Janette Mallory's Interior Design, Inc. Blog

New Blog-Wordpress & Happy Holidays!!!

2013-12-24T10:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays
Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday! I hope this holiday season brings you much joy, love and hope. I thank you so much for following along throughout the year and being part of Janette Mallory Interior Design and Dolce Casa. Your support has been such a gift to me!

For the past few months I have been working on my new website and moving my current blog from blogger to wordpress so this will be my last post in blogger. I hope that all of you will continue to follow me next year and subscribe to my new blog on wordpress. The link for my new wordpress blog is http://www.janettemallory.com/blog/

Thank you and Happy Holidays!!!

Big Changes

2013-08-19T12:18:00.002-07:00

Since I started my blog four or so years ago for some reason I go radio silent in the summer. This is not planned and I apologize for not keeping in touch with my loyal readers/followers. I'm back and can't wait to share with you everything that has been going on in my life and my world of Interior Design!!

This is a big year for me for many reasons but the biggest change in my life was my son graduating from High School and planning his move back East to go to college to play basketball and fulfill his lifelong dream. Seeing your child fulfill their dreams is the best thing a parent could ask for. I could not be more proud.

High School Graduation

One of my projects this summer was to remodel an Italian restaurant that is currently open, has incredible food but just needs a total facelift. In the coming months I will be sharing some before and after photos so you can see the progress. The restaurant including outdoor dining, bar area and event rooms is about 10,000 square feet. Since they have remained open during the remodel process I have had to break it up into phases. Stay tuned for that.

Ca' Del Sole - Toluca Lake, CA

One of the most exciting things this summer besides my son’s graduation is that I am moving to a new house in Malibu! We closed escrow end of June and started the remodel the day after close of escrow. The construction is moving right along but at a snail’s pace so I will also be showing you some before and after shots of that as well.

New Malibu Residence

I took an amazing trip this summer to France and our first stop was St. Tropez, then on to Provence where I shopped the flea L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue one of the most amazing flea markets that I have been to. I like to buy vintage French paintings and they had a ton of them. I had to buy a huge trunk to bring them home. BF was not happy. Some of them are listed on Vintage and Market finds on One Kings Lane this week, so check it out. Of course we stopped in Paris before we came home. Who can go to France and not stop in Paris?!

Summer Trip to France

These are some of the highlights of my summer. Why does summer always go buy so quickly?? Anyway I hope you all had a great summer, let me know what you have been up to.

Bring the Seashore Home With Beach-Themed Accessories: Here's How

2013-07-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

Seashore | Janette Mallory Interior Design by janettemallory on Polyvore

Who can resist the quintessential beauty of a quiet beach, the feel of sand beneath your toes or the refreshing breeze of the seacoast? Bring this sensation home with you and deck out your interiors with truly “sea-worthy” designs.

Begin by culminating items that are unique and in the color palettes of corals, blues and creams.

For a beach-themed color palette, try corals, creams and shades of blue. Photo courtesy of Cassandra Lavalle.

Photo courtesy of Cassandra Lavalle

Photo courtesy of Cassandra Lavalle.

A great way to turn any room in your home into a beach-scene is by adding accent pillows that reflect nautical elements like anchors or showcase seashells and starfish.

Add small elements of gold to reflect the look of the sun shimmering on the ocean waves. Do this with a gold-accented lamp or mirror. Be sure to find that one piece that will become a focal point in your seashore theme – use a seashell-designed frame or mirror.

Also utilize funky and fun patterns; don’t be afraid to really bring to life the feeling of the shore with shades of blue. Get creative and eclectic, you’ll be happy you did and not even long for a summer beach home.

My Lovely Staycation in Los Angeles

2013-05-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

I recently went on a working staycation in Los Angeles.

One of the projects that I'm currently working on is a restaurant, so I love going into the city to check out the latest and greatest new restaurants. Not only do I enjoy good food, but I find looking at new restaurant designs inspiring. Having an Italian boyfriend restaurant owner certainly makes it more fun! :)

We both love to travel and eat our way through the vacation. We’re leaving for France next month so we thought this would be a good warm up.

Where We Stayed: The SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills

We only had a couple days, so we decided to stay at The SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, which is like being in Las Vegas. World renowned Chef Jose Andres has his famed restaurant, Bazaar, in the lobby and the roof top pool is like a party in itself!

Here's a photo of the hotel's restaurant, "Bazaar". I love the cute chandelier and pink flowers.

The Hotel Lobby at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. Gray and red! Two of my favorite color combinations.

The Pool at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills

Interesting Peacock Chair at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills

The SLS hotel had a lot interesting and unique pieces of artwork and furniture (like the peacock chair above as well as this painting).

Monkey painting at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills

Where We Ate: The RivaBella in West Hollywood and Chi SPACCA in Los Angeles

The new Larder (the first one in Brentwood) has a new location next door to The SLS, so we walked over for breakfast every morning to start our day with gourmet coffee, fresh baked muffins, farm fresh eggs and fresh orange juice. Dinner the first night was at RivaBella in West Hollywood, same owner as Boa (which also made it feel like we were in Vegas). There were beautiful people nicely dressed, great food (always helps if you know the managers) and we were given the royal treatment with great service and tons of good food.

The main dining area is an Atrium with a huge brick fireplace in the center with tables all around as well as trees and greenery. They did an amazing job. I’ve been to The Soho house in LA and although they have the same décor, I have to say that the RivaBella took the same design concept and made it even better.

And just when we were thinking that it couldn't get any better, we went to a brand new restaurant: Chi Spacca from Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali (right next to Pizzeria Mozza, Osteria Mozza and their take out Mozza 2 GO ). Only they can have four successful restaurants right next to each other.

The Chi SPACCA dining room. Photo courtesy of TheDelicious Life

The Chi SPACCA bar. Photo Courtesy of TheDeliciousLife

A delicious italian fusion meal at Chi SPACCA. Photo courtesy of The DeliciousLife

Besides the food at Chi Spacca, what makes it so special is it only has nine tables and a counter that seats eight. They do two seating’s: one at 6:00 and the other 8:15. The space used to be for cooking classes and private events. The food is beyond "basic Italian food" and is Italian with a special twist; fresh and cooked to perfection.

All SLS Hotel photos courtesy of e.t's Flickr photostream.

What fabulous things did you do last weekend?

The Lost Paris Apartment is Gorgeous! Wouldn’t You Love to Live Here?

2013-05-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

As a dealer of antique/vintage French and Italian paintings, you can imagine my unbridled giddiness when I heard about “the lost Paris apartment.” Virtually untouched since World War II, the apartment was found laden with dustcovered treasures, from an old plush Mickey Mouse to a stuffed ostrich to stacks of love letters lots of amazing artwork.

Among the many finds in this time capsule was a $3 million Giovanni Boldini painting! The grandmother of the apartment owner was discovered to be Belle Epoque, a beloved actress and muse of the famous artist. The dusty love letters were from Boldini to Epoque, no doubt praising her as his beautiful inspiration. I would have loved to explore this apartment myself and revel in the fact that not a single soul had entered it since the second world war.

It's been said that walking into this time capsule of an apartment is like "stumbling into the castle of Sleeping Beauty, where time had stood still since 1900," according to the The Telegraph.

Source: messynessychic.com via Belle on Pinterest

Source: queensofvintage.com via Sacheverelle on Pinterest

Source: messynessychic.com via Samantha on Pinterest

Source: messynessychic.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: parisapartment.wordpress.com via Debi on Pinterest

The discovery has me even more excited for my upcoming trip to L’Ile sur la Sorgue (near Provence, France). This medieval Provencal town is celebrated for its marchés aux puces, or flea market, the largest of its kind outside of Paris. A place for antique dealers to sell art and other vintage goodness yearround, I can’t wait to see what I find this year!

Source: trekearth.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

Enjoying the beauty of the town alone makes the trip worth it, as it is situated on the Sorgue River, which creates a “Venicelike feel” with its many canals and bridges. A “sprawling’” Sunday market is also featured, where you can find local produce and meat, soap, antiques, tablecloths, and a host of other practical items.

Source: upload.wikimedia.org via Angela Maria on Pinterest

Source: google.co.uk via Angela on Pinterest

The lost Paris apartment has also got me wondering about other abandoned apartments in the City of Lights and what proverbial gold they have just waiting to be found. I can’t help but compare the apartment to the abandoned New York City apartment of the legendary Marlene Dietrich, who also left the place untouched in the late ‘70s to live abroad for the remainder of her life. Inside the apartment were furs, Louis XIV furniture, letters, and glitzy mirrors fit for a movie star of her stature. The legend’s heirs eventually sold the apartment.

Have you been to the L’Islesur la Sorgue or know someone who has? Leave a comment and tell me about it.

5 Ways to Make a Small Bedroom Appear Larger

2013-05-03T13:56:00.002-07:00

Don’t let a small space hold you back; learn how to decorate around the confines and limitations of size. There are actually tricks of the trade that will create the appearance of a larger, more open bedroom, you just have to employ them and voila, the illusion of space.

Isn't this a cute sleeping nook? Photo by Ooh_Food

1. Choose light paint colors

If you really want to create the idea of a larger space, opt for either an all-white room or white walls and white linens with a bold pops of color in a room instead. Avoid painting walls with very dark shades like greens and blues, because they will make a room feel even smaller.

Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food.

2. Avoid wall clutter

Although you opted for white walls and may be antsy to hang all of those pictures and pieces of wall art, find another room in the house to display them as hanging many small pieces of art will create the appearance of clutter. Keep your walls organized. Plus, you want to create one focal point and if your walls are filled to the brim, this will serve as a distraction. Indulge in one large piece of artwork like a well-framed photograph or one-of-a-kind painting.

Photo courtesy of Cassandra Lavalle.

3. Make your bed the focal point in the room

One way to draw people's attention away from a room's small size is by creating a focal point. Since the room is a bedroom, it'd make the most senes to make the focal point the bed. Draw attention to it through linens (like a canopy) and arrange the rest of the room around this focal point.

Canopy bed. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food.

4. Paint trim and moldings a lighter color than the walls

Now is the time to utilize your artistic skills. Paint trim and moldings on your walls a brighter white or light color and watch as the walls suddenly appear further pushed back. It’s an old trick that can also be used in any room in the house, not just a small bedroom.

5. Hang mirrors by the window

For an instant creation of space, use a mirror by a window or door in your bedroom. The reflection of natural light opens up the room, which will appear brighter. Also utilize mirrors by placing them at angles toward your previously created focal point. Again, this will reinforce natural lines that the eye will follow.

How to Redecorate a Room: A Guide For Beginners

2013-04-30T17:25:00.002-07:00

Do you ever daydream about redecorating a room or maybe even your whole house? While I love visualizing what a room will look like before I even start redesigning it, I know that it's a skill that some may have trouble with.

See more photos in my portfolio.

I've found that newbies hoping to tackle a redecorating project on their own can get tripped up by not “seeing” the big picture prior to decorating. With that in mind, I've compiled a list of things you can do to help you see your design dreams through to completion.

1. Do Your Research

Go to showrooms and scour interior decorating magazines for ideas before you begin any project. Pay attention to detail such as lines of a room, prints and patterns, varying and complementing fabrics, color schemes, layout and setup.

2. Write Down Your Goals

Create a color and design scheme for your project. Write down your exact goal so as you pick pieces you can be aware of the overall goal and if each piece adds or takes away from that overarching goal.

3. Focus on the"Big Picture"

As you are picking pieces, be sure to keep in mind that if you’re buying one piece of furniture at a time because of budget purposes, you always keep the big picture at the forefront of your mind. If you can, buy multiple pieces at once so you can better realize how they come together.

Photo by Ooh_Food

Though all of the pieces in this room appear to have acquired separately, they all match the blue and green color theme.

4. Avoid Large Furniture Pieces with Loud Patterns

Don’t ever buy a large piece of furniture with a large pattern on it, as the furniture already dominates the room because of its size. If you add any additional eye-catching elements like strong patterns, everything will fade in the background.

Photo by Ooh_Food

If you want to incorporate a loud pattern, choose smaller pieces (like these vibrant chairs in the photo above). The biggest piece of furniture in the room should be a solid color.

5. Look at the Room with Fresh Eyes

Once a room is set up, walk in with fresh eyes and scan it to see if your eyes fully go around the room or if anything stops and jumps out at you that doesn’t fit with your design schema. It may help to take a break after you've staged everything; leave the house for a while and then come back and reexamine everything with a critical eye.

Got any tips to add?

Chandeliers: Why Every Home Should Have At Least One

2013-04-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

Classy, elegant, charming and oh-so-trend worthy right now, chandeliers are one of the hottest ways to add a statement piece in your home. Whether classically featured over the dining room table or placed in unexpected hidden nooks for an overall eclectic design, it is the “it” look now.

I love this unique ship chandelier. Photo courtesy Ooh_Food

Begin by defining the style you are trying to embody through the interior design of your home or apartment. Next, if you already have a room in mind, begin by scouring antique shops and try to find a unique chandelier that will truly encompass the essence of your style.

This chandelier adds to the vintage feel of this room. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food.

If you’re unsure of a room, you can also start by searching for a chandelier, but keep in mind, if you do buy an amazing statement chandelier, be sure it will fit the constraints of a room in your home.

Hang a chandelier in your walk-in closet and you'll feel like royalty.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Myra on Pinterest

An all-white bathroom with a gold chandelier? Gorgeous.

Source: brunchatsaks.blogspot.com via Traci on Pinterest

When designing, consider the forgotten rooms that may just pop with the addition of a small chandelier such as the bathroom, hallway, reading nook, bedroom, or lounge area. Chandeliers are no longer just meant for dining room tables and entryways, think outside the box and you’ll achieve the look you want.

What do you think about chandeliers? Would you ever want to install one in a powder room? What about a walk-in closet?

How to Update a Powder Room on a Budget

2013-04-24T10:01:00.002-07:00

If you’re bored with the same old drab decorations in your home, but you struggle with what to do or how to make the most out of your budget, why not start small, pick one room, such as the powder room and make little changes that will result in a big difference.

Powder Room

Delicate Powder Room | Janette Mallory Interior Design by janettemallory on Polyvore

You don't have to do a lot to update a powder room. The bathroom in the photo below could have easily been boring and drab, but the unique and intricate design work in the mirror and table made it seem less like a bathroom and more like an art gallery.

Start the redecorating process by finding one or two unique pieces (even it's as small as a delicate, hand-painted vase or a gold-framed mirror). Remember darker paints make areas look smaller, so if you're planning on repainting the walls, keep with a light palette and darker accents (like this navy blue rug).

Notice how diamond design on the blue rug matches the shape of the mirror.

Source: 6thstreetdesignschool.blogspot.com via Mercedes on Pinterest

Next, replace old, standard light fixtures (and the sink as well, if you're feeling ambitious) with modern pieces that resemble artistic design rather than functionality. The cascading beaded lamps in the photo below are both unique and elegant.

Cascading crystal lamps add a unique touch and look great with this tall, slender mirror

Source: houzz.com via Tabitha on Pinterest

Finally, keep fresh flowers in your newly decorated room constantly, not only will it bring a whole new level of class to your home, it will brighten your day each and every time you walk that room.

I love the gray walls and unique light fixture. The wooded counter adds an element of surprise to the room.

Source: houzz.com via Tory on Pinterest

Have you recently redecorated your powder room? What changes did you make?

Living Room Design Tips: How to Decorate with Gray

2013-04-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Sick of your plain white walls, but don't know what color to paint them next? Try something unexpected and go for gray.

Gray and blue living room. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food.

While most people think gray walls would be depressing and dull, if it's done right they can add drama and mystery to a room. Here's what to do:

1. Contrast Colors

Gray and red work well together. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food.

If you have colorful furniture or accent pieces, pairing them with gray walls will really make the colors stand out and make the room more visually interesting. The bolder the colors of your furniture, the more dramatic the effect will be.

2. Add Accents

If you don't want a whole room to be painted gray, paint only one wall to accent what's on it, either a window with a stunning view or a piece of art you love. It will draw attention to the area without being ostentatious.

Gray accent wall. Photo by Ooh_Food.

3. Add Wallpaper

Gray walls can be made more interesting by using gray wallpaper.

I love how the gold-colored pillows tie in nicely with the lamp as well as the gold touches on the flowered wallpaper.

Gray and purple wallpaper. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food.

4. Go Airy with Gray and Cream

Gray works well for adding visual texture and depth to an all-white room. The blue-grays in the rooms below help add to the airy feel of the rooms. I love the contrast of the red flower on the cream-colored coffee table.

Gray and cream living room. Photo by Ooh_Food

Gray living room with wood accents. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food.

What do you think? Have you had an experience decorating with gray?

The Midcentury Modern Look: How to Design a Retro-Inspired Living Room

2013-04-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

The retro inspired look is back and in a big way with a grown up, modern twist that ensures your home will look both unique and timeless.

Notice how your eye is immediately drawn to the orange chair in the corner. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food

Capture the true essence of a time when life was simpler and impress your friends with the one-of-a-kind designs that are 50s, 60s and 70s inspired but with the artistic presence of the new age. Here are some tips to get you started.

Start Small

Hesitant designers should start small by picking just one or two retro items and then mixing and matching them with modern pieces. This will create a diverse look and is great for those worried that "going retro" with their designs will translate into a room that looks dated.

Find a unique wall hanging, lamp, chandelier or couch (like a retro-inspired chair in a bold color like red or canary yellow) but remember that the mid-century look is all about simplicity and subtlety. Keep your spaces clean and uncluttered.

I love this cherry-red womb chair (the gray shag carpet and cool-tiled flooring helps ground the piece).

The gray carpet and white walls help ensure the bright red chair doesn't look too extreme. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food

Use Wood Accents

Clean lines are a huge characteristic of the mid-century modern look. Choose sofas, tables and chairs with straight legs and armrests made from wood. A wooden, short-legged stool or end table can also help to draw the focus to the straight, sharp lines in your design.

Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food

The painting over the fireplace is a perfect choice. The colors tie in the orange and green furniture nicely and the square and rectangular shapes in the painting lend the room a 70s vibe without being overkill.

Incorporate curvy lamps and low-to-the floor furniture

If you want an easy way to capture the mid-century modern look, look for a lamp with a curvy, brightly-colored body and a long, slender lampshade. Not sure whether or not a piece of furniture is mid-century or not? One easy way to tell is to see how low to the ground it is. The 60s was a decade where low-slung furniture took the spotlight.

A mid-century modern lamp is typically curvy with a tall, slim lampshade. Photo courtesy of JesseJamesJake Vintage

Chose Art with Geometric Shapes

Find modern-looking art that features squares, circles or other geometric-looking shapes and patterns. Wallpaper and furniture from this time period also often featured these patterns as well.

Go Green! (And Yellow and Orange)

Nothing says the 1970s like avocado green, bright orange and mustard yellow. In order to avoid a room looking too loud, however, be sure to mix in neutral-colored pieces as well (a brown carpet, for example, or white chairs).

Keep Your Walls White

Unless you know what you're doing, it's best to keep your walls white or cream-colored. This will help even out the extremes in color and prevent your room from looking too busy and chaotic.

What did I forget? Let me know in the comments below.

How to Decorate with Velvet

2013-04-08T17:02:00.004-07:00

Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food

Most people nowadays don't think of using velvet to decorate their homes. While too much velvet can be tacky, adding just a touch of it to a room can add style and elegance. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Couches and Chairs

A simple and popular way to incorporate velvet into your decor is by getting a velvet couch. Not only will it look inviting, there's nothing softer to sit on when you want to relax.

Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food

Accessories

If you don't want to take the plunge and buy velvet furniture, accessorize! Velvet pillows and blankets add warmth to a room, but are more subtle than bigger items.

Walls

If you really want to go all out, cover your walls with velvet! With the right decor and the right color, it will make your room look cozy and comfortable, perfect for a bedroom or library (if you're lucky enough to have one).

Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food

What do you think? How have you used velvet in your home?

Shades of Gray: Why Gray is the Ideal Kitchen Color

2013-04-05T14:49:00.001-07:00

Thinking of decorating your kitchen? Though tan and beige are the most popular kitchen color schemes, you shouldn't overlook gray as a possible color choice. Because one of the newest and unexpected colors of the season for kitchens is shades of gray backsplash, tile and countertop décor.

My design set on Polyvore

A Slab of Drab | Janette Mallory Interior Design by janettemallory on Polyvore

Notice how the lemons and apples on the counter in the photo below seem to "pop" right out of the picture. Gray works surprisingly well as a backdrop for bright colors.

Gray gives your kitchen a modern and clean feeling. Photo by Susan Serra.

Gray also meshes well with stainless steel appliances. It's a light and airy color that when paired with a warm material (like wood) or bright colors (like yellow, hot pink or red) can make your kitchen look both crisp and elegant.

Afraid to go all-the-way gray? Add some gold or wood accents. Photo courtesy of Susan Serra.

There are just a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to use gray paint or tiles in your kitchen (because it's not for everyone).

The Do's and Don't's of Decorating with Gray:

1. Do use gray if you live in a warm, sunny climate (like right here in California!)

2. Don't use gray if you live in a cold, gloomy and frequently overcast climate, as the gray-colored walls may seem too oppressive.

3. Don't overdecorate. Gray invokes a cool, modern and elegant vibe to your kitchen. Cluttering your counter tops with pointless knickknacks could defeat the whole purpose.

4. Do add some warmth or a splash of color to avoid a cold and sterile-looking kitchen. Wood floors ground the space well as do bright yellow, green or red chairs or accent pieces. An accent wall in a bright color would also do the trick.

Have you ever tried decorating with gray? What color is your kitchen?

Patio Perfection: Outdoor Decorating Tips to Try This Spring

2013-04-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

I've recently discovered Polyvore (this new social media platform that's specifically geared towards fashion and interior designers). You can take a peek at all of my designs here.

Here's one of my more recent design sets:

Afraid wicker will make your patio look old fashioned? Paint it black!

Get Outside | Janette Mallory Interior Design by janettemallory on Polyvore

When shopping for outdoor furniture it's important to choose pieces that are both weather-resistant and durable. Wicker is a good option (just make sure the wicker is "all weather", because if not, it will fade in the sunlight) and is particularly popular at beach houses or homes with British Colonial decor. Wicker is great because it can be painted any color (though white is most popular) and pairs well with colorful blankets or throw pillows.

I love daybeds (if your outdoor space is big enough). Here's an example of a wicker daybed that doesn't look old-fashioned.

Forget lounge chairs, what about a lounge bed?

Kannoa Hallo Daybed (clipped to polyvore.com)

What does your patio look like? Have you tried decorating with wicker furniture before?

From "Meh" to Marvelous: 3 Cute Medicine Cabinet Remodeling Ideas

2013-03-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here are three ideas that can turn your medicine cabinets from boring to beautiful. What do you think? I love the one with the flowered wallpaper one best (it adds a touch of romantic color, perfect for an all-white bathroom, don't you think?).

Peek-a-Boo Wallpaper

You can use contact paper or wallpaper, along with extra-wide doors to create a lovely cosmetics shelf unit.

Wallpapered medicine cabinet

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Janette Mallory on Pinterest

Secrete Message Board

Something as simple as chalkboard paint can make your medicine cabinet whimsical, affectionate and practical at the same time.

Chalkboard medicine cabinet

Source: inspiredesignandcreate.com via Breanna on Pinterest

Cottage Cute

If you have a cottage-style home, you can use something as ordinary as old window shutters to create a homey, warm look while still maintaining the cabinet’s practicality.

Wooden medicine cabinet

Source: bhg.com via Anne-sophie on Pinterest

Personally, I think I'd like to forgo a medicine cabinet altogether and just have something like this. : )

3 Tips for Creating an Elegant Nursery Room Fit For a King (or Queen!)

2013-03-25T09:36:00.003-07:00

Finally receiving the news from the doctor that you’ve got an addition to the family on its way can be the happiest day of your life (I know it definitely was for me!) but there’s also much to do to prepare for your new baby boy or girl.

Photo courtesy of Jamison Hiner

Decorating the nursery and making it a special place for you and your baby requires more than just putting a crib and some baby decorations together in an all-white room.

Not only will you want it to be a space that you bond with your new child, you’ll also have a plethora of visitors stopping by and it’s important to make the space functional, gorgeous, and welcoming to the baby.

1. Choose a Neutral Color Palette

Begin by determining a theme, you can either choose to know the sex of the baby and pick a boy or girl-themed room or you can use a neutral color palette if you wish it to be a surprise.

Photo courtesy of Abbey Hendrickson

Going with whites and creams, yellows or light greens can provide you much neutral functionality down the road and allow much for creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Photo courtesy of Donna

2. Avoid Clutter (Keep it Simple!)

Pick functional and classic items to keep the room rich with love yet still chic enough that you’ll be the envy of all the new mommies on the block. Give your newborn simple pieces such as the classic brown teddy bear, remember that visual stimulation is good for the baby, but it is a thin line to a cluttered space if you buy every bright, new toy on the market. Keep it simple.

Photo courtesy of Premaman Lietuva

3. Don't Be Afraid to Pick a Unique Theme

Instead of going with the traditional over-the-crib mobile, provide a nursery room ceiling display that will keep the baby entertained and intrigued. Use multiple patterns, vibrant colors and textures.

Photo courtesy of Robin Shetler

No matter what direction you take to decorate your new baby’s nursery, remember to have a few large pieces as focal points and keep the rest simple, clean and elegant. This space is as much for you as it is for your new addition.

6 Tips for Decorating an All-White Room

2013-03-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned in a previous blog post, quite a few of my projects of late have involved all-white spaces...and no wonder! White is elegant, light and can brighten any dark and dreary space and make smaller rooms look and feel spacious and airy.

In order to achieve the great white look in an apartment, home or room, it’s important to keep the decorations grounded with pops of colors in order to avoid an overly dull and bland look. When done correctly, white will modernize a space or create a sheer and well-groomed area sure to make a boring room magnificent. Here are six of the best tips available to keep it clean and gorgeously modest.

1. Create Visual Depth with Varying Shades of White

White and cream. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food

If you're worried about going completely white, start simple by creating depth and character to just one white room in the house. You can do this by adding varying shades of white accents. Pick a white centerpiece, either an all white piece of artwork or an all white sofa, and then incorporate white flowers - hydrangeas or lilies are pretty - for an added touch of refinement. (See my previous post for paint ideas).

2. Decorate with Crystal and Glass

You can make a white room glow with a sophisticated grace by accessorizing with crystals and glass. Create an open space that sparkles with a crystal chandelier or a collage of old, clear glass window frames against a white wall (using wooden frames will keep the room grounded).

3. Accents Are King

While pops of bright and brilliant colors often look amazing and modern against white, for a truly daring design, couple a white room with small accents of black or dark brown and watch as the whites appear crisper.

An all-white room with a wooden table. Photo courtesy of Cassandra Lavalle.

4. Mirror, Mirror On the White Wall

In addition to using crystals and glass, mirrors against white will cloak a room with refinement while creating a larger-than-life look. If you have a small bathroom or narrow hallway, utilize an array of white shades and unique mirrors to give your room one-of-a-kind appearance.

5. White on Wood

Nothing goes better with white than the earthy tones of light or wood. Adding a wood table or wooden chairs against a white-washed area makes a dramatically bold statement. Distressed wood works even better.

White and distressed wood. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food.

White with wood and dark accents. Photo courtesy of Cassandra Lavalle.

6. Contrasting Whites

Creamy and rich whites not only add warmth, depth and finesse to a space, they add variety as well. Don’t be afraid to go bold and mismatch a number of whites!

White on white. Photo courtesy of Ooh_Food

Got any tips to add? Leave a comment in the space below! I'd love to hear from you.

7 Eye-Catching Murals that Will Liven Up an Empty Wall

2013-03-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Looking to give a room in your home a new look? Certainly paint or wallpaper can do the trick, but if you really want to do something different and special, how about trying a wall mural? Even a simple decal can create a stunning and unique statement in what would otherwise be an ordinary living room or bedroom. Here are seven examples of wall murals that can put the pop into your room. Let them inspire you.

Photo by Rusty Tanton

Photo by Chuzai Living

Photo by Eduardo Rodriguez

Photo by Simon Mason

Photo by Amsd2dh

Photo by Reizz

Photo by Wicker Paradise

What are your thoughts? Do you think wall murals look terrific or tacky?

8 Unique Headboard Designs for a Whimsical, Bohemian Bedroom

2013-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was inspired to come up with my own collection of fun and unique headboards after perusing through this list of "35 Cool Headboards" on Freshome.com. Which one do you like best?

Photo by Wicker Furniture

Most people don't consider the bed to be an integral part of their bedroom design, but getting creative with your headboard is one of the best ways to express your unique style. Here are some suggestions to get you started making your bedroom truly your own.

1. A Book-Lovers Dream

Photo by Ooh_Food

If space is tight, make the most of the space you have by having your headboard do double duty as bookshelves. Some stores sell bookshelf headboards, or you could make your own if you're good at that sort of thing. As an added bonus, you'll never have to look for some bedtime reading!

2. Painted to Perfection

Photo byv Lorigami

If you have artistic talent, put it to good use by creating your own painted headboard! This is the option where you have the most freedom to create exactly the look you want, so grab some paint and let loose!

3. A Hand-Woven Tapestry

Photo by Ooh_Food

If you want a nice, big image above your bed but don't want to create it yourself, try finding a nice tapestry to hang. There's plenty to choose from, from old-fashioned to very modern. You're sure to find something you like.

4. Window with a View

Photo by Mazalli

If you have a nice view outside your bedroom window, why not simply push your bed up under it and use the window itself as your headboard? A nice set of curtains for nighttime will only add to the simplicity of this very natural look.

5. Bright-Colored Curtains

Photo by Ooh_Food

Even if you don't use a window as your headboard, hanging curtains in place of a traditional headboard is a nice way to add character to a room. From heavy velvet to sheer lace, there's something for everyone.

6. A Romantic Canopy

Photo by Ooh_Food

For a romantic, old-fashioned look, make your bed into a canopy bed! Choose a fabric that matches the color scheme of your bedroom and enjoy this lovely vintage look in your own bedroom.

7. Mirror Mirror

Photo by Ooh_Food

For a more dramatic look in your bedroom, use a mirror for your headboard. You can use just a plain mirror to compliment a more simply decorated bedroom, or choose one that's very ornate to add a touch of elegance. For added style, put up a shelf below the mirror and cover it with plants, knick-knacks, or candles.

8. Whimsical White

Photo by Mazalli

If your bedroom has a specific theme, such as floral, tropical, or from an ethnic background, there are plenty of ways to make your headboard become part of the decor instead of something that's just in the background.

The nice thing about choosing a unique headboard is that there's pretty much nothing you can't do. The sky's the limit, so let your creative juices flow and create a bedroom you can truly be proud of!

Not Your Grandmother's Wallpaper! 5 Contemporary Wallpaper Designs for the 21st Century

2013-03-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Those of you who've been following me on Pinterest for a while may have noticed that I'm a fan of wallpaper. Once considered passe and out-of-date, wallpaper is making a big comeback these days. Though it may conjure up images of old ladies, I think that when done right, wallpaper can make a room look both modern and fun.

Here are a few examples.

1. Be bold!

Photo by Ooh_Food

Adding a bold wallpaper is a simple way to make a statement that you just can't do with paint. Add vibrancy and energy to your home with a daring wallpaper choice, either a modern one or something that's a more traditional pattern.

Photo by Ooh_Food

2. Spice up a dull room

If there's a room in your house that's a bit boring, such as a plain bathroom, adding a whimsical, busy, or simply unique wallpaper will make it much more interesting. This is a very easy way to give a room more character.

Photo by Ooh_Food

3. Create coziness

Rooms with high ceilings can feel cavernous. Add comfort and intimacy by dividing the room in half using a chair rail or molding and applying wallpaper to the bottom half.

Photo by MyWallArt

4. Use stripes

There's a reason people usually choose to wear vertical stripes and avoid horizontal ones: they change the way your body looks. The same logic applies to the rooms in your house! Use vertical stripes in rooms with low ceilings to make them look bigger, and horizontal stripes in small rooms to make them look bigger.

Photo by Ooh_Food

Photo by Little Greene Paint Company

5. Timeless classics

They're called classics for a reason! There are some wallpaper patterns that never go out of style, and it's hard to go wrong with these.

Photo by Yvonne Eijkenduijn

Have you ever decorated with wallpaper? What are your thoughts?

Think An All White Room is Boring? Think Again.

2013-03-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

My clients really love white and lately I've been working on a lot of projects involving white-on-white designs.

I find that when paired correctly, white can illuminate a room creating a larger space, or through all white furniture with pops of bold colors it can add a zest of modern pizazz. Want a softer home? Decorate with varying shades of white for French countryside elegance.

1. Pair White with Cream

Create a truly peaceful ambiance in your home with a variety of white on white and add in a few creams to soften the look and add some visual texture; taking it from modern to cozy.

Photo by Cassandra Lavalle

2. Incorporate a Variety of White Accents

Use strong white accent pieces to recreate a crisp and clean feeling; choose a bold white sculpture or a sharp white armoire.

Photo by Cassandra Lavalle

3. Modernize the Everyday White

If you wish to really obtain the look of a modern, minimalist home, stick with the same shade of white within a room and watch in awe as your world brightens around you.

Photo by Cassandra Lavalle

Whatever your style may be white is the best way to emphasize any room, apartment or home. Even adding a bit of warmer whites to an area creates a space of comfort and tranquility.

4. The Many Shades of White

I love the classic Benjamin Moore paints as well as the warm grey tones from Farrow and Ball.

Farrow and Ball Warm Grey Tones

Warm Whites from Farrow and Ball

"Slipper Satin" white looks great on walls, whereas "Lime White" or "Off'-White" make great color choices for ceilings or trims.

Benjamin Moor Whites

Popular Shades of White from Benjamin Moore

"Simply White" is great for when you're going for a crisp and clean look and if you want to add a vintage feel to your room, try "Ancient Ivory".

What are your thoughts on an all-white room? I'd love to hear from you.

3 Tips for Creating a Manageable Mudroom

2013-03-06T13:37:00.001-08:00

It's easy for a mudroom to get out of control: coats and shoes everywhere, keys and purses never in the same place twice, and perpetually dirty floors. Here are some things to add to your mudroom to help control the chaos.

Photo by Maegan Tintari

1. Shelves with hooks

These are essential to keeping a mudroom organized. You need lots of hooks to hang not only coats but also purses, car keys, and backpacks. Shelves are necessary to store shoes and outdoor accessories. Having a place for everything means that everything in your mudroom is less likely to be out of place.

2. Tan or brown floor

There's no way around it: your mudroom floor is going to get dirty. You can minimize the appearance of dirt and mud by using a tan or brown floor so whatever's tracked in from outside blends right in to the floor.

3. Bench or stool

It can be tough taking shoes off standing up. Make things a little easier by adding somewhere to sit! Add either a built-in or freestanding bench, or for something more compact add a few stools to the items you store in your mudroom.

Photo by Ron Brenner

Got any ideas to add? Do you have a mudroom? What does it look like?

Happy Valentines Day!

2013-02-14T07:07:00.001-08:00

New Restaurant and New Project

2013-02-06T08:22:00.001-08:00

I am just starting on several back to back client projects which takes up a huge amount of my waking hours so I apologize for the sporadic blog postings. I also received a large antique furniture shipment from Atlanta that I am trying to get refinished and reupholstered, photographed, etc. so I can list them on OKL to sell. Last weekend I went to a new restaurant that I want to share with you because it is one of the most beautiful restaurants that I have been to in a long time. Feed Body Soul is located on Abbot Kinney in Venice the menu is composed of dishes built from organic ingredients with a health-conscious focus, no refined sugar, white flour, or dairy.

One of my current projects is a Restaurant remodel so I have been running around from Vegas and all over LA visiting as many restaurants as I can to get ideas. I am working on my presentation this week so next week I will be sharing with you the before photos and my design concept for my new Restaurant project!! If you're in Venice you must try Feed Body & Soul.

Healthy Living Coach Kathy Kaehler - Giveaway!

2013-02-01T01:55:00.000-08:00

It is just about to get much easier to get healthy this year!

At the beginning of the year I told you all that this one would be one for the books. It's going to be the year that we start to all care much more about our health, the food we eat and how we exercise!

Like most of you know (because I wrote about it a few posts back) my friend Kathy Kaehler came to my house one fateful Sunday and did her infamous Sunday Set-up and I was hooked! She had me pick some of my favorite veggies and taught me a few healthy snacks that I probably would not have thought up all by my self.
Kathy is a healthy living coach who gives workouts, tasty recipes, shopping lists and much more on her website to her subscribers.

Kathy Kaehler, my friend Melanie (author of My Sweet Savannah blog) and I are going to be doing a give away for a years subscription to Kathy's online platform.

(she is also throwing in a welcome goodie basket for the winner)!

This will revolutionize your life!

Want to win it?

The first rule is to follow my blog (since you already do you should replace that step of following my blog with following My Sweet Savannah!)

Find out the rest of the rules on My Sweet Savannah

blog post here!

Hopefully one of you will be the lucky winner!

There are 3 ways to get in the drawing.

Good Luck!!!

P.S. What do you think about my new blog look? Do you like the little changes made?!