The Decor Chronicles

I'm Shutting Down this Site on Dec. 31st!!! Visit my New Site!

2013-12-04T21:15:00.006-06:00

I switched over to Wordpress in July, but have been keeping this site up for as long as I can. I'm officially shutting it down on Dec. 31st!! I'm on Wordpress under my company name: Whitney J Decor.

You'll get the same great info on my new site, as you've enjoyed on my Blogger site, but I've been blogging more often there and also have some cool new features. I host giveaways and contests and also have a newsletter. Subscibe below!! So, go ahead and drop by the new site and make sure you're following me on all your social media sites to keep up with all new info!

SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter. You'll get loads of great decor tips and tricks, be in the know of fun new contests/giveaways, and you'll get all the latest blog posts delivered to directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Moving over to Wordpress & WhitneyJDecor.com Domain

2013-07-26T13:17:00.001-05:00

Hello lovlies!!

I imported my blog to Wordpress last night and will be working on getting the layout/look that I want over the weekend. Once this is done, I won't be posting into blogger anymore, and my entire decor site/blog will be under whitneyjdecor.com.

You can still visit the site now, all the blogs posts here are already live on the new domain, but many of the sidebar widgets available here on my Blogger site won't be there until probably Monday.

And, I'll still keep this blogger site live for as long as I can, so this will still be available, but I'd like you guys to bookmark me at whitneyjdecor.com.

I'd love for you to make sure you don't miss a thing by signing up for my newsletter!! Here's the link. No spam, just fun decor, tips, contests, and an update on all my blog posts!

So, let me know if there's something my site has been missing that you'd like to see me incorporate on the new site! I'd love to hear from you!!

Did you like this post? If so, please share it! I would also LOVE for you SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter. You'll get loads of great decor tips and tricks, be in the know of fun new contests/giveaways, and you'll get all the latest blog posts delivered to directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Space-Saving Furniture from Resource Furniture: The Swing Sofa

2013-07-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Since we're talking small spaces this month, I thought I should share a very unique space-saving product from Resource Furniture, a company specializing in innovative, space-saving sofas, tables, and more.

The Swing sofa

Check out this quick video:

I love this!! The Swing sofa comes in many different colors and textures, features a Queen bed attached to shelving, and includes the 9 foot sofa with chaise shown in the below picture. The chaise has additional storage underneath the sofa seat. Just pull on the shelf above the sofa and the bed lowers. The shelf then becomes the foot of the bed without having to remove anything off it. How's that for innovative storage?? Perfect for the tiny apartment homes (with big budgets).

via Resource Furniture

Price for the sofa/bed/shelf unit starts at $13,450, which is definitely a WHOLE LOT OF MONEY. But if you live in a small studio apartment, is it worth it? Yes, maybe...

If you want to daydream about the other cool, space-saving furniture at Resource Furniture, here's a link.

What do you think about the Swing Bed from Resource Furniture? Do you think they're units are worth spending if it helps save extra space in a small home? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Small Scale vs Large Scale Furniture

2013-07-22T09:39:00.000-05:00

In a small space, it's important to get pieces that fit. No, your furniture shouldn't be mini, but they should... fit. Just because you've always wanted a 6-seat sofa, doesn't mean you should squeeze one in your living room if it's the only thing that can physically go in there. With that being said, I also don't think since you have a small space, you should have a room full of small furniture.

There should be balance in your room... a mix of both large scale and small scale furniture. If you have a King sized bed in your bedroom, then you could still fit end tables if you get a pair that are smaller in scale that match the bed in style.

Same thing works in your living room. If you want that large sofa, but also want a side table (or pair of side tables) get a side table that matches in style, but isn't as large in scale.

Don't put all large or all small scaled furniture in your home; the look is so Alice in Wonderland. (Click to tweet)

Here's some examples of small & large scaled furniture:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

What's your opinion on using large scale furniture in a small space? Should all furniture in a small space be small scaled? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Creating Separate Zones for Your Small Space

2013-07-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

In my opinion, a great way to make a small space feel larger is to create zones. In really small spaces, like small studio apartments, it's probably best to have your one room have dual duty as a multi-space. I'll touch briefly on combining zones, and will dig deeper in a separate post, but for now let's concentrate more on creating separate zones for small spaces.

A good way to make your space feel bigger, is by creating as many functional zones (work, sleep, play, eat, etc.) as you can. Jot down all the things that you will need to do in your space and start planning to separate your room into areas to complete each of these tasks. Some areas can work double duty if needed, for example, eating and working can both be completed from the same small dining table.

There are many ways that you can section off each of these areas: with furniture, room dividers, curtain panels, rugs, empty floor space, etc.

Below are ways to create zones for your small space.

via All Things Thrifty

The Entry Zone

I think it's a great idea to have a determined "entry" in a small space. When walking into a home with a defined entry area, it definitely gives the illusion that there is a lot more "space" left in the home. One way to define your entry is by adding a rug right at the inside of the door or having a different floor treatment in this space that's different from the rest of the floor in the room. Although a rug may be less expensive than changing the floors, but if you're planning to be there long term, having a beautiful, contrasting floor treatment in the entry area of a small space creates a bigger impact.

Another way to define your entry is by placing a piece of furniture there that serves all the entry needs, like a tray to corral clutter and keys, a spot for mail, and space for cute accessories. You should also have some space to put dirty shoes and umbrellas, and hooks to hang jackets and purses.

I love to see a vintage chest of drawers in a bright color at the entry of a small space, because it brings a big pop of color and character as soon as you walk through the door. I also think that the entry is a great spot to add cute knick-knack decorative accessories that don't necessarily "fit" in with the rest of the space.

Make sure that there is sufficient lighting in your entry zone, too, like overhead lighting or a floor or table lamp.

via House Beautiful

The Dining Zone

To create your dining zone, you can use a small table and four chairs. There is an unlimited supply of apartment sized tables. You can go simple with your table and bring pizazz with cute chairs, or get a crazy good table and tone down the wow factor of the chairs. It depends on your style and budget. Or, you can go all willy-nilly good for both your table and chairs, just make sure that it's a good fit for the space, style-wise and scale-wise. If you don't have enough space for a small table and chairs, look into a fold-away table or think about combining your work and dining zones in one space. You can do your eat and work from your laptop from at the dining room table.

If possible, get a rug under your table and an overhead light fixture to furthur define the space.

via Little Diggs

The Living Zone

My favorite zone, and one of the easiest to define, in my opinion. It all starts with a great sofa. Make sure that it is the right size. You don't want a huge sofa in a small space, especially if you're trying to create other zones. It isn't necessary that your sofa has to have two side tables and a cocktail table, but you MUST have atleast one flat surface for you and guests to be able to place stuff on, like drinks and books.

In small spaces, I love to see two upholstered ottomans in the front of the sofa, because they work multiple purposes: they can be used as a table top surface and they can be used as extra seating. The best part is that they're usually lightweight and easy to move all around the space.

Another important part of the living area is lighting. If you have a small studio apartment that has one really good overhead light, you may not NEED another light elsewhere in the space. Yep, I said it, I'm telling you that you can break a major "design no-no" rule and forgo the extra lighting if you need to. With that being said... it's a really, really, good idea to have another light source where you'll be reading, writing, and/or working. If those tasks are done in the living space, you should get at least a small task light. Table lamps and floor lamps are easy and affordable ways to bring in more light and help further define the space.

via Free Home Decorating Ideas

The Sleep Zone

In very small spaces, the sleep zone can consist of a daybed with a small dresser. That same daybed can function as a sofa. and that same dresser can function as an entertainment center, by housing a TV and other electronic components.

If you have a small space, but it's still big enough to separate your sleep and living zones, a good way to define the sleep zone and to give privacy is to curtain off the area. Ikea sells some great curtain panels that are track-mounted either to a wall or a ceiling.

Your sleep area should have at least a bed (or daybed) and a hard surface to put items on, like a lamp or books. If you can't fit a nightstand next to the bed, maybe you can fit a dresser or tall chest somewhere across from it.

If your space is really small, like I mentioned earlier, you may want to combine your sleep and living areas together. A tall armoire can hold clothes and things needed for your living room. The drawers of the armoire can be used for your folded clothes, while the section behind the doors can be used as bookcase (or even a bar), for example.

You may not want to use a curtain to hide your sleep area, if this is the case, and you still have enough room to separate your bedroom space, make sure you keep clutter at a minimum. You also want to make sure to find a neat way to store your shoes. If you have a closet, great, but if not, try using the cubby storage units.

via The Bold and the Beautiful blog

The Work Zone

If you work from home (a job, business, or schoolwork), you'll need a functional area to complete your work tasks. It's a great idea to have a separate zone for this, but you can combine your work zone with your living, dining, or sleep area, if you need to.

If you have enough space to have a separate work zone, I suggest going with a small desk and chair. A parsons' desk is great for small spaces. Your desk can be placed on a wall if you have extra space, or behind a sofa if that works better. Your chair can work double duty by serving as extra seating in your living and/or dining areas.

So, there's a lot of ways to create functional zones in a small space. Depending on how small your space is, you may not be able to have all your zones separate. You also don't want your space to look "cluttered" with furniture. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you have at least 3' of clearance between all furniture in your space. If you want to have a separate living, dining, sleeping, and work zone, but don't have good "movearound" space, you may need to think about combining your zones.

What good tips do you have for creating separate zones in a small space? Do you prefer your zones do double/triple duty? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!!

Did you like this post? If so, please share it! I would also LOVE for you SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter. You'll get loads of great decor tips and tricks, be in the know of fun new contests/giveaways, and you'll get all the latest blog posts delivered to directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

What My Home Library Would Look Like...

2013-07-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

via Elle Decor

I love this space seen a while back in ElleDECOR. I hate that I can't find the exact link to it!

I'm a sucker for a gallery wall, but this vignette may be a little too vintage for me, though. I would have mixed in some modern art.

I think I'd do another color on the walls for contrast... maybe raspberry... or plum...

I love the floors. Rustic floors are right up my alley. I'd add a vintage kilim in browns and pinks... Or maybe a leopard print rug...

Although this furniture is great, I would have a large table in the middle of the room with a mix of different, but equally beautiful chairs. To be used for meetings or small conferences with my future design team... And a Chesterfield sofa... with Porter chairs...

Two walls would have floor to ceiling bookshelfs with built-in, sliding ladders, of course. There will be old and new, beautiful books, fabrics, client baskets, paint samples, cute trinkets... I'd fit my vintage drafting table in here, too...

Oh, to dream!!

Ever dreamed of your own home library or have one already? What would/does it look like? Drop a comment and let me know!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Space Friendly Furnishings to Use to Small Spaces

2013-07-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here's some really cute small-scale and double/triple duty decor items that you're sure to love!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13

Know of any more small scale furnishings that would be great in a small space? Like any of these? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Small Space Decorating - Links around the Web

2013-07-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!!

I've scoured the web for some great resources for decorating small spaces. Here's ten links around the web to give your some tips and ideas for YOUR small space. Be sure to share with all your friends!

5 Tips for Your Studio Apartment

Studio Sense

10 Smart Design Ideas for Small Spaces

24 Ideas to Steal for Your Apartment

Frugal Friday: A Video on Small Space Decorating with Fabulous tips

Video: Small Space, Big Style

As Stylist's Small Space Design Solutions

Small Space Storage: 15 Creative and Fun Ideas

5 Easy Decorating and Storage Tips for Small Spaces

Decorating Small Spaces via West Elm

7 Sneaky Ways to Make Your Tiny Flat Look Huge

Stylish Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces

20 Small Living Room Ideas

Small Space Decorating with an Open Plan

10 Small Space Decorating Tips

Know of any other articles about decorating small spaces? Be sure to drop a comment and share your favorite links!

Did you like this post? If so, please share it! I would also LOVE for you to follow The Décor Chronicles. You'll get all the GREAT (right?) blog posts delivered directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

This Month's Theme: Small Space Decorating!

2013-07-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hey lovlies!
This month on the blog, the theme is all about small spaces, so get ready to get a brain overload with all the information I'll be hitting you with!

via Better Homes & Gardens

You'll be getting a bunch of small space decorating tips, like how to create zones, the right colors to use, bringing glamour in small spaces, and much more.

You should also get extra excited, because I'm doing my 2nd Designer Roundtable Q&A session with some of the same designers you heard from last month, and some new ones, too! I am super excited!

While you wait for these posts to pop up, go and check out all my other posts related to small space decorating.

Do you have any small space decorating tips? Have any specific questions you want answered about small space decorating? Be sure to drop a comment!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Happy Independence Day!!!!

2013-07-04T14:25:00.000-05:00

Hope you guys are having a fun and safe 4th of July! Drop a comment and let me know what you're doing today!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

4th of July Pinterest Board!! Need Guest Pinners!

2013-07-03T18:26:00.002-05:00

I need guest pinners for my 4th of July board!! Comment your email address below so I can add you, or send me an email at hello@whitneyjdecor.com!

I'll be accepting pins from now until tomorrow night! Get your pin on!!

Be sure to share with all your friends!!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Home Feature: Organized Closet with a Burst of Color

2013-06-29T09:53:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm featuring a hall closet before and after of my fellow blogger friend Kristen. She's the blogger behind The Road to Domestication. We met in a Facebook blogger group that we are apart of and since then, I've enjoyed reading her blog that has everything from cute printables to organization tips to cooking.

Kristen loves to organize, so I wasn't surprised when I saw her hall closet transformation. Look at the burst of color:

As you can see, Kristen made good use of storage containers to corral clutter. Here's what she said:

"I have this crazy awesome closet in my hallway that can really take on a life of its own if I'm not careful. In order to tame the beast and make it the best it can be, I hit The Dollar Tree and purchased a bunch of colorful containers. Once I organized everything into bins, I created some labels with PicMonkey and added those, too. What a difference! I LOVE opening this closet now!" - Kristen

Here's more After pics:

I love that Kristen bought the baskets at The Dollar Tree. I'm all for saving money. She also labeled them all, which makes it easier for when you're trying to find things and when you need to put them back.

For more organization tips or to see more pictures of Kristen's closet, check out her post blog post.

Do you have any great organization tips? Got a splash of color in your closet? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

My Purple Finds

2013-06-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

Purple is my favorite color!!! I've got so many different rugs, lamps, and paint colors saved on my Pinterest page. Here's some of my fav...

Crushed Velvet Fabric
Via Fabric.com

I love velvet fabric. This would look great upholstered on an antique living chair or mixed in with a eclectic mix of pillows in a bachelorette pad.

Hand-Strung Amethyst Chips Ramona Pendant
via Fuse Lighting

Yea, this one's gonna be pricey, but I couldn't leave it off the list, right?

Graham & Brown Purple Wallpaper
via Design Your Wall

Need I say more?

Ruby Oriental Fleur De-Lis Rug
via Rugs Direct

Let me explain something, I NEVER do Oriental anything! I don't hate the style, it's just not my favorite and never the first thing that I look to when designing a space. I've seen some really cute oriental rugs, but this one always makes me stare. In a good way... I think?

Jenna Stacked Ball Dark Purple Table Lamps
via Overstock.com

These are so cool! I love the deep, dark purple!

Handmade Ceramic Plate with Deep Purple Lotus Flower
via HopeJohnson on Etsy

The ceramic plates from HopeJohnson on Etsy are all so cute, but I love this one because it has the purple lotus flower. It would make a very cute serving plate!

Have you found any cute, purple items recently? What's your favorite color? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Designer Roundtable Q&A Session - Color

2013-06-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

I've met some great designers/decorators through Twitter, Facebook, Google +, and blogs within the last couple of months. I've always wanted to get some of them together to give my readers their perspectives on certain design subjects. I love variety, and I love that so many of us in the design/decor field are actually Individuals with our own style and own opinions about "what looks good" and "what works". Below are the questions related to this month's theme, Color, and the answers from these fellow designers and decorators.

Be sure to leave a comment below letting me know what you think about this month's Designer Roundtable or if you have any tips to add.

Also, feel free to reach out to either of them! They're very sweet, I promise!

via House Beautiful

1. What’s the most popular color trend?

"Brown, move over and make way for the new neutral in town,gray. For years, gray has been in the shadows, often thought of as drab and relegated to the masculine rooms of the house, but no more. It's soothing, sophisticated and anything but boring. Whether you choose a warm or cool gray, rest assured it will work fabulously with every color of the rainbow or other neutrals in endless shades and intensities.While black, white and even browns remain popular, gray has exploded in the design world and has found its way into our bedrooms, baths, common spaces and kitchen in a big way. Paired with lime greens, it provides a place for your eyes to relax and take a visual break. Paired with soft yellows, it brings that often misunderstood color to new heights, and paired with reds or Pantones Color of Year, Emerald, it provides a wonderfully sophisticated level of contrast. And of course, paired with other neutrals it can provide you with a sophisticated, welcoming space." - Doreen Sargente
"Well I heard that it was supposed to be Emerald Green but I am not seeing much of it anymore. The photos I received from this last market showed a really deep indigo/peacock blue that I really loved. We should be seeing much of that surfacing in the next few months. Along with many natural and glass accents! Think Eco chic!" - Adam Zollinger
"Color can be a form of celebration, reflecting whatever it is people are feeling . When economies recover you see lots of vibrant color, especially oranges . We're seeing a lot of this and brightness in the market, as well as coastal-inspired blues which have an expansive quality and reflect less constraint in our lives. I think the trend towards achromatic rooms, particularly the black and white rooms, reflects the way technology is almost universally embraced as part of our lives." - Peggy Berk
"There are always trends and micro-trends going on. The major trends have a life span of about 7-10 years. At the basis of all color trends are the neutrals. When I grew up, everyone was painting their homes in warm neutrals.....tans and beiges. The new generation of homeowners grew tired of it, and the trend right now is to have cool neutrals.....lots of variations of gray. I think the gray is at the middle/end of its life span with the leading spots of the country shifting. I still have most clients wanting cooler tones in this area. While it's not widely accepted yet, and doesn't really have anything to do with color, pattern on pattern is making a huge comeback. I, for one, hope that it's short lived!" - Tawna Allred
"Saturation! There are a wide range of colors that are popular right now, but the key seems to be using heavily saturated color. It makes your space distinctive and memorable." - Susan Lacy

via Phoebe Howard

2. What’s your favorite “timeless” color scheme?

"Hmmmm. Personally I love a deep primary color palette - wine red with mustard yellows and navy blue. I don't know if that is timeless for everyone else, but it is for me!" - Adam Zollinger
"This one is hard, because color and pattern are what date a home the fastest. So, a lack of color really is more timeless. This room by Phoebe Howard is one of my favorites, and I think that it will still be gorgeous in thirty years. (see above pic - Phoebe Howard). That being said, I don't think every person would or should go for this type of room if it doesn't fit their personality." - Tawna Allred
"I love working with grays in place of the more common beige neutrals. It feels much more contemporary to me, a needed update for even a traditional setting." - Peggy Berk
"Crisp blue and white! Blue is not even a favorite color of mine, but nothing looks fresher and more crisp to me than that classic pairing." - Susan Lacy

via The Whited Sepulchre

3. What color combination is a definite no-no?

"That is a really hard question because I believe that if colors are mixed and balanced appropriately you can get away with just about any color combination." - Adam Zollinger
"I don't think there is one ; integrated correctly you clan make almost all colors work together. However, my pet peeve is mixing yellow based neutrals with pink-based neutrals in the same room. For some reason I find it jarring." - Peggy Berk
"In the hands of a master, nothing is off limits. However, as a general rule of thumb, don't mix "dirty" and "clean" colors if you are putting colors together for the first time. Clean colors are pure pigments...untainted. Dirty colors are colors that have been mixed with their compliment (green/red, yellow/purple, blue/orange) or with a dash of brown or black to make them look more like the natural world." - Tawna Allred
"There are two:1) pink/purple, because no matter what you do, people will start hunting for easter eggs; and 2) red/green. Can anyone say Christmas time?" - Susan Lacy

4. What colors work best in small spaces?

"It definitely depends on the mood you want to establish for the room. I generally like more saturated colors on walls in small rooms because walls seem to have more visual presence in the space than they do in rooms which accommodate more furnishings. If you use white walls in small rooms, it's really critical that it be integrated into the full scheme, picked up in fabrics and finishings at least as an accent, so it doesn't become just a backdrop for the setting." - Peggy Berk
"Any colors that you want. I think furniture proportion, lighting, and accessories are what kill a small space, not the colors." - Adam Zollinger
"Any color works in a small space that is done in a high gloss sheen." - Tawna Allred
"I believe one can use any color in a small space, provided your furnishings are to scale. AND, if you use a bold color, don't use it on EVERY wall. There needs to be some area to rest the eyes, so use a bold color either on an accent wall, or just in accent pieces or fabrics." - Susan Lacy

5. What design rules are “breakable” in relation to color/color schemes?

"What rules?" - Peggy Berk
"N/A" - Adam Zollinger
"About any rule can be broken! However, you have to know the rules well before you know when it works to break them. The rules, by themselves, are like truth. They follow the rule of the universe, and there is nothing you can do about that. The only time you can break them is when a third, unknown factor comes into play that FORCES a change. Just breaking rules for fun will end up in a really bad project! I go back to the rules of color and proportion time and time again. They are my solid base." - Tawna Allred
"This actually relates to the previous question. Don't let anyone tell you you can't use bold colors in small spaces. Just be sure that if you are going to do it, you do it with confidence, so that it makes a statement. You don't want people to look at your room and feel it's timid or unfinished." - Susan Lacy

via Tawna Allred Interiors

6. What’s the best advice related to color you’ve been given?

"GO FOR IT! Just pick the right shade and consult a designer if necessary." - Adam Zollinger
"My best color advice came from a painting teacher when I was a teenager - warm up a cool palette by mixing a color that's one level warmer than your warmest color into all the other colors in the palette, and do the opposite, mixing in a color one level cooler to cool off a warm palette. I still develop all my color schemes using paint or a digital program such as PAINTER and always tweak it this way as a last step." - Peggy Berk
"In a House Beautiful magazine, I read a quote by Alexa Hampton that referred to picking yellow for a paint color. Her advice was to pick a yellow, and then go a shade lighter. Yellow interacts with sunlight in a way that makes it EXPLODE with strength. I decided to take her advice when designing the bedroom for my little girls, for which I chose a yellow. I figured it was a color that was happy but that could grow as my girls grew. It worked out well! So I always share this advice, even encouraging two shades lighter!" (see above pic) - Tawna Allred
"Although at the time I heard it I thought it sounded silly, I'd have to say look to your wardrobe when choosing a color scheme for your home. If you think of your decor as accessories to you, then choose your color the same way you choose your clothing. If a lavender blouse washes the color from your face and makes you look jaundiced, you don't want to sit in a lavender room looking sickly. You pick your clothes to make you look fresh and lively, so pick colors for your home the same way." - Susan Lacy

The Designers/Decorators:

Adam Zollinger

Interior Designer/Owner of Adam Zollinger Interiors

Owner of Shabby - Your Chic Lamp Boutique on Etsy

http://www.adamzollingerinteriors.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/shabbylamps

Peggy Berk

Interior Designer of Area Aesthetics Interior Design

http://www.areaaesthetics.com

http://www.twitter.com/pberk

Doreen Sargente
Blogger/Decorator of House Honeys
http://www.househoneys.com
http://www.facebook.com/househoneys

Tawna Allred
Interior Decorator/Owner of Tawna Allred Interiors
http://www.tawnaallred.com
http://www.tawnaallred.com/blog/

Susan Lacy
Interior Designer/Owner of Pepper Creek Interiors
http://pcidesignreflections.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/PepperCreekInt

Thank you so much to all the designers/decorators for participating! You have offered great advice that could be helpful for both myself and my readers!

So what did you think about this Designer Roundtable Q&A Session? Have any other great color advice you'd like to share?

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

5 Quick Ways to Add Color to Your Bath Room

2013-06-17T00:08:00.002-05:00

I love a neutral color scheme in a bath, but I also REALLY LOVE to see a bathroom with pops of color. A colorful space is great refresher when you're getting up in the morning. My opinion is that colorful spaces make you happier. What better place to put you in a happier mood than in your bathroom?

Here's simple ways to bring color in your bathroom:

Change your Towels & Bathrugs

Your bath towels and bathrugs are a very inexpensive way to bring in color. The best part is that you can find so many different kinds and styles at most stores. My favorite place to buy them from are Target and Bed, Bath, & Beyond, because you get a variety of colors & styles at many different price points.

via Home & Garden Design Ideas

via Pinterest

Install a Colorful Shower Curtain

Your shower curtain is very inexpensive way to bring in color. I would suggest getting two different ones that can be changed out every couple of weeks or so. It would be a fun way to switch it up for guests, or for yourself and your household. Just make sure that they both match the color scheme of the bathroom. (Unless you want to change up the entire color scheme every couple of weeks)

via Home & Garden Ideas

via Sarah Richardson Design

Paint your Wall

Paint may definitely be the biggest way to make an impact in a space. I love the dark gray in the below picture, but I usually prefer a brighter color in a bath, especially in a bathroom used often.

Via Better Homes & Garden

via Valspar

via Home Renovations

Add Colorful Artwork

I love to see colorful artwork in a bathroom, especially a small space (it just seems so much cooler with art)! I think bathrooms are a great way to bring in bold art pieces, especially if they're colorful. Guests love to get surprised by a fun piece of artwork!

via The Visual Vamp

via My Mod Style

Plants

Plants are a great way to bring in more color. Other than the green from any leaves on your plants, they're an unlimited amount of plants you could consider for your bathroom that could bring in pops of color.

via Timticks

via Jazzy Living

So, how colorful is YOUR bathroom? What do you think of these ways to bring in pops of color? Do you prefer a more subdued color scheme for your bathroom? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!

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Till next time,

XOXO

Colorful Floral Fabric

2013-06-13T07:30:00.001-05:00

I love floral patterns!! Since this month is themed on color, I've compiled some really cute, colorful fabrics!

What do you think about these?

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

My favorites are #1 and #2. That yellow one would look great in a sunroom!!

What do you think about these floral fabrics? Do you like the color schemes of either of these? Are either of them too wild for you?

Did you like this post? Be sure to share it on Facebook and/or Twitter. I would also LOVE for you to follow The Décor Chronicles. You'll get all the GREAT (right?) blog posts delivered directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Decorating with Blush Pink!

2013-06-10T07:37:00.000-05:00

How do you feel about Blush Pink? Some people think that it's too girly. What do you think?

via Iffer's Little Nest

via Triple Maxtons

I love how the designer of the above room brought in some nature with the plants and that rugged wooden coffee table. It definitely "de-prettifies" (yes, I made it up) the room a bit.

via Nichole Loiacono Design

My favorite room. I love the blend of patterns, textures, and the use of gold and silver. The deep blush pink is the perfect color to help accentuate the curves of the sofa!

via Gallery No. Eight

via Scrapbook

All the rooms above are really feminine. I particularly like the room right above, because it's more modern than the rest. Clean lines and minimal color. It's also the room that I think could be more acceptable to men than the rest.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

How do you feel about Blush Pink? Do you have or want it in your own home?

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Top Ten Colors for Spring and Summer 2013

2013-05-31T22:39:00.001-05:00

Hey lovlies!!! I hope your weekend is going well! I'll be spending mine at my brother's basketball tourney during the day and doing some catching up with work at night. What's your plans?

While browsing the net last night, I realized that I hadn't posted on this season's top colors. So, below are the top ten colors for this fashion season. Now we all know fashion colors also apply to interiors...

... So, Throughout the next couple of days, I'll be reporting to you my favorite rooms that sport a color below and show you how to use the hue in your own home.

Are you using any of the above hues this season in your home? Is your home sporting another trending color? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Today I'm Guest Blogging on Annis Bubble - Part 3

2013-05-30T14:35:00.003-05:00

Hey lovlies!!

Today is the last post of my three-part series for Anni from Annis Bubble on how to create functional spaces for both kids and moms. Previously, I talked about making your kids rooms and kitchens more functional for both moms and kidss. Today, my post is about how to make your HOME OFFICE also function as a PLAY ROOM.

So, drop in on Annis Bubble to check it out! Leave some comments, too! We all love comments, right??

Till next time,

8 Quick and Cheap Ways to Update Your Home...

2013-05-26T11:52:00.001-05:00

Hey lovlies! Hope you're having a great weekend! Below are some tips to quick and cheap tips to update your home. Each can be done in less than a weekend!

Paint a piece of furniture.

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Paint a room, or an accent wall to bring in a big dose of color.

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Paint the exterior door. To give your front facade a face lift. It'll make you every each time you come home or are leaving out.

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Slipcover your sofa. It'll look like your have a new piece of furniture.

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Change the pillows on your sofa.

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Buy a new rug that matches your color scheme or the color scheme that you want. A rug is an instant room refresher.

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Get some fresh flowers to freshen up the space and bring the Season in!

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Remove ALL clutter. It gives your room a new look, making it look fresh and posh!

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Have any more quick and cheap ways to update a home? Have you done any of the above? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!

You can also like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter or Instagram, or shoot me an Email!

Till next time,

XOXO

Sneak Peek into a Current Project

2013-05-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

Hey lovlies,
I'm just about finish with an eclectic, glam bedroom design. I'll be sure to post the reveal next week, but in the mean time...

...Here's a sneak peek...

This paint is Behr - Victorian Rose, it's so soft and vintage-y...

I can never resist Cheetah Print...

The room was inspired by this Marilyn Monroe poster...

These are the curtains...

Storage cubbies, but we're adding a little glamorous trim to these baskets. Stay tuned...

So what do you think? Working on any of your own interior projects? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Saving Energy, for Apartment Dwellers

2013-05-22T00:26:00.000-05:00

One definite thing I hate about living in apartments is you are limited in the amount of energy usage you're putting out, because you can't make big changes like water heaters, windows, and even appliances; you get whatever came with the apartment and there's usually nothing you can do about it.

But, you can save energy...

Even though you live in an apartment!

Just the little things can help!!!

See below for 8 easy, affordable ways to limit your energy output and save on your electricity bill in your apartment (or a house).

Change your light bulbs to CFL bulbs. They are initially more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they last 10 times longer.
Turn off and unplug all electronics including tv, dvd player, cable box. I use a surge protector for this, that way, with the flip of a switch everything is turned off, and then I unplug the surge protector from the wall.
Keep your lights off when you don't need them. If it's too dark during the day, open your curtains. Use sheer curtains or window film if you're worried about people looking in your apartment (I sure am).
Keep your thermostat set at 78 in the summer and 68 in the winter. I know, it doesn't sound like a lot of sense, right, but setting the temp higher in the summer and lower in the winter decreases the electricity needed to cool or heat your home. Use fans in the summer and bundle up in the winter!!!
Turn off you A/C when you're not inside. There's no need to have it on; most units cool apartments rather quickly.
Use fans!! Fans circulate air and helps you feel cooler.
Use insulating curtains or drapes. Many stores sell them. I particularly like the light blocking curtains.
Install an energy-efficient showerhead in your showerhead to minimize hot water consumption (which minimizes the amount of electricity needed to heat more water, Ha!)

SN: Like I mentioned above, every single one of these tips work in a house, too!!! In a house, there are other, more permanent energy-saving changes that can help make a huge diference in your electricity bill, like replacing old windows for energy-efficient ones... more on that in another post!

So, are you conscious of the amount of energy you use in your apartment? What steps have you taken to minimize it? Have any additional tips to share? Be sure to drop a comment!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

For the Love of Money...

2013-05-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love glamorous spaces!! They look so expensive and luxe! I'll show you in another post how to get a glamorous space on a budget, but for now...

...let's just make believe for a bit... **drop the fantasy music**

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So, do you love glamorous spaces, too? Do you find yourself being drawn to a space that looks expensive?? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO

Today I'm Guest Blogging on Annis Bubble - Part 2 of the Series: Kitchens

2013-05-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

Hey lovlies!!

As you may know, I'm doing a three-part series for Anni from Annis Bubble on how to create functional spaces for both kids and moms. Last week, I talked about making your kids room more functional. Today, my post is about how to make your KITCHEN more function. You definitely don't want to miss these tips. I'm talking appliances, countertops, storage, and more.

So, go run over to Annis Bubble to check it out! Leave some comments, too! We all love comments, right??

Till next time,

Common Living Room Furniture Arrangements...

2013-05-14T23:04:00.001-05:00

In order to have a comfortable, functional living room, your furniture arrangement needs to be carefully planned. You may want to place furniture where you think it looks good, but it's important that each piece is placed so that arrangement helps make the space more functional. For example, if your living room is used for watching TV, then your seating area should be placed to face the screen. If the main function of your living room is for conversation, then furniture should be placed in groupings to facilitate communication and maximize interaction.

Also, the furniture arrangement may need to accommodate free movement or circulation from one room to another.

Here's the most common furniture arrangements used in living rooms:

Parallel Arrangement: great for emphasizing a focal point, like a TV or fireplace. I really like this arrangement because it's open on two sides for people to move through. This arrangement is also great for conversation, because the furniture pieces face each other. Great for minimalist living rooms!

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L-shaped Arrangement: When two seating pieces are placed at right angles to each other. The L shape could be formed with two sofas, two chairs and a table, or as simple as a small chair placed at a right angle to a sofa. A L-shaped sectional can also be considered a "furniture arrangement". Because of the angle of the arrangement, some people consider this layout even more comfortable for conversation than the parallel arrangement. Great for small rooms!!

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U-shaped Arrangement: an extension of the L-shaped arrangment and can be formed by adding additional seating, like a chair, sofa, or loveseat to the L. Great for large spaces!

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Box-shaped Arrangment: formed by adding additional furniture pieces to the U-shape arrangement to partially close the opening. I believe this is the best way to maximize conversation among users, because it's both a combination of the parallel and L-shaped arrangements and provides loads of seating for extended guests or big families. The downside to this arrangment is that it is less open than the other arrangements. Great for big families or large living rooms!

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So what furniture arrangement works best for you and why? What layout is currently in your living room? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!

You can also like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter or Instagram!

Till next time,

XOXO