The Garden of Edlen

Decor Update: Staging to Sell!

2013-05-31T11:57:00.000-07:00

I love our condo - but with two dogs and a growing toddler it's time for a yard and perhaps some more space. So because of that, we're getting ready to sell our beautiful home and I've been re-decorating NON-STOP! Here are some updates of what I've done:

I finally found a rug I liked for the dining room. I'm transitioning slowly away from blacks and greys to lighter beiges and whites. It's definitely a process, I wish I could just re-do everything at once but who has the time (or money?!)

I moved the white credenza from under the deer in the dining room to behind the sofa in the living room. Again, I'm trying to move away from the dark pieces we once had to lighter ones to brighten up the space.

I tried my hardest to de-clutter, although I like an eclectic look so I always keep things a little fun and mismatched. I was recently featured on Home Goods Facebook page and got a lot of feedback about de-cluttering. Also some feedback about that silly TV which people said I should mount. I wish I could - it's too heavy and old. Oh well - work in progress right?

I still love that mirror above the TV - it draws the eye up and brightens that side of the room so well!

I replaced our cow hide rug with a more neutral wool - it's definitely helping toward my vision of my next house with no dark furniture in the future.

I finally found a home to showcase my ceramic garden stools - love!

As you can see we pretty much live all in one space. It's been challenging for me with my transitioning style from very modern to more cozy since everything has to live together in harmony.

My birthday present this year - AH I LOVE THIS BAR CART!!! He lives under the deer where the credenza once was - I'm still not 100% happy with the staging but we'll get there, me and him!

And lastly, a not-too-exciting picture of a cute runner in our kitchen. I have commitment issues with rugs but I'm pretty happy with this little guy.

So what do you think? Are we getting there??? What kind of things are you working on in your home?

Creatively Chic Podcast Featuring muah, Adi Edlen!

2013-05-02T12:11:00.002-07:00

I'm so excited to share with all of you that I was featured in a Podcast, Creating the Perfect Room, hosted by the beautiful and talented Carly of Chic Steals!

Check out her blog post with a few great pictures of some of my past work and take a listen to my very first Podcast here.

I had so much fun - thank you so much Carly!!!

Guest Post: Decorating with Black White and Gold from Arcadian Home blog

2013-04-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Today's post is all about decorating with Black White and Gold - one of my favorite color pallets to decorate with in my own home.

Hi, everyone! It's Joanna from Arcadian Home blog, a fabulous place to find lots of interior design inspiration for lovely decorative accessories and a myriad of wonderful light fixtures from stunning chandeliers to ornate torchiere lamps. I'm so happy to be guest posting here at The Garden of Edlen. To inspire your decor dreams, I've brought along eight images of rooms dressed up in black and white with gold. Enjoy!

With gold metallic artwork, white tufted sofa and a huge zebra print rug, this living room with black walls is fabulous. Patterned toss pillows and a faux fur throw add visual interest and texture to the sofa.

White walls and ceiling are a great choice to keep this glamorous living room and with black floors, coffee table, bookcases and velvet seating from being just too dark. Gold accents can be seen in touches of brass in the table decor and lamps around the room as well. I wish we could see more of the gold wallpaper surrounding the fireplace.

A black and white contemporary kitchen is pretty with a restrained use of gold-- brass fittings and decorative accessories make a case for less is sometimes more.

This pretty black and white eclectic dining room is dressed up with golden accents. I love the black dining chairs with chic white upholstery and graphic Greek key pattern on the chair backs.

Antique black furnishings, contemporary rug and glam chandelier meld to create a comfortable, beautiful and interesting living space. The glow from splashes of bright pink in the surrounding rooms is a brilliant design idea.

Gold velvet adds color and texture to this black and white bedroom. I love the Greek key trimmed linens and the gold on the mirrored lamp.

This foyer vignette in black and white with gold is a lovely mix of styles and periods. At first glance the tall floor lamps topped off by chic white and black shades seem to be contemporary but are actually vintage.

White nurseries with black and white rugs like this one allow for quick change-outs of color. Here a single pop of metallic gold on the Moroccan pouf adds a touch of glam for Mom. Mini pendant lights and tiny chandeliers are perfect for baby's first room.

Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

What do you think of these black, white, and gold inspirations? Leave us your thoughts below and be sure to stop by Arcadian Home for more home and lighting inspirations every day!

Decorating with the Magic Rule of 3

2013-01-31T23:54:00.000-08:00

I realized that in my previous post about staging your home, I might have left you wondering what I meant by decorating in "Moments of 3"
so I decided I'd better get my story straight and illustrate a little! From now on we'll call it the Magic Rule of 3. Phew, much easier!

So here we have a before and after. In the before picture, we just needed to finesse a little by adding a couple of items.

I went straight to the Magic decorating trick by arranging the accessories in groups of 3:

To style the mantel I did:

3 frames

3 pretty things grouped together (1) votive (2) orchid stacked on books (3) mercury glass vessel

Which creates the overall look:

1 mirror +

1 group of frames +

1 group of pretty things =

The Magic Rule of 3

This is not the kind of rule that is punishable by law if broken - decorating is supposed to be fun, not scary after all. Accessories can look beautiful in pairs - like matching lamps for example. Or your favorite candle sticks. Or 2 chairs side by side - always a classic look.

But when you have a ton of gorgeous things you want to display together all at once, the Magic Rule of 3 can help you every time!

So I hope that clears some things up and helps you to be confident in your decorating skills for forever more!

ps... if you want to learn how to make that awesome mirror, check out this post from Adventures in Dressmaking

5 Tips for Staging a Room

2013-01-30T21:04:00.002-08:00

Staging is the most time consuming yet rewarding part of decorating a room.

I can blast through a store and buy a dozen things in 5 minutes flat,

but when it comes to placing those things in a room - I'm more like a snail.

Today was a perfect example of my signature snail-stylin'

I literally spent 3 entire hours styling my friend Suzannah's living room before her gorgeous home was photographed for a feature in the Oregonian (congrats Suzannah!!!)

I brought over some accessories from my home, because her house is so new that we just needed a few things here and there.

Take a peek for yourself what an incredible difference a little staging can make in the feel of a room:

Before After

Adding some things, subtracting others - shelving is the ultimate opportunity to add style to your home.

Don't be afraid to place a mirror in your shelving - it adds light to a dark space.

Before After

This one was a toughy. I really scratched my head on how to utilize this console table. There's a pesky thermostat behind the lamp so placing a mirror or art was limited -

so I placed a round mirror to direct the eye up to add some height to this space.

Add some pretty books and throw in a cute handbag and voila - a useful space!

Before After

I made such small changes to this mantel but look how elegant the space feels after -

just swap out dark art for a light reflecting mirror and add some flowers for color.

When in doubt, Decorate in "Moments of 3"

I like to call accessories or groups of things a "moment"
because it should mean something to you when you look at it.
It should make you pause and smile because it looks so good!

So for example:
3 frames grouped together = one "moment of 3"

The votive + orchid/books + mercury glass grouped together = another separate "moment of 3"

and lastly the mirror one it's own with the other 2 "moments" = the third "moment of 3"

Before After

This space just needed a few accents - this is George the dog - he normally lives in Jack's room

I went to every part of the living room and made purposeful and elegant moments through accessorizing. Each space your eye travels to should look polished.

Don't be afraid to take the time required to stage your home - here are some tips I use when decorating:

using the rule of "moments of 3" when I'm stumped (see pic of mantel for description)
don't shy away from moving things around - take it out, put it back, take it out, put it back
steal things from rooms you don't go into as often so your main rooms are polished instead of unfinished
step back from your project and walk through it several times to give yourself a fresh eye
if you're having a party (or photo shoot...) borrow accessories or furniture from friends for the day - because then it's FREE!

Blog Update - Follow Me!

2013-01-28T22:20:00.000-08:00

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to work on my blog, and hopefully reach out to more fabulous readers. I'm a little embarrassed to say I only have 17 followers - so let's work on that

You can follow my blog by clicking the pic below. I would most likely LOVE it if you did!
PS - THE SITE IS BEING FINICKY - IF IT DOESN'T WORK, PLEASE TRY AGAIN :)

Follow me, will ya?

I'm also simplifying the look of the ole blog - so you'll notice it looks a liiiiittttle different, no?

I noticed that a lot of the blogs I really like are all very simple - so I want to like my blog too!

And since I'm blogging about blogging - here's an super rad link to some blog planning tools
made by the FABULOUS Jenni of A Well Crafted Party.

Anyhow - I'll be tinkering for the next few days. Unless I get impatient and start throwin stuff.

What do you think?

Living Room Inspiration

2013-01-28T13:32:00.003-08:00

My style is becoming so much more sophisticated lately - I feel so, ladylike ;)

It's good for my clients but bad for my own living room (which never gets the chance to rest)

I just want to change it up every chance I get!

Anyway - Here's a peek at what I've been working on lately - I can't wait to share the finished product!

It makes me want to remove everything black from my entire house - but I'll refrain... for now.

HomeGoods shopping with a girlfriend

2013-01-22T09:57:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite things about blogging is the friendships I have made in "real life".

I met the beautiful Suzannah of Adventures in Dressmaking almost a year ago at a Portland Bloggers event.

She is one of the craftiest and creative people I know - there is nothing this girl can't do!

She recently bought a new home, and has been busy decorating away!

And since I love to shop, I accompanied her on a fun trip to HomeGoods and helped her pick out these fun things.

I love this sweet little ceramic pineapple - it makes this little space so cheery!

It's small moments like this that make a house a home.

Check out the versatility of this beaded glass bowl and pedestal - from Holiday to Everyday just by switching out decor with produce.

As simple as this round jute rug is, it makes a huge impact welcoming you into the entry way (and catching those fall leaves we have here in Oregon).

So there you go, just a few adorable things we found recently at HomeGoods.

What's your favorite find from your home?

Preserved Flowers

2013-01-21T23:29:00.001-08:00

OK, why did I NOT know about these?

I love faux flowers because they obviously last - but not everyone likes a fake flower on display in their home.

Enter this phenomena - PRESERVED FLOWERS! Real - gorgeous - flowerrsssss!

Someone out there is saying to themselves, "Yeah, Adi - this is not a new thing..." but it's new to me and I'm totally stoked about it!

I mean LOOK at them! So gorge!

I should also mention that the website I found them on is amazefest as well - it's called Save on Crafts, and just as the name says they have great prices for super cute stuff. Check em out!

Woohoo!!!!

Working on my bedroom (FINALLY!)

2013-01-19T15:51:00.001-08:00

I've noticed with myself and my clients that the bedroom is usually the last place to be decorated.

Whenever I find cute things for my home I want people to be able to see them so they usually end up in my living room.

Well I've decided to put my big girl pants on and start working on a grown-up bedroom (with a little bit of my whimsical style mixed in).

It may seem like a small step, but buying these gorgeous crystal lamps from HomeGoods was a big deal for me.

I've been searching for the perfect lamps for a long time now - not too feminine since my husband has to have some presence in the decor - and these were perfect!

I bought them because they look like whiskey glasses - you know, for the hubs.

Next will be changing out the bedding. Right now it's grey and yellow - here's my inspiration for an all white look:

Image via Pinterest

I just love how soft and sophisticated this bedroom looks.

I realize that the little pink gnome would probably have to go - In fact, a lot of my tchotchkes would go by the wayside. A challenge for me, no doubt.

So I already have a cream tufted headboard - I just need some curtains and some more bed linens before I can show you an update.

iPhone Wallpaper Backgrounds from Pinterest

2013-01-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

I love finding new iPhone wallpaper on Pinterest.

Here's a few I've pinned as of late - Enjoy!

All images via Pinterest

HomeGoods Happy with some fellow bloggers

2013-01-10T11:15:00.002-08:00

I've been having so much fun working with HomeGoods with my very own Pinterest board

I'd like to introduce you to three fabulous Interior Design Bloggers that are involved in the HomeGoods Pinterest project that I've been working on.

It's been an honor, these are some seriously talented ladies!

Camila from Effortless Style is pinning here

Image via Pinterest

Amanda from Amanda Carol at Home is pinning here

Image via Pinterest

Hooper from Birds of a Feather is pinning here

Image via Pinterest

I've been so inspired to keep working at my Interior Design career -

I may be just starting out, but I can't wait to see what the future holds!

Check out their blogs and boards for some inspiration!

Decorating on a budget - or should I say Decision making on a budget

2013-01-08T16:31:00.001-08:00

One day, when I'm rich and famous, I'm going to buy something I want at FULL price.

HA - Just kidding, I LOVE buying stuff on sale! And since I've become an expert at finding good deals I wanted to put together some tips to help you while bargain hunting.

Ask yourself these 4 questions and save yourself come cash by choosing only what truly works for you!

I am VERY picky about what goes in my home so I always ask myself a series of questions when I'm shopping to make sure I'm making the right choices.

Does it look expensive?

Just because something is affordable, that doesn't make it worth your cash.

Think of what that item will look like in your home to someone who can't see the price tag.

If it looks like it cost you 3X what you paid and you love it, BUY IT!

Is it too trendy?

I love chevron patterned EVERYTHING that I see - but it's super trendy.

Use classic lines and neutral colors in your furniture so you can play with trends in your accessories and linens.

Ask yourself if you'll get bored with larger or more expensive pieces like a rug or sofa in a trendy color or pattern before spending too much on it.

But of course, if it's totally you and you are totally in love, BUY IT!

Will it clash?

OK, duh right? But I've made this mistake lots of times.

I see something I love, get it home, and it looks atrocious next to the other thing that I loved so much before.

For example, I love shabby chic but I'm far too committed to a more sleek look throughout my home that I pass up that cutesy embroidered pillow.

Think of your overall vision you want the room to feel like and make sure you're not changing it up too much with one particular piece.

Grab that fun accessory if it will ADD to your overall style not compete with it.

Can I return it?

That one is simple - just think it through with all the questions above if the sale is final.

And an example of one of my latest finds that I snagged by following all my little rules:

These awesome boxes look expensive, have a classic and timeless look, go perfectly with my home's style and were from HomeGoods so they were returnable in case I didn't have a good place for them. Love!

And from my styling of my parents' house, this lovely ceramic stool - always a classic -
with some pretty flowers, both from HomeGoods so they were a steal and will never go out of style!

I hope that helps! What questions do you ask yourself before making a purchase for your home?

Decorating a modern condo

2013-01-07T13:47:00.001-08:00

Since we live in a condo, it can be challenging to mix my classic/eclectic style with the sleek modern lines and surrounding buildings that seep in through my windows. But I'm totally up to the challenge!

If your view is already colorful outside your windows, go with a neutral color base with furniture and add pops of color with accessories. Use a crystal lamp to add seamless lighting to a sofa table.

I created several seating areas by separating this love seat from the rest of the living room. It's a nice spot for reading or taking in the view to either side.

The classic lines of the furniture done in a modern way are perfect for condo living. Play up the height of your ceilings by hanging a mirror as high as you can and adding an oversized lamp.

To make the room more cozy, switch out the coffee table with a vintage trunk or add a jute rug. Drapery would definitely help warm up this space, but we haven't quite gotten there yet ;)

So what challenges do you have with your unique space?

My Exciting Collaboration with HomeGoods

2013-01-04T11:08:00.001-08:00

I'm so super excited to announce my recent collaboration with HomeGoods!

They contacted me to be one of four interior decorators across the country to host my very own HomeGoods Pinterest board featuring my designs! I literally jumped up and down all over my house when I found out (Jack thought it was really funny).

Here's a little peek into what I've been gathering over the last few weeks - I love HomeGoods because there's always something new every time I go!

I love the Moroccan feel of this adorable ginger jar. The juxtaposition of the pretty flowers, elegant patter of the jar and the eclectic silliness of the elephant define my personal style perfectly.

Mixing styles of mirrors is my newest obsession. The classic look of the grain beaded white mirror mixed with the vintage looking blue and glam large mirrors is so visually interesting and tells a story about my personality.

I'm attempting to add more blue and gold into my decor - it's a challenge since I have so much grey and black!

I'm a huge fan of faux flowers - they add the perfect pop of color without the cost and maintenance. Don't get me wrong though, for special occasions, I always go with the real thing!

There's more to come - I just have to get around to clearing out that old Christmas tree so I can take more pictures of the AMAZING things I've been able to find!

Polyvore Playtime

2012-11-19T12:57:00.002-08:00

Every once in a while I like to play around on one of my favorite sites, Polyvore.com.

I usually end up with waaaay too many things on my board because there's just too much good stuff out there on the interwebs! It's a really useful tool for decorating though, because you can get an instant visual of things you've been lusting over and how they might fit in a room with items you already have.

Too much of one color going on? Not enough pizzaz? Needs a little more eclectic flavor? Just add or subtract from your dream board!!!

Here's one I made really quickly today - clearly I'm in need of some mirrors in my life :)

So what do you think, have you ever used Polyvore?

Fun Gifts for a Kid's Room

2012-11-15T21:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've trolled around on the Urban Outfitters site - while I was there today I found some super cute gift ideas for a friend with kids (or for your own little one!) that would look great in a Kid's room.

I like a quirky collection for a kid's room - whimsical and fun, I know Jack would love any of these cute accessories!

2012-10-18T00:35:00.004-07:00

Hey everyone...

I have a new blog!

It's called Dear Adi E. It's about Me.

Check it out :)

http://dearadie.blogspot.com

InstaLately

2012-10-16T13:04:00.001-07:00

A little glimpse of my Instagram as of late

Mostly the Jackster - just how I prefer my life to look :)

Portland Interior Designer Garrison Hullinger

2012-10-11T12:32:00.002-07:00

Someday I'd love to own a classic Portland home. Not the typical little bungalow - I want it to be HUGE!

While I am dreaming away in my small(ish) condo, I found the perfect inspiration (or aspiration... you choose).

Garrison Hullinger is an incredible Portland Interior Designer who has me completely captivated and I couldn't help but to share the goods with you! This particular project that I'd like to share with you is called: Classic Remodel - Thurman Street. I chose a few of my favorite pictures - you can also check them out on Houzz.

Oh, and I'm about to gush so prepare yourselves...

Image via Blackstone Edge Studios

Just look at those gorgeous nearly floor to ceiling windows - perfectly appointed with luxurious yet subtle drapery. The fabric choices are soft and inviting, while also dramatic (check out that bold color on the couch!)

Image via Blackstone Edge Studios

I'm loving everything in this photo - the patterns, the white built-ins, the classic dental detail on the fireplace, and the beautiful original details of the woodwork. Seriously, can I just move in?!?

Image via Blackstone Edge Studios

Simply too much perfection to handle in this kitchen. I'm loving the unique choice of color in the cabinetry - giving the perfect nod of sweet charm and character that this Craftsman deserves. Every detail is accounted for in this kitchen, down to patterned ceiling and gourmet appliances. Even the SINK is beautiful!

Please check out the link to their article below for more deets:

Portland Interior Designer Garrison Hullinger completes historic remodel that respects Craftsman heritage while adding new luxury and comfort.

So what do you think? Is Craftsman Luxe your new fave? I would love to get my hands on an ENTIRE house like this to remodel!

Jack's First Birthday - Preview

2012-08-22T00:22:00.000-07:00

I'm gearing up for baby Jack's first birthday party (I'm going to be sad when I can't call him "baby" Jack anymore...).

The theme for his party is going to be, "Where the Wild Things Are" and I'm soooo excited for Jack's Wild Rumpus to start!

I've got a bunch of crafting ideas swirling around in my head - horns on headbands, little paper boats, a "Max" outfit for the birthday boy, and Jack's aunties are even pitching in to make this the best birthday ever! (especially since the last birthday was a pretty crazy day for the Jackster...)

Here's a preview of my Where the Wild Things Are candle votives:

More to come - but for now I've got to get back to crafting (you should see the mess that used to be my dining room table...)

I'm excited to share the big day with you!

Outdoor Patio Project!

2012-08-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

I never thought my first interior design project would actually be an exterior one - but it's summertime in Oregon and that means we want to be on our patios!

I recently finished my client's beautiful backyard - they live on a gorgeous canal and needed some atmosphere to enjoy their view.

I wanted the overall look to have a touch of femininity and color with flowers (I go faux because I kill plants) adding some trendy yet classic items like moroccan lanterns and a graphic pillow.

I scoured some websites and showed my clients a few inspiration boards for their furniture. It can be overwhelming to see each patio set one at a at a time, so I showed the sets bunched together according to source and price.

We chose a sectional from Sears of all places- amazingly there's an identical set from Home Depot that costs nearly $700 more! This taught me a great lesson - always shop around!

The sectional set came with brown pillows so I added the blue patterned pillows from Home Depot to cozy things up a bit. But of course, accessories are the best part!

Good design must always meet the expectations and needs of your clients. An ashtray was a must so I looked high and low for one that would be tasteful yet functional. It was an arduous search.

Finally I had the brilliant idea to use the sweet little moroccan lamp I had found at Home Goods. A little square glass, some blue sand and voila! The blue hurricane and fuchsia orchid add color and compliment the overall color scheme for the patio.

Along with an ashtray, my clients really wanted some outdoor lanterns - which I was so excited about!

I scored this beautiful vintage blue outdoor lantern along with a similar mate at Home Goods (gotta love that store!) and filled them with sweet little candles.

Overall, I had such a great time putting everything together. I wish I could have gotten better pictures but baby Jack was getting cranky after a long day of being adorable (it's hard work) so iPhone pictures had to do the trick.

What do you think? What's your outdoor patio fantasy?

New Business Cards!

2012-07-13T00:38:00.000-07:00

I had such a fun day yesterday working on my new business - making vision boards, updating floor plans and meeting with my amazing clients!

To add to the fun I'm excited to present to you....

My business cards for the Adi Edlen Design Studio!

There they are, front and back in all their skinny little glory! I decided to go with a unique size for my business cards to make them memorable. I made them at Zazzle.com and can't wait for them to arrive!

So what do you think?! Have you been craving some new business cards? You know... for being the CEO of your own awesomeness... :)

Looking for some Outdoor Furniture?

2012-07-11T23:42:00.003-07:00

I've been working on a few things lately for my client and tonight it was outdoor furniture! If you're looking for some good sets, check out my Polyvore account to see the presentations I've made for her.

Here's an example of my fave from Macy's:

Simple and classic, I love the clean lines and contrast of the crisp white with the preppy navy fabric.

I think the best way to go is mid-range price for a good quality product. It'll last and most importantly, won't look cheap!

So what do you think, are you in the market for some outdoor fun?

My Interior Design Dream Come True!

2012-07-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

I've always had a love for interior design - that's why I started this blog! It's been a dream of mine to become a real-life interior designer for a while now, but the stars just hadn't aligned for me...

Well thanks to my little itty bitty blog, my big huge dream has come true! I am so excited to announce that I have my very first interior design client!

I've got a lot of work ahead of me - I spent 2 hours today just measuring. I felt like such a professional though, snapping that measuring tape back up to my hip (be careful doing that, my fingers paid the price a few times).

So once I got all that behind me, I got to work figuring out floor plans. My mom showed me this really cool site Urban Barn where you can make floor plans online for free. I might need to poke around a little more to find a more sophisticated site (any suggestions?!) but for now it works just fine.

Check out my first run-through:

I didn't make any labels or add colors - the little tiny thing in the bottom left corner is an easel and the little boxy things on the right are stairs... but pretty fun nonetheless!

I'm excited to get better at my craft - who knew there was an art to measuring or how much fun it would be to move little black and white furniture around a screen!

More details to come on the house and what projects I'll be working on - I'm so so excited!!!