As a consumer, it's very easy to get locked in to certain stores as "the" place where you buy a particular item. Some people only buy their groceries at Whole Foods or only buy their clothes in Macy's. That brand has earned your business, which is great, but it probably means you're missing out on some interesting alternatives by not shopping around a little. Take the board below, which features items from an unusal source to create a Jonathan Adler inspired "happy chic" look. I found everything at Pottery Barn Teen and almost all of it was on sale.
Yesterday I picked up a few bouquets of daffodils at Trader Joe's. At only $1.49 a bunch (I used 4), it's a really inexpensive way to add a touch of spring to my little apartment. Daffodils are much less expensive than tulips or hyacinth, but still shout "it's springtime". Here are a couple of ideas for tackling a large wall in your home that could use some interest. In this picture, I used a narrow mirror and then flushed out the rest of the wall with brackets and decorative plates. It was actually very easy to hang. I just eyeballed the plates and came pretty close. Start with the mirror, then hang the brackets, and finish with the plates. I started with the plate below the bracket and worked up. Check out even more holiday decorating tips, including some great last minute ideas, in this article on mint.com. I'm listed along with a few other designers with some easy tips to get your home looking great for holiday guests. Today's tip is for the fashion forward type who aspires to have the latest look in anything they do--from the shoes they wear to their holiday decor. One of the biggest color trends this season was peacock and turquoise blue. For a pretty minimal investment, you can easily pull it off. Over the next week or so, I'll share some holiday decorating ideas that you can quickly and easily pull together in your home. I organize a workshop every year as part of the day job to help inspire clients. The pictures are all from the workshops. Today's tip: use functional items, like this lazy susan, in a decorative way. Some candy canes and small gift wrapped boxes are one idea. Here is a recent client project I worked on for a redesigned bedroom. I've worked with this couple before (their living and dining room mood boards were posted a while back).
They were looking for a "rustic modern" feel to the room. The two terms are not mutually exclusive. It is possible to create a clean, modern look using lots of textured woods, calf hair accents and a nature inspired palatte. I started with the beautiful bed that the couple already owned and was inspired by some pillows I found online. The clients will purchase the items on their own but I'll be available to answer any questions along the way. If you'd like a custom room design plan from CSD, click the contact link above. They're all the "good" controller when stored so lovingly. A few weeks ago I found myself at ComiCon. My sister was on a panel there and invited me as her guest. Honestly, it's a spectacle like none other. The Halloween parade in the Village has nothing on these folks. But since I'm neither a gamer nor a huge sci-fi fan (I know, I totally wasn't worthy), would there be anything (other than the launch of Just Dance 3) for me? Well, imagine my surprise when one of the first booths I walked up to featured beautifully made and functional furniture--specifically for gamers. As part of the day job, I merchandise two locations. For the smaller location, I knew the lobby needed a little extra something to dress the space but still needed to be useful. I found some inspiration in an issue of Traditional Home a while back that provided the perfect solution. I used a 48" round (though a 36" or 30" round would also work well) table and some ottomans tucked underneath to create a welcoming entry table. Some tall accessories draw the eye up and add some drama. If you live in an apartment, a table like this, especially if it comes with leaves would be great for entertaining. Pull some attractive folding chairs out of the closet and dine in style. Here is a quick peek at a project I've been working on. It's an entry/living room and a dining room for a local client. One of the hardest parts for a client is after the pieces have been ordered and they're waiting for things to arrive. Mood boards like these help keep up the excitement--especially if there's construction involved! Normally each item in the mood board is labelled with all the necessary information noted so the client can recreate the look. A great mix of textures and pops of color makes the it all come together.
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AuthorChristine Schwalm is an Interior Designer and Visual Merchandiser based in Los Angeles. This space will keep you updated on what's going on with CSD along with some ideas to inspire you. Go here for more information about pricing and services and here to make an appointment. Archives
January 2017
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