Adorn

Fan of Jamie Young Lamps

2009-08-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have followed my blog over the last year, you know I LOVE lamps. They are such an important accessory in a home, and many people don't pay enough attention to them when they are decorating their home.

There are many great manufacturers of lamps out there. I love Slip for its fun, contemporary look. http://www.weareslip.com/ (I sell them, so email me if you'd like to place an order.) However, one of my favorite lamp designers right now (and I have many!) is Jamie Young. I've highlighted her lamps in the past, but noticed they are getting more recognition for their design so thought it was worth mentioning again. What makes these lamps so great? Quality of construction and materials is foremost. But, the great range of diversity means that as a designer, I can usually find something for any of my clients. Plus, most are custom ordered to give you the perfect look!

These lamps are only available to the trade, or some high-end retailers like Miller-Pollard in University Village (Seattle) carry this line. Many of the lamps are priced $300-$700 and more, but it's certainly worth the investment!
http://www.jamieyoung.com/index.asp

Here are just a few of my favorites right now:

Wine Bottle Chandelier - Really?

2009-08-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

Before I begin, I have to apologize for my poor blogging etiquette. I've been absent from blogging about design for quite some time. Yes, I've been busy, which is a good thing, but not good if you want to be a responsible blogger. So, I promise to be more blog-worthy, as there's so much to talk about in the world of design!

Take, for example, Pottery Barn's new wine bottle chandelier. I received my emailer from them last week and couldn't resist learning more about this wine bottle chandelier. They use authentic wine bottles to make this chandelier. But, I'm just not sure people will buy it. I'm sorry, but I don't find it attractive. Maybe if you have a wine cellar, this might excite you, but isn't that being too obvious? I love to think outside of the box, but perhaps in this case, the bottles should have stayed there.

What do you think?

The love of fabric

2009-03-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

One of the favorite parts of my job as a designer is selecting fabric for a client's project. I could (and do!) spend hours just looking through the fabric showrooms for that perfect combination to create a beautiful room. In fact, for me, I draw a lot of my inspiration from the fabrics I choose for a client. Sure, many clients have a particular look they want. But I find most aren't looking for a specific fabric, but rather, a feeling. When a client tells me they want a warm, inviting room, I look for browns, oranges, tans, and other warm colors. Or, sometimes they have a painting or other item that is an "inspiration" piece where I can draw color from. But even then, I think the fabric used for the furnishings and curtains brings a room together like nothing else in a room.

Recently, I've had the opportunity to work on a great project redecorating an entire house and have spent a lot of time at the Seattle Design Center looking at amazing fabrics. I truly believe in spending a little more money on a custom look that sets your home apart from others and is a reflection of you. A few of my favorite fabric lines include Lee Jofa, Kravet and Osborne & Little. All offer thousands and thousands of options, and I never tire of the challenge of pulling together the right look to amaze my clients!

Here are a few combinations I'm thinking about right now. (when the project is done, I'll post the pictures so you can see what we came up with) Unfortunately, my antiquated camera just doesn't do these beauties justice but hopefully you can get a flavor.

feminine and sophisticated

bright and playful

pretty in pink

understated elegance

Kitchen is done!

2009-02-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

Well, after nearly three months, our minor kitchen remodel is finished! I think it fits nicely with the period of the home (1921) yet feels modern and updated. Thanks to a very handy husband, lots of elbow grease, smart shopping and a small budget of $2,500, here's what we got:

repainted cabinets,
new hardware, (found them on sale for 1/2 off!)
new wiring (not in the original scope, but needed),
new Formica countertops, (nightmare experience, but easy once we got them!)
new tile back splash,
new sink and faucet, and
new lighting.

Luckily, we did not need new appliances, although a stainless stove/oven would finish off the room perfectly! (maybe in a few more months) The only thing we hired out was the tile work, but we were able to find white subway tile at Loew's for a great deal, making it worth it to hire a professional installer.

It's not my dream kitchen, but it's new, fresh and updated; making it much more inviting and fun to be in. By keeping the cabinets, we were able to save thousands of dollars and a fresh coat of paint really does make them feel new again. We also saved a ton of money by going with a cheap countertop. We contemplated higher end countertops, but knowing that the cabinets will need to be replaced some day, we decided it didn't make sense in the long-term to spend the extra money. (and, waste the materials) Besides, the Formica is very durable and will last a long time.

Stay tuned for more pictures, as my camera wasn't working well when I took the pictures above. If you have any questions on how you might be able to freshen up your kitchen space, don't hesitate to send me an email!

Great Deals at the Seattle Design Center

2009-02-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

The Seattle Design Center's Annual Sample Sale on Feb. 7Th couldn't have happened at a better time!! What a great opportunity to get fabulous pieces at fantastic prices. (who doesn't want a good deal now-a-days?!) The sale used to be so popular that they charged an entry fee and you had to wait in line for hours! This year, like last year, there's no fee, but they do ask for a food donation. Some of my favorite showrooms you might want to check out are: L. Greenberg & Associates, Kravet/Lee Jofa, Terris Draheim, Inc and Trammell-Gagne.

Here are just a few tips to ensure you have a successful shopping spree:

Bring fabric swatches for matching -- if you are looking for the perfect accent chair to go with a sofa, bring a swatch from the sofa to ensure the perfect match.

Measure the space and bring a measuring tape -- Since all sales are final, make sure you know the size of the space you are looking to fill so you don't buy something that's too big, or too small.

Look over the item very carefully. It is a sample sale, so most of the pieces have been sat on, bumped, etc. numerous times. Occasionally, they may even give you a little less (if you ask) for obvious flaws.

It's OK to splurge on a high quality sofa or chair -- it is the Design Center after all. It's easy to find a sofa there that retails for $10,000, but now is on sale for $3,000. While that may seem high, the workmanship of the things you find at the Design Center is so high that a good quality sofa should easily last 10-15 years.

Be inspired -- don't have anything specific in mind? It's fun to go and see what they have to offer. It's also a great time to pick up a few high end, yet deeply discounted, accessories to help spruce a room.

For more details, check out their website here: http://www.seattledesigncenter.com/

Kitchen Remodel Part 2

2009-01-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

So, the holidays came and went and yet our kitchen is still not done. However, the cabinets are re-painted, all of the cabinet doors have been put back together, and our new cabinet hardware has been installed. The cabinets look so much better - it's truly amazing what a coat (or two or three!) can do to cabinets. Of course, every remodel project isn't complete without it's share of drama. We ordered Formica countertops not once or twice, but three times now! The first two times they came delivered damaged. Let's hope "third time's a charm"! It's very difficult to cook in a kitchen without countertops. It's messy and hard to use a surface you can't wipe clean. I've been searching for very inexpensive subway tile for the backsplash, and have yet to find super good deals. I almost found it at this local second use store in Seattle, but they were 20 square feet shy of what we needed -- arghhh!! They also had some Ann Sacks tile I really wanted, but again, not enough and probably would have been more expensive to buy the remaining pieces we needed.

I'm feeling hopeful, however. Perhaps another two weeks and we'll be there. Cross your fingers and stay tuned for more updates.

January is National "Get Organized" Month

2009-01-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it's the chore of taking down all of the holiday decorations that helps gets us in the mood to organize, or maybe it's those dreaded New Year's Resolutions we make and try so hard to honor. Whatever the reason may be, January is the perfect time to "Get Organized"! The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) has designated January as the time for all of us to focus on getting our homes more organized. As a member of NAPO, and a professional organizer, I couldn't think of a better time to hunker down and tackle your clutter problems. The weather is cold (or rainy if you live in the Northwest), so we tend to stay in our homes more anyway.

Of course, the best way to tackle large clutter problems is to hire a professional organizer. And, I'm not just saying that because I am one. The reality is, most people have a very difficult time getting rid of the stuff that is causing the clutter problem. Or, they simply don't know how to create systems that will work best for them. A neutral, third party person is the best way to ensure you truly get rid of the "junk" and create an individualized system that works best for you. To find an organizer in your city, simply go here: http://www.napo.net/referral/

For you do-it-yourselfer's, here are a few tips to help you get started towards your goal of having a more organized home, and ultimately, and stress-free life:

Focus on one room at a time or you'll get overwhelmed. The most common areas in need of organization are the kitchen, home office and family room. Pick just one and give yourself 2-4 weeks to work on it (depending upon the degree of clutter)

Once you know which room you'll focus on, get 3 large bins or boxes (or lots of plastic bags). Label them as follows: KEEP, DONATE and TRASH. If your KEEP box is substantially larger than the DONATE and/or TRASH bins, you have a problem!

Immediately take the DONATE items to your local charity. Do not stick them in the garage and forget about them!

Of the items remaining in the KEEP box, sort them by type and/or use.

Once everything is sorted identify whether or not you can use some products to help you create a better organization system. (this seems to be where most people start and as you can see, it's number 5 on the list!)

Make sure you create an inviting environment - someplace that you love. The more you love it, the more likely you'll keep it clean!

Keep it up! This is the hardest part. You've spent all of this time de-cluttering (and maybe even the money you spend on hiring a professional), the least you can do is reward yourself by maintaining it.

Ultimately, a well-organized home can bring calm and order to your house. Many people find they actually save money because they aren't buying duplicates of things they already have. You can also get more done because you are spending less time trying to find things. When everything has it's own place, you know where to go to find it. And lastly, you'll feed good about yourself, and proud of the beautiful home you have created!

HAPPY ORGANIZING!

My Kitchen Remodel Part 1

2008-12-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

I've owned my home for nearly 11 years. And during that time, we have remodeled every single room with the exception of the kitchen. In looking at our priority list, having a little more square footage always took precedent over a nice, fancy kitchen. Yet, no matter how small or big your house is, 95% of the time people seem to congregate in the kitchen. And thus, my dilemma. I love to entertain but I hate my kitchen. With everyone always wanting to hang out there, I just can't take it anymore!! Something has to be done!! The cabinets are cheap and old, we have pink counter tops and the flooring is cheap as well. I've held out on remodeling because I want that designer kitchen (of course!). But, in today's economy, we just can't afford my dream kitchen. So, the cabinets are staying (as cheap as they are) and we're going to repaint them and add some new knobs. The flooring will stay, but we are going to buy new Formica for the counter tops - no fancy paperstone or granite - but anything will be better than pink!

(my kitchen before the remodel - yikes!)

Luckily, my husband is very handy and can do most of the work. The bad part is that he's a perfectionist, which means more time and generally a little scope creep. Case in point: we weren't planning to rewire the room. But, after further inspection, the original wiring (circa 1921) was worse than we thought. Before you knew it, he's pulled out all of the lathe and plaster off the wall and is rewiring! It's great and probably needs to be done. However, this so-called "minor" update or refresh project is nowhere near being done!

(walls out getting ready to sand cabinets)

So, stay tuned for updates to this project. Our goal is to be done by Christmas (which means probably not until the first of the year!).

Oh, yeah -- and where is everything at while this project is being done? In our dining room, of course! (and other scattered places throughout the home -- which makes cooking really fun!)

The Thanksgiving Tree

2008-11-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a unique Thanksgiving decoration idea, try a Thanksgiving Tree! Last year, my friend introduced me to a decorated Thanksgiving Tree. A few weeks before Thanksgiving, she takes out her artificial tree (typically used for only Christmas) and decorates it with a Fall "theme". (that's her tree in the photo above) It's really simple to do - a nice, thick ribbon or sash, a bunch of picks (bought from Michael's or some other arts and crafts store), and some lights (her's comes pre-lit, even better!). I'd also recommend wrapping the base with a Fall-colored tablecloth to hide the base. Once Thanksgiving is over, simply pull the Fall items off and decorate for Christmas!

What a great way to get multiple uses out of your artificial tree!

Decorative Candle Sleeves - Why didn't I think of that?

2008-10-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

So often I see things that seem like such an obvious idea, but yet I never think of them. Case in point: APA Company (an interior design firm in Seattle) has found an untouched niche in decorative candle sleeves for chandeliers. Now many of you might be wondering, what's that?! Most chandeliers have a cream or white wrap around the base of the light. Even the most expensive ones have this overly basic accessory. Luckily, APA Company has come up with brilliant designs to take this boring element of a chandelier and elevate it to new heights (literally!).

Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

BEFORE A CANDLE SLEEVE:

AFTER ADDING A DECORATIVE CANDLE SLEEVE:

The designs range from sophisticated and whacky, to basics and holiday. There's pretty much something for everyone. And, for those who get into holiday decorating (whether it's Thanksgiving or Christmas), these sleeves are easy to change and refresh, depending upon the season!

Most of the sleeves range from $12 - $21 per pair, depending upon the size. I've attached a few more images below of some of my favorites. For the full spectrum of offerings, you can shop directly from her website here: http://www.apacompany.com/

Perfect for that spooky Halloween party:

Beautiful touch for Thanksgiving:

Perfect for a festive Christmas celebration:

Making the Most out of your Decorating Dollars

2008-10-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

In these tough economic times, how's a girl going to afford to redecorate sensibly? Many, many people are putting the breaks on their retail therapy and keeping their cash to themselves. And, I think we can all agree it's probably a wise thing to do. Living beyond our means is OUT; being financially responsible is IN!

So, how can you spruce up your space on a dime? By shopping for bargains and using items in ways that they weren't originally meant to be used. Sure, being frugal is more time consuming, but in the long run, it's so much more satisfying!

Here are just a few additional thoughts:

Be patient - that object you lust for at Pottery Barn will eventually go on sale. I rarely pay full price for anything. Whether it's clothes, home decor, etc., it will eventually go on sale. And, the great thing about waiting for a sale is that often times the urge to buy it goes away. Or, even better, you find something you like even more for 1/2 the price!

If you shop online, ALWAYS Google for coupon codes. Whenever I shop online at Garnet Hill or Ballard Designs, I always search for coupon codes via Google to see if I can get an additional 10% off, or perhaps free shipping. Unfortunately, I have never found coupons for Pottery Barn (cheap bastards!), but there are definitely other deals to be had elsewhere. Example: I just did a search for "Illuminations coupon code" and found a 20% coupon code from RetailmeNot.com. (by the way, Illuminations is having a 50% off sale on all of their Halloween items! Click here to check it out!

Shop at thrift stores, Goodwill, or other similar places. Now that the garage sale season has pretty much ended, people are more likely to donate their unwanted items rather than hold onto them for a garage sale next summer. I especially love to get nice coffee table books and small accessory items there. Just a word to the wise: be weary about upholstered items - you just don't know what lurks in the depths of the cushions!

Salvage yards are IN!! For those truly wanting to be eco-friendly, going to your local salvage yard to find treasures is not only good for the environment, but good on your wallet as well. I love purchasing salvaged stained glass windows and using them as wall art. You can find amazing light fixtures at bargain basement prices (just make sure they actually work!).

Below are some items I found on http://seconduse.com/ (but, you have to hurry, because the good stuff doesn't last very long!)

Really nice bench for only $45!!

Old wood interior door for $150!

Kitchen counter only $150! What a steal!

Mission-style chandelier only $85

Is it a dog kennel or a side table?

2008-09-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

Bowhaus Dog Crate

Many people "crate" their dogs to help provide their pets with a sense of security while they are gone. Yet, if your' like me, you hate the look of crates and probably struggle to find a good place for them in your home. Let's face it, most of what has been out there are simply big, square boxes made of plastic or metal. But finally, there are more options for those who would like a more aesthetically pleasing look to their pet's crate. And, what's great with these new and improved versions is that many act as a side table in your living room or bedroom. Unfortunately, these cool crates can come with a big price tag. Most shown are at least $300, most in the $400-$550 range. But, if you are also getting a new side table, your probably coming out ahead.

Now that's something to Bark over!!

This one below is from "Dog Day Architecture" (http://www.dogdayarchitecture.com/) and is customizable. You can pick from 5 different finishes and 3 different latch styles. Priced at $990 for the large one.

Here's another one that can also be customized to fit your needs. It can be found on poshliving.com and is $660.

Here are some ideas - there's pretty much something for everyone!

This one can be found on petsquared.com

This one can be found on dogbedworks.com

This one can be found on shabbypet.com

This one can be found on petsquared.com

The Color Purple (in design!)

2008-09-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

(photo from elle.com)

It seems like everywhere I look, purple is the color of the season. While we heard about this late last year and earlier this year, it's finally hit the retail market. What's great about purple is the depth and richness it can bring, and the right hue can be so luxurious! The hot trend is to mix it with gray. Gray is always a great neutral color, but when mixed with purple, it really becomes a sophisticated mix.

Here's a great example from Pottery Barn:

People often say that fashion and interior design inspire and follow each other. (what's first, the chicken or the egg?) This couldn't be more true of purple. If you are a fan of "Project Runway" on Bravo, then you saw the winning dress for Diane von Furstenberg's new line - a beautiful purple gown paired with a gray jacket!

Here are some other great examples of the breadth and variety you can get with purple:

Photo by Justin Bernhaut February 2008 (domino mag online)

Table Linens

Fabrics from Kravet

Maura Daniel's lamp

Is it time to "Flip" your own home?

2008-09-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking of selling your home "someday" (say in 12-18 months), it's time to think of ways you can maximize the value of your home NOW! Just like those "flippers" you see on TV (the human-type, not the dolphin type!), you can increase the value of your home dramatically with some simple upgrades and some well planned redecorating.

In addition to my interior design business, I'm also a licensed Realtor. These two professions integrate well together. And, being a Realtor gives me many advantages in my design business. First, I have the opportunity to see many, many homes every week in every price range. I also watch the market closely - what sells quickly, and what doesn't. But more importantly, what distinguishes the home that sells quickly than the home that doesn't?

When everything else is equal (neighborhood, size of home, etc.), generally, it's the condition of the home. Updated, outdated, fixer upper? What's the current condition of your home? (be honest!) If you really want to sell your home for the most value you can get, here's just a few things to consider:

1. Start previewing the "competition"! A good Realtor should always know what's current on the market and so should their clients. It's not enough to peruse through the pictures online. You have know what emotional buttons a house has that will grab a buyer. If you don't regularly attend the open houses in your neighborhood, start doing it! Keep a folder of flyer's that you think were well done and/or of homes you think are representative of your own. Everyone, and I mean everyone, thinks that their house is one of the best in the neighborhood. Start looking around you - is yours really the best one?

2. In a declining market, people don't want to invest in a fixer upper, unless they can get it for a total deal, or they are a professional Flipper. If you are not interested in updating your home in a way that will help it sell faster, then you need to price your home accordingly.

3. Take the emotion out of the process and put your business hat on as a seller. People often say that real estate is an emotional process for people - both on the buying and selling side. And it's true. Most people end up buying a home based on an emotional connection they made when they saw the home. Sellers often get caught up in the emotion because of the sweat equity they put into a house or the fact that their 4 children grew up there. When, in reality, a seller should think more like a Flipper when it's time to sell their house. For Flippers, it's about money -- how much can they put into a home to upgrade it to get the maximum value of a home?

4. Know what home remodel projects to invest in and what buyers want when looking to buy a house. Everyone knows that updated kitchens will help a house sell faster than an outdated, ugly kitchen. But that doesn't mean you have to sink in $75K for a new kitchen either. Knowing what types of upgrades make sense not only for your budget, but for the neighborhood, will not only save you a lot of time and money, but also a lot of heartache!

So, what types of things can you do in the next 6 - 18 months to get your home "move-in ready"?

1. Consult with a Realtor and ask them to go through your house to provide suggestions. This is a free service most will provide to you in hopes that you will list your house with them when you are ready. To get the most out of the experience, keep an open mind and don't get offended if they tell you your wood paneling in the living room just has to go!

2. Paint. It's cheap and generally fairly easy to do. But, when thinking about paint, think neutral. What will appeal to most buyers?? Certainly not a turquoise living room! Buyers need to envision themselves in the house, which is why a nice neutral color works best. Some of my favorite neutrals: Devine Oat (Devine paint made by Miller; Benjamin Moore Lenox Tan; and Authentic Home's Camel (available in the Seattle area). Also, if you have painted trim work on the interior, re-painting it white will give it a crisp, clean look.

3. De-clutter. Yes, some of you need an early start when it comes to de-cluttering. Depending upon how much stuff you have, you may want to tackle one room at a time. Perhaps once a month, you pick a room and spend a day clearing out the junk you haven't used for 10 years. And, if you just can't bear to part with it, put it in storage. If you find yourself struggling or overwhelmed by the process, seek professional help! There are now professional organizers in every major city that can help you regain control of the clutter. A messy home does not sell quickly.

3. Make minor updates. Things like a new sink and faucet can do wonders for a bath or kitchen. And best of all, they don't cost a lot of money! If you have an outdated kitchen, consider repainting the cabinetry and/or buying new knobs and pulls. New light fixtures throughout the house can also help update the house.

This is a picture of the fireplace in my 1921 Dutch Colonial house. It had ugly brown tile and so we replaced it with hand-made artisan tile (while more expensive, for such a small amount, it was worth it). The wood mantel is original.

4. Not-so minor updates. As discussed previously, kitchens are a big draw for most buyers. Depending upon your neighborhood, it might be worth a $20,000 investment to remodel your kitchen. I doubt most people are willing to do that, so think about new countertops. Pink laminate counters are a huge turn-off! But, a nice granite-looking laminate gives you today's look for a fraction of the price! Bathrooms are also important to buyers. Not only are outdated bathrooms a turn-off, so are dirty ones! If your grout is so old and dirty that it no longer looks clean, consider replacing the grout and/or re-tiling. If the vanity is old, either replace it or repaint it. Again, new fixtures can go a long way, too. If you have the perma-ring around the toilet, get a new one. (toilets really aren't that expensive, but you should have a professional plumber install it!)

Here are just a few ideas from Countertop.com:

Mountain Passage Laminate (1843-45)

Kitchen Before:

Kitchen After with new counters and de-cluttered:

5. Lastly, don't forget about the curb appeal. Overgrown or non-existent foliage or a front door that's unwelcoming can make a house look so sad people just simply don't get out of their car to preview the home. If you have never watched HGTV's show "Curb Appeal", then TiVo it now! Consider it your homework. And while the projects they showcase are often fairly large in scale, it's a great way to get ideas. If your plants have grown so large that you can't see the house, trim them back. Or, if you haven't added any plants since your house was built 5 years ago, go to your local nursery soon so your plants have enough time grow a bit before you sell. Other things that add curb appeal: new door or freshly painted door, improved walk-way, lighting and outdoor furniture.

Here are a few examples from HGTV's site:

(love the shutters in the "after" photo)

So, bottomline: A little investment in your home now, can lead to much bigger and better pay-offs in the future!

Happy Remodeling!!

Getting organized for Back to School

2008-09-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

By now, millions of children (and teenagers) have gone back to school. While most parents have bought all of the crayons, binders, paper, and backpacks, many don't consider how to create organization systems at home to keep track of the homework and endless amounts of paperwork kids bring home everyday. And, now that you have had a week or so (depending upon what part of the country you're in) to see what "Junior" has stashed into their backpacks each day, it's a great time to re-evaluate your organization systems at home.

For younger children where homework really isn't a factor yet, they still bring home many things from school. That prized piece of art from class, the field trip permission slip and even rocks they picked up off the playground! Managing the artwork can be a very touchy subject, especially since there's really no way to keep EVERYTHING! I recommend having a bulletin board where you can feature one or two of the week's art work, and then decide at the end of the week which pieces are worthy to for a scrapbook and which ones should be recycled. In my house, we have a family bulletin board where we keep key things like school lunch menus, phone numbers, and weekly art projects. (see below) Inside the door, each person in the family has their own folder for items, plus folders for bills and contact info.

For storing art work long-term, I highly recommend purchasing an acid-free photo or art box to ensure your precious memories are preserved for a long time to come! Exposures has many great options for this in a wide variety of colors and styles! http://www.exposuresonline.com/

For older children with homework, it's important to not only have a quiet, tidy area for doing homework, but an organized way to track due dates of homework projects. Of course, I'm not recommending that you be responsible for tracking your teenager's homework. However, provide them with tips/tricks, as well as a functional area, to be successful. For elementary-aged children, a kitchen table is a great place to work on homework. (assuming it's free of distractions - i.e. like a TV!) You can be close to them when a question arises and you might even use that time to work on your own homework (like bill paying, grocery lists, etc.).

For older children who prefer to do homework at their own desk or an office, there are many great options. As a professional organizer, I'm a huge fan of the Container Store. You can find everything from modular products to basic desks. But, the best part are all of the great accessories. When a desk is neatly organized, it makes homework go so much easily, and fun!

Here are just a few great desk ideas to help inspire you and your kids to have a successful school year. (plus: The Container Store is having a sale - don't miss the chance to get good deals on key organizing essentials!! see below for link)

Boys desk from Pottery Barn

Girls Desk from Pottery Barn

Desk and filing system from The Container Store

The Joy of Children's Rooms

2008-08-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite projects to work on are children's rooms. You can really let your imagination go wild with kids rooms. Whether it's bright colors or funky patterns, the possibilities are endless. I generally stay away from overly "themed" rooms, especially those that are commercialized (i.e. Disney Princess, Winnie the Pooh, etc.). They get old, fast and it's difficult to transition them as the child gets older unless you completely re-do the entire room. Besides, I think you can still give your daughter the Princess room of her dreams without looking like you just made a trip to Disneyland (one of my favorite places, by the way!).

Here are two pictures to illustrate my point. The purple and green room below is my daughter's room. She really wanted Princess, but I couldn't succumb to the Pink and Disney logo everywhere. So, I broke out the paint brush and painted the walls, bed and dresser. (the latter two found on Craigslist!) There are splashes of pink and princess throughout the room, but it is subtle. The next room (the pink one) is very sophisticated, yet still very girly. I love the shade of pink - very light and airy.

McKenzie's Room

Pretty in Pink!

Another way to make a great impact in a kids room is with fabric. I LOVE the curtains in the green room below. The black and green contrast is super fun and something that could easily transition to an older child's room over time. (and I love the lamp, too - but you already knew that!) As with my daughter's room above, paint can open the door to so many possibilities. Whether you paint furniture, or fun dots like the ones below, it's a great way to personalize a child's room. These dots give the room a modern feel, whereas polka dots would make it more whimsical.

Of course, not everything has to be hand made or found through a designer. I really do love Dwell and Pottery Barn Kids for their ability to create a theme without going over the top. (to a certain degree) An example is the stripe feature in the blue room below from Pottery Barn. Stripes are actually much easier to do than you may think. I like the variation of widths on the one below.

For those interested in more a more Modern look and feel, you certainly can't go wrong w/ Dwell. And, they now sell versions at Target!! The key to doing a Dwell-style room well is keep the rest of the room simple. Don't over the accessorizing and you should be fine!

And, speaking of accessorizing, there's so many great ways to accessorize a kid's room - whether it's creative lamps, art or paint. I love "notNeutral designs" by wallcandy arts. It's especially handy for those of you who hate to paint but want to add a bit of whimsy to the walls.

In short, to create a fantastic room for your little pride and joy, here are some general rules to follow:

Don't over due a theme. If you have a jungle theme, don't have animals on the bedding, window coverings, rug AND as accessories. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
Have fun with color and don't be afraid to try something bold. Remember, it's just paint! It's a small investment to make and you can always re-paint.
Incorporate storage - let's face it, we can't help ourselves and want to give our kids everything we can. Unfortunately, their stuff accumulates quickly and you need great storage solutions keep things neat and tidy!
Create a room from the heart - make it a place both you and your child will love being in.
Lastly, have fun!!

Shop 'til You Drop

2008-08-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

I know many people who hate shopping. I am not one of those people. In fact, quite the contrary. I love to shop - always have, always will. However, the reasons I love shopping are not what you may think! I don't have to have the latest and greatest Cloe bag, or the most current electronic gadget. It's really not about acquiring material things just to have them. I love shopping for the inspiration I get when someone else pulls together a display, especially when it's presented in a way I wouldn't have thought of. I also love shopping for the hunt. You know, when you are searching for that perfect thing and finally find it? It's like magic. Or even better - that amazing bargain. My friends still can't believe I bought this amazing $700 purse at Nordstrom Rack for $150! Many people find "the hunt" simply too exhausting and settle for second best because they just simply can't go on! If there was a marathon race in shopping, I'm sure I would win. (mind you, I can barely run a mile!)

Perhaps that's why I love what I do so much....I get to shop for other people. Need to purchase a new house? I can help you shop for one (yes, I'm a licensed real estate agent, too!). Need new curtains? Check. Need a new couch? Check. I'm your gal. But more importantly, I do it and have lots of fun doing it. Sure, a good interior designer needs to understand the balance between scale and proportions and how to put chocolate brown and chartreuse together in a way that looks amazing. But, they also need to be able to find unique pieces that will set your space apart from all of the others; and not get frustrated because you want them to look a little longer for that right piece.

Now, I must digress for just a moment. There is a bad side to shopping that I was once I victim of. It's shopping without purpose and buying just to buy. This leads to bad credit and a cluttered house. (I'll speak more about home organization at a later date.) But, suffice-it-to-say, too much shopping for the wrong reasons (or without reason!) isn't good. I've been there, trust me, it's not worth it. And, when you shop like that too long, shopping isn't really fun anymore.

So, in the spirit of shopping with purpose (which is why I love doing what I do every day!), here are just a few small things I'm enjoying shopping for:

FURNITURE - This Salon chair is from Baker. (yes, blue and chocolate are still very much in!)

CLOTHES: I love Anthropologie! I wish I could afford to buy everything I need there! I generally make one major purchase a season there - their clothes are unique, well-made and come from a wide variety of designers.

HOME ACCESSORIES: Have I mentioned I love lamps? This one is from Pottery Barn (see previous blog for reference). I also like Ballard Designs for their French style of accessories.

I love lamps!

2008-08-19T22:57:00.000-07:00

(Maura Daniels)

It's true, I really do love lamps. And lately, I seem obsessed with wanting to buy them. As a designer, I have access to so many amazing options, I could just spend hours and hours looking at all of the choices. And, I do. Until recently, I used to be like everyone else -- I'd hit Pottery Barn on the weekend to find the affordable, yet somewhat stylish lamp. And don't get me wrong - I'm not some "too good for Pottery Barn" type of designer. In fact, I help many clients sift through the many accessory options to find the perfect fit for their room. But now that I know what's really out there, I can never go back! A well designed, unique lamp can do amazing things for a room. It can add a level of sophistication to a living room, or a bit of whimsy to a child's room. Below are just a small sampling of some of my current favorites.

These next two are by Slip -- semi-custom lamps - you pick the base and the shade. Very bright, fun lamps with a modern twist.

The rest of these are by Arteriors. They have many elegant designs, as well as super modern. I pretty much love everything by them!

(pendant - so the trend now!)

(another pendant - too, cute!)

(in case you haven't noticed, coral is soooo in this year! But, who knew you could find it on a lamp?!!)

(for those who know me, I love orange! I plan to purchase this one for my living room.)

(Brown and blue is still "hot" this year and this lamp really pulls it all together well)

Of course, there many, many more manufacturers I love, so stay tuned for more great lamps in the future.

p.s. Most of these lamps can be obtained through people in the trade (like me!), or through speciality retailers.

The Art of Arranging

2008-08-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

One of the services I provide my clients is Home Adornment. I essentially take what they have and re-arrange it to refresh the look of their home. (I also bring in new accessories, as needed.) There is an art to arranging pieces and many people struggle with it. Generally, here's what I see as some common problems:

Too much stuff crammed together (picture frames seem to be a typical one here)

Not enough stuff (often times because the person is so paralyzed by the thought, they end up doing nothing)

The arrangement is just missing an element or two.

So, like fashion, many of the rigid rules are gone and there's a lot more creativity and flexibility in what you can do. Nonetheless, there are some guidelines that certainly help. Here are just a few:

Group in odd numbers - 1, 3, 5, etc.

Have variations in height to fill the space

For a more formal look, the groupings should be mirror images; for less formal, less "matchy"

Be careful with collections - there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Create vignettes throughout a room, if possible, rather that having a whole rack of the same thing.

Here are some examples:

ABOVE: The matching lamps brings in a bit of formality, but the other objects add whimsy.

This is a great example of a simple, yet more formal arrangement

(photo by Justin Bernhaut for Domino Magazine May 07 Issue) This picture shows both great arrangement of artwork and the accessories on the table. I love adding a bit of nature to an arrangement - it adds a nice textural feel.

This is a bookcase in my house. Here's another example of adding a natural piece - this one really "pops" against the black. (It's a branch I bought at Pottery Barn.) Plus, the addition of the small vases gives a nice contrast of color to help tie the room together. Notice this bookcase isn't jammed with books, but displayed in an artful way.

Design Inspiration and this blog

2008-08-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog about interior design, real estate and anything else that inspires me enough to write about it. I'll use this first entry as a bit of an introduction to me and what I do.

For starters, I live in Seattle and have my own interior design business, Adorn. (http://www.adornhomeinteriors.com) I'm also a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Bain (http://www.cbbain.com/rebeccacarlson). I love anything and everything to do with a home. So much so, that I couldn't decide between the two professions, so I'm doing them both. And honestly, they really do go well together. When I work with a client looking to buy a home, I'm able to help them see the potential in a home they might not be able to see.

Like many designers I know, I didn't start out my professional career doing interior design. In fact, I spent 15 years in Corporate America as a Human Resources Manager. My yearning to break out of the "corporate box" and do something more creative finally won and so I gave up the steady paycheck to work on my own. I haven't looked back since and couldn't be happier.

My design philosophy is pretty simple: your home should be a reflection of who you are and a place where you can kick off your shoes and relax. I generally believe you get what you pay for, yet I'm a sucker for a good deal! Mixing high-end items with great deals from Target or Pottery Barn is a great way to get a custom look without breaking the bank. My general design style leans towards casual elegance. I like a home to be comfortable and inviting, yet have a touch of sophistication. Transitional pieces are what I tend to gravitate towards within my own home - bringing together traditional pieces with a modern flair.

I hope you come back frequently to see what's inspiring me in my work, perhaps learn something new, or hopefully get inspired yourself.

Your thoughts/comments are welcome. My email is adornhomeinteriors@comcast.net (or my real estate email is rebeccacarlson@cbbain.com).