Budgeting for Fall Projects

Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors

One big misconception some have when it comes to decorating is that you have to spend a lot on every piece you buy in order to have a nicely decorated space. This simply is not true. There are certain things to put more money into and others where you can get away with spending less. It is important to understand where to spend your money to get the most style and value out of each piece. 

What to Spend More on

Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors

There are certain items in your home that you should absolutely spend more on, and look at them as investment pieces. Some examples of what to spend more on when decorating include but are not limited to upholstered pieces, dining tables, beds and mattresses, as well as flooring. These items and more are all very important pieces in your home and will get a lot of use. You want to find good style, comfort, durability, and functionality in all of these pieces. 

Where you can Save

Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors

On the flip side, there are many items that you can spend less on while still making a fantastic impact on the overall look of a space. Art, accessories, and accent pieces are all good examples of where you can save money when decorating. By no means are we saying to completely skimp on these items, and if it is in your budget and you find any of these items and want to splurge, go for it! These are simply areas where you do not have to break the bank to make a great impression. 

Best Dressed

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? 

Stretching the Dollar to Cover Your Windows

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

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!

Houndstooth Heaven

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!

A tisket, a tasket...

..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

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.

Imitation- dangerous form of flattery

When I was a kid, my mom would use her curling iron to style my Barbie's hair. I, being 5, didn't know how to operate the heat styling device, but after watching her do it a few times I thought I could handle the job. So one afternoon I went into the bathroom, plugged in the curling iron and waited. Once it was heated up, I wrapped my Barbie's hair around the rod and held tightly while it curled. My mind was flooded with images of all the pretty hairstyles I could create with the fluffy, curly hair. I was so distracted that I neglected to notice the curling iron was smashed against the doll's face and melting it into a concave form. Of course I was reduced to tears and mom had to remind me that just because I watched her do it, that didn't mean I was an expert.

Much like my five year old self, we watch people build things and renovate spaces on TV and assume that it is a task we can handle ourselves. They make it look so easy! Before you know it we are in over our heads and the project has taken on a life of it's own. We start out trying to save money and be DIYers, but we end up shelling out more cash for someone else to fix our mistakes. Those TV shows overly simplify tasks with the help of editing. They can provide false confidence if you aren't skilled in the trades. It's said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but I think it's a dangerous one, as well. Be careful what you get yourself into- you might just end up with your project looking like the doll with the concave face and tears streaming down yours.

Office Space

Do you remember that movie, Office Space?  That crazy guy in suspenders would always ask for the TPS reports.  The guy that wore the glasses was obsessed with his stapler and nobody would ever tell him he was fired.  Jennifer Aniston worked at a Friday's knock-off.  I'm sure there are a lot of us that would love to change something about our office space.  The colors are drab.  The furniture is held together with duct tape.  Your cubicle feels too institutional.  The carpet is from 1972.  Sadly, if the problem is your boss, your co-workers, or your desire to date Jennifer Aniston I'm not going to be of any help.  But if a cosmetic makeover is in order, I'm your gal!

Recently, I wrapped up a total transformation of a local office space.  The business had been in the same space for 10 years.  When faced with some challenges, the options were to move or to renovate.  They chose to renovate.  Enter me.

When we began there was a small room blocked out in the main area that chopped up the poorly lit office.  On top of that, everything- carpet, desks, walls and ceiling were beige.  So as you can imagine, it left a lot to be desired for the business owner and her employees.  They took this opportunity to update the style of furniture, blinds and art that was housed in the space.  The result was a sleek and colorful new office with an open floor plan!

Every employee received an ergonomic desk chair with a stylish fabric on the seat.  Streamlining the back work stations and opening up the wall to the kitchen area makes the space feel larger.

What once was a private office, has now become an intimate conference room for office meetings and private discussions with customers. 

 A major problem with afternoon sun bouncing off the cars outside was solved with some new window shades that also added to the office's sleek new aesthetic.

 
The warm color scheme (Sherwin William's Harvester, Folksy Gold, Marshmallow & Concord Buff), rich wood tones and extra details like the crown molding now invite employees and customers alike into the space.

Pssst....Be sure and tell your boss that under section 179 you can write off all furniture purchases made for an office space this year (instead of over 7 years, like in the past).  That's a sure-fire way to get that office makeover you are dying for!

Magnetism

Few things excite me more than finding a unique solution to a challenge. Sometimes the answer comes right away and sometimes I have to think on my presented obstacle awhile.  One of my favorite challenges of late was deciding what to do with this door.  

This space had to go from a home office to a toddler's bedroom, thus an outside door wasn't a positive feature.  At our first meeting, the clients proposed having their handyman fill in the door and seal it off.  What they needed my help with was hiding it.  We decided an armoire would be a good solution.  Easier said than done.  No furniture piece was tall enough to completely cover the former door opening.  A custom piece really didn't make sense in this instance, so I was back at square one.

As someone who is in love with my profession and an avid reader, my head is always buried in magazines and websites to learn about new products and ideas.  So, I started to think back to some of the pages I pulled from decorating magazines as inspiration.  I went to the file where I store those tattered edge pages and started digging.  Aha!  There it was.  The answer to my conundrum.   I didn't have to hide the sealed doorway, I could use it to our advantage.

I reconvened with my clients and presented the option of either turning the old doorway into a chalkboard OR a magnet board.  A women after my own heart, the idea of cleaning up chalk dust did not appeal to the mother of the toddler so we went with the magnetic option.  We kept the doorway framed out and painted it to match the rest of the woodwork.  The door received a coat of RustOleum's magnetic primer and then the wall color- Sherwin William's Resolute Blue overtop of it.  The result was a place for creativity to ensue.

In the Navy

If you haven't noticed, navy is making a big splash these days.  Navy, black and brown are always colors that are used by designers to ground a space.  None of these ever go out of style, but there is always one shade that is a little more popular than the others.  This year it is definitely navy!  Everywhere I look- from Ballard Design catalogs to House Beautiful magazine spreads to product in local shops- navy is front and center.  What I love about the color is it offers a softer contrast to other colors.  

When paired with white it is a crisp look, but not harsh to the eyes. 

There are beautiful fabrics that utilize navy.

Lampshades are adorned with the color.

 

Area rugs are showcasing the shade.  

 Join the NAVY!