homes. All too often I see rugs that are too small to save a buck or two.  Size matters when it comes to the right rug. Rugs are anchors for the room and help to easily distinguish separate seating areas.  Spending a little extra money will make a huge difference and will be well worth it in the end.  So, how do you choose the correct size? 

 

In order for a rug to reach its full potential in a living room, it must be big enough that it allows all of the front legs of the furniture to rest on it, so the space will feel grounded.  If possible start with the rug and work from there with pulling colors and style for the rest of the space. 

 

For a dining room or eat in kitchen, a good rule of thumb is to use a rug that extends 2 ft out from the table on all sides.  This allows your chairs to be pulled out without the legs coming off the rug.  

If you are looking for an interesting option, consider layering 2 rugs to create the ideal size. You can purchase a larger solid rug and add a smaller patterned rug on top, if you are on a very strict budget (solid rugs are typically less expensive than bold patterned ones). 

There are so, so, so many options out there that you will be sure to find the right one!