Interior Design Tips for the Busy Professional

2013 Design Trend: Bringing the Outdoors In

Amanda Butterworth — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:57:00 GMT

We've recently featured some 2013 interior design trends that we witnessed at High Point Market. One of Decor & You's favorites - something we've discussed before - is bringing the outdoors inside. The moss table setting below provides a unique and innovative way to liven up (literally!) your typical dining table.

Moss-covered tablescape by Four Hands

There are many ways to introduce this trend in your home. From small accessories, to plant life, to sea life, here is some design inspiration for bringing the outdoors inside your home.

Branch Out

Branch-like objects from the outdoors are an easy way to subtly bring this design theme into your home. The white motif below is accented with a twisted branch for an additional bit of whimsy.

Photo: BHG

This bathroom introduces coral sconces to the space, but paints them white so they elegantly fit in with the decor without distracting from the clean design.

Photo: House Beautiful

This display that we captured at High Point market works beautifully using the lucite encased branches as sitting stools.

Rustic-modern furniture by Four Hands

She Sells Sea Shells...

Items from the sea are popular in beach themed homes and spaces, but can work well in other traditional and modern spaces as well!

Photo: BHG

The bathroom below uses a shell mirror and clam shell sink to create an elegant and unexpected mirrored vanity.

Photo: House Beautiful

This poolhouse combines the branches - seen below in the chandelier - with the sea accessories to create both a beach and rustic feel in the space.

Photo: House Beautiful

It's in the little details

Sometimes the outdoors inside can be in the little details - an animal-print upholstered pillow, a potted plant, or even just using leaves in your accessories.

Photo: BHG

Mix and match various outdoor elements to create a unified design scheme.

Photo: ElleDecor

If you aren't ready to bring the outdoors in, large floor-to-ceiling windows are a great way to feel like your space is sharing the nature sitting right outside.

Photo: ElleDecor

How have you chosen to introduce the outdoors inside your home? Please share with us in the comments!

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/179737/2013-Design-Trend-Bringing-the-Outdoors-In

Magnificent Mirrors Using Unique Materials

Amanda Butterworth — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:59:00 GMT

Decor & You recently attended the High Point Market in High Point, NC, and we discovered many new interior design trends for 2013. One of our favorite accessories from the market was this burlap-framed mirror from Uttermost. They took a unique and industrial fabric to frame a mirror in an unexpected way.

Photo: Uttermost

We loved this concept of using an unexpected material for a traditional room accessory. Curious to find more mirrors like this, we set out on a hunt to discover other mirrors that use unconventional materials.

In our searched we discovered many mirrors that were implementing another 2013 design trend that we saw at High Point - bringing the outdoors in.

This Currey & Company mirror uses a natural driftwood to "evoke an earthy tone and feel." Its versatility allows it to be used in the more casual to the more sophisticated of spaces.

Photo: LonnyMag

The mirror below found its materials in the sea! This oyster shell mirror will work with almost any color scheme due to its subdued hues.

Photo: Wisteria

Below, Anthropologie uses organic mango wood to create a unique hanging mirror that will fit in many spaces.

Photo: Anthropologie

A fun DIY project, this wine cork mirror is perfect for hanging over a wet-bar or bar cart.

Photo: Fine Living for Less

What unique materials have you seen framing a mirror? Share with us in the comments below!

For more inspiration on bringing the outdoors inside your home, take a look at It's Only Natural: Outdoor Elements in Your Interior Design.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/179477/Magnificent-Mirrors-Using-Unique-Materials

Keep Up with Interior Design Trends Using the New Decor & You App!

Amanda Butterworth — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Decor & You is excited to announce the launch of our new Interior Design Mobile App! The app offers the following features:

Connect with Decor and You, the leaders in interior design and home decor.
Keep up to date on the newest trends and home design ideas through pictures, blog posts, radio, and TV.
Enter to win contests and valuable prizes.
Request a personalized style print to put You back into Decor.

Our app is available for the iPhone/iPad, Android, and Desktop (HTML5).

Use the QR codes below to download the app for your device, and find more screenshots below.

Google Play (Android) Screenshots [Download]

Apple (iPhone/iPad) Screenshots [Download]

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/179207/Keep-Up-with-Interior-Design-Trends-Using-the-New-Decor-You-App

2013 Design Trend: Mixing Animal Prints with Bright Bold Colors

Amanda Butterworth — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:25:00 GMT

Another 2013 interior design trend we saw at High Point market this year was the combination of animal prints with unexpected bursts of color. Animal prints have been all the rage in interior design for a while now, but they aren't fading out of the picture quite yet! Pairing animal prints with bold colors is the perfect way to create an eye-catching design scheme in a room.

Use Colorful Animal Prints

We encountered many colorful animal prints at High Point this year, so this trend will abound in 2013! The room below combines a blue zebra print curtain with a busy and equally eye-catching wallcovering to add an upbeat tempo to the room.

Photo: Decorati

Throw pillows are an easy way to add animal print to your room's decor without being excessive. Reupholster an old chair or ottoman to give it new life in the space.

Photo: BHG

Combine it with Colorful Furniture

Upholstering furniture with animal prints is a continuing trend. That one chair with an unexpected zebra print can add the perfect finishing touch to a room. Another trend we're seeing this is the unexpected addition of bright colors to these pieces of furniture. The chair below was painted emerald green and adorned with leopard print on the cushions. We love the fun contrast this pairing creates.

Photo: Pigtown Design

Even if your furniture can't be upholstered, pairing a bright colored piece with animal print accessories or an area rug will create a pleasant visual appeal in the room.

Photo: Charles Harold Company Showroom at High Point

When in Doubt... the Zebra Rug

Zebra rugs like the one above have been plentiful in interior design for the past few years, and they don't seem to be going anywhere. A zebra rug is easy to pair with bold, bright colors, and can add the perfect finishing touch to almost any room, even a nursery!

Photo: Modern Urban Baby

Or, try using it to add a modern twist to a more traditional room.

Photo: BHG

Interested in more interior design trends from High Point Market? Learn more about how to mix modern spaces with traditional!

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/179005/2013-Design-Trend-Mixing-Animal-Prints-with-Bright-Bold-Colors

2013 Interior Design Trend: Mixing Traditional and Modern

Amanda Butterworth — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:05:00 GMT

Earlier this week, we posted about some of our favorite High Point market highlights and design trends. Another popular trend that we fell in love with at this year's market was the combination of traditional and modern design in a single space. The juxtaposition of these two styles creates an eclectic look that is neither too soft or too hard, and is intriguing to the eye while still being comfortable.

Here are some examples of a traditional and modern combination design scheme. We hope they'll inspire you for your next home project!

Mix Materials and Patterns

One of the trends we saw this year was the combination of rustic, weathered wood objects alongside bright bold patterns. The room below surrounds its simple wooden table with bright, upholstered chairs, and adds an extra bit of modern flair with the two lucite chairs.

Photo: Home Design Lover

In the living room below, the space is given a little touch of modern with the bright lime pillows and the zebra print chair. These items help create an attractive vignette alongside the traditional and rustic pieces in the room.

Photo: BHG

Throw in a Bright Bold Color

A bright color is the perfect way to modernize a traditional space without necessarily bringing in modern pieces. The space below takes traditional pieces and gives them a modern flair with bright yellow paint, creating a visual surprise for anyone who dines in this home.

Photo: Home Design Lover

Yellow interiors remain a popular interior design theme in 2013. The space below jazzes up its traditional furniture, accessories, and wallpaper with a neon yellow dresser - a pleasant surprise in an otherwise traditional room.

Photo: House Beautiful

Bring in Something Vintage

Vintage items next to modern furniture, accessories, and artwork can be a very complimentary combination. This vintage dining area next to the hard edges of the modern kitchen make the space interesting, beautiful, and dynamic.

Photo: JAG Interiors

This modern artwork pairs beautifully with the distressed antique dresser below it. Don't be afraid to mix your contemporary and older pieces. The juxtaposition of the two styles creates a gorgeous motif.

Photo: Pillows by Dezign

For more trends from this year's High Point Market, read our recent article High Point Market: 2013 Interior Design Trends.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/178736/2013-Interior-Design-Trend-Mixing-Traditional-and-Modern

High Point Market: 2013 Interior Design Trends

Amanda Butterworth — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:12:00 GMT

The Decor & You team ventured to High Point market last week, exploring the exhibits of other interior design trendsetters and tastemakers. The new products and innovations were exciting to see and we want to share them with you! Here are our favorite design trends from the 2013 High Point Market.

Specialty Furniture

One trend we saw consistently at market were rug covered ottomans. You could select any of the flat weave area rugs and have a custom ottoman created. These are great to have if you have children or pets as they withstand the test of time! These could be introduced into any style of design you are working with and are a great way to introduce bold colors to your design scheme.

Rug-covered ottomans from Company C.

In addition to textiles, we saw saturated color being introduced on the paints and trims of accent chairs and casegoods. With this particular company, you could custom design any chair by making a selection of color from the Benjamin Moore Paint collection. No more boring accent chairs!

Custom-painted chair by Eastern Accents

It’s all about the details in 2013. Notice the bird carved out of the arm on this accent chair.

Accent chair by Uttermost

Bold Colors and Accessories

It's no secret that bold, bright colors are a common design theme in 2013! Turquoise and coral combinations were easy to spot at market this year. Aren’t the powder blue walls in the space below dreamy?

Bedroom display by Eastern Accents

We spotted this pillow tree of colors and patterns. Pillows are the easiest way to incorporate color and texture into a room, especially if you aren’t sure where to start.

Pillow display at Jaipur

One of the trends we saw at market were handmade parchment-bound books and leather bound books. They are beautiful and you can custom design the bindings to coordinate with your home décor. What a wonderful idea to add color to your space!

Parchment-bound books by E. Lawrence, Ltd.

Leather-bound books by E. Lawrence, Ltd.

We loved this burlap decorative mirror, this can look high end or industrial, either way it’s a great start to adding texture to a plain wall.

Burlap mirror from Uttermost

Statement Chandliers

We saw more bold colors and styles in the lighting fixtures at High Point this year! Lighting has become so much more bold and is a great “bang for your buck” statement piece.

Statement chandlier from Arteriors

This is not your typical chandelier! Whimsy was abound in not only accessories this year but also with fixed lighting. What a statement piece this would make in a girl's bedroom.

Pink chandelier by Cyan Designs

Bringing the Outdoors In

Another trend at market that was easy to spot was bringing the outdoors indoors, this leather furniture combined with the log legs along side the Lucite encased cut branches as side tables is so unique and quite functional.

Rustic-modern furniture by Four Hands

Another example of bringing the outdoors in - what a clever idea to utilize moss for your tablescape!

Moss-covered tablescape by Four Hands

What is your favorite High Point market trend? Please share it wish us in the comments below or on our Facebook page!

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/178503/High-Point-Market-2013-Interior-Design-Trends

How to Minimize the Clutter: Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen

Alison Van de Berghe — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:42:00 GMT

Organization is key in a busy kitchen, and keeping your things in order in the busiest room of the house is a hard task. Follow these organizational tips to keep your kitchen organized today.

Use Your Cabinetry Wisely

Kitchen cabinets are precious space to keep your things organized and out of sight. Make the best use of the hidden shelves by organizing your items by purpose; for example one cupboard holds just plates and bowls, and another one holds your cups and glassware.

This kitchen shows how cabinetry can look beautiful and classy while keeping your kitchen organized. Place the items you seldom use in the high, hard-to-reach cabinets, and use the lower larger cabinets for every day use and items you'll need for guests. For example, the kitchen below is using its exposed glass cabinets as a liquer cabinet - perfect for entertaining!

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Like in the kitchen above, these cabinets also combine solid cabinet doors with glass paneled doors. It's important to organize items behind the glass panels by colors and type to keep it visually pleasing. Using glass-paneled doors on your cabinets is a great way to break up the monotonous look and feel of solid cabinets throughout the kitchen.

Photo: HGTV

Skip the Cabinets and Use Exposed Shelves

For a more modern and eclectic look in your kitchen, exposed shelves are a great alternative for kitchen organization. Your kitchenware needs to be much more thought out when using exposed shelves, as everything will be on display. Find matching jars and containers to hold your kitchen items - even your grains and spices - to create a cohesive aesthetic in the space.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

A wall of open shelves is a fun way to stay organized, but can be tricky since it needs to stay tidy! These jars serve a useful purpose on the kitchen shelves, but also work well as kitchen decor, adding a visually interesting element to the space.

Photo: HGTV

An Organized Pantry

Last but not least, the best way to keep your kitchen organized is in your pantry closet. Fill it with food, spices, and other odds-and-ends that you don't necessarily want sitting out in the open. Make your pantry really special by incorporating cabinetry and shelving into it to create the perfect organized space. It'll become your favorite "room" in the house!

Photo: HGTV

A well organized pantry is still important, even if it's hidden from a visitor's eye. Similar to your exposed shelves, try to find matching jars to store your grains, pastas, and spices. The kitchen below found its pantry jars and materials at a local Dollar store and cost only $50!

Photo: The Social Home

For more on organizing your home, view our collection of posts on Home Organization Ideas!

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/178007/How-to-Minimize-the-Clutter-Tips-for-Organizing-Your-Kitchen

Decorating with Black and White

Alison Van de Berghe — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:02:00 GMT

A black and white color scheme is a beautiful and classy combination, and can work in any type and style of room. Decorate your home with black and white today and see for yourself how easy and beautiful it can be.

Bedrooms

Black and white bedrooms are mature and elegant. The bedroom below shows how combining black and white walls, accessories, and furniture can make a room look both flawlessly modern and cozy. Don't be afraid to mix patterns like this designer did with the striped walls, upholstered pillow, and animal skin rug and foot stools.

Photo: HouseBeautiful

This bedroom uses softer edges and floral prints to add a femininity to the room. The classic furniture against the black and white color scheme is a little less dramatic, and exhibits how you can use this bold contrast in a more traditional design.

Photo: HGTV

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are ideal for a black and white color scheme because many bathroom features typically come in white, giving you a head start! Black and white combined with one bright, bold color is a glamorous color combination and will pair beautifully with the tile flooring and walls. This bathroom uses yellow as the bright highlighed color, and the black and white patterned curtains pull the entire design scheme together.

Photo: HGTV

Entryways

Entryways are your chance to make a great first impression on any guest entering your home, and what better way than with a stunning black and white foyer? This black and white entryway features a bold patterned wallpaper that adds a playfulness to the more mature furniture and accessories in the space. The brass mirror stands out against its black and white canvas and will visually expand the space of the entryway.

Photo: HGTV

This entryway uses patterned walls and floor tiles as well, and the combination makes for an interesting and unique entryway. This demonstrates just how much you can do when combining black and white, and how patterns can look amazing when used together properly.

Photo: HouseBeautiful

If black and white isn't the color combination for you, take a look at our other posts on decorating with coral, tiffany blue, and floral patterns.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/177803/Decorating-with-Black-and-White

Headboard Ideas for Your Perfect Bedroom

Alison Van de Berghe — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:05:00 GMT

When redecorating your bedroom, an easy way to start is by focusing on the main feature of the room: your bed. Starting off your bedroom's interior design with the headboard is the perfect way to get the ball rolling on your color scheme and bedroom accessories. Use this design inspiration to help you select the right headboard for your bedroom.

Intricate Shapes and Colors

A bold headboard can stand out and make a statement, particularly in a room with minimal accessories. Don't feel limited to a basic rectangle shape - detailed curves can add a playful whimsy to a room. Use a bold color to make it the focal point of the room. The green headboard below demonstrates how to use a bright, detailed headboard to accentuate the other intricate details of the room.

Photo: HGTV

Make your headboard the center piece of the room and find the right accessories to complement the design, color, and overall aesthetic the headboard brings to the room. This bold headboard has a stunning shape and metallic material that make this room beautiful and interesting, and is effortlessly complimented by the bright yellow accessories.

Photo: HGTV

Wooden Headboards

Wooden headboards are elegant and classy, and can add a rustic or antique mood to a room. They make a great finishing tough to a room and work with a multitude of colors and design schemes. This wooden headboard ties together the neutral color tone of the room and adds a rustic finish.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

This decorative wooden headboard makes a beautiful antique addition to a room, and adds a classy and elegant look with its rounded shape and distressed finish.

Photo: ElleDecor

Upholstered Headboards

Upholstered headboards are a very current design trend. Try selecting your own pattern to compliment the decor theme of the room - this a fun project if you have the DIY itch! The following headboard is the perfect accessory for a young girl's room, and the pattern is easy to transition as she grows up. And, if you upholstered it yourself, you can apply a new fabric to the headboard when it's time to transform your child's room in the future!

Photo: HGTV

This upholstered headboard demonstrates how a bold print can work in a mature space. Its fun, vibrant pattern and colors mix well with the other patterns and colors in the room to complete a busy, yet sophisticated look.

Photo: One Kings Lane

Interested in more interior design tips for the bedroom? Check out our free eBook, Designing a Serene Master Bedroom Retreat.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/177782/Headboard-Ideas-for-Your-Perfect-Bedroom

Mad Men Style: Bringing the 1960s Into Your Home

Alison Van de Berghe — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Mad Men's 6th season premiered a few weeks ago, and we can't help but be inspired by the 1960s interior design style we see displayed on screen. While there are some 1960s design aspects that we'd like to forget, there are some wonderful elements that continue to live on. Enjoy these design tips inspired by everyone's favorite 1960s TV set.

Home Accessories

The Draper's 1960s style is easy to imitate by placing small accents around the house. Little touches from the sixties like mod lamps or geometric art work nicely with existing decor. The Draper's classic sixties living room below demonstrates fun ways to use colors, prints and accents in your home.

Photo: AMC

Draw inspiration from their living room by adding retro patterns or artwork to yours. This picture is a great example of using color and shapes in a 60s-inspired motif, and it literally features Don Draper!

Photo: Etsy

Look for mod lamps with hard edges and geometric patterns to add to your room's 60s style. Don't be afraid to use lamps with bold colors to accent your space. One thing the 1960s definitely didn't fear was color!

Photo: Rosenberry Rooms

Photo: Etsy

Wetbar

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is a very common theme in each episode of Mad Men. Consider bringing your Mad Men inspiration to your home bar. Add a retro wet bar to your home for entertaining guests and relaxing after a busy day at the office.

A wet bar can be placed anywhere in your home, without having to do a complete cabinetry install! A tray is all a mini bar really needs - simply find a good place in your home for a bar, and use a silver or pewter tray to hold your favorite liqueurs. This method is attractive, unobtrusive, and easy to implement in almost any space in your home.

Photo: NWI Times

Photo: Fine Dining Lovers

For a more subtle approach, bringing the 1960s into your bar space with classic whiskey tumblers.

Photo: Wine Enthusiast

Home Office

Try incorporating some of Mad Men's suave and debonair office charm in your home office space. A bar tray like we mentioned above is a good start, along with 1960s-inspired artwork and lighting.

Photo: AMC

Search around for a retro [or at least a retro-styled] lamp that matches the color scheme of your office. Tripods bring in a combined retro and modern vibe to your workspace.

Photo: 1stDibs

We hope these Mad Men styles inspired you in your design endeavors! If you're interested in more wet bar design tips, take a look at our blog post about designing the perfect bar for your home.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/177453/Mad-Men-Style-Bringing-the-1960s-Into-Your-Home

Great Interior Design Gifts for Mom

Alison Van de Berghe — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:22:00 GMT

Mother's Day is coming up and it's not always easy to think of the perfect gift for the woman who loves you more than anything. A sappy or funny card is an obvious start, but if you need help with the rest, you've come to the right place. Show her your appreciation with some of these Mother's Day gift ideas!

For the Animal Lover

Let's be honest... who really winds up taking care of the family pet the most? Mom does. For the mom who lovingly dotes on the four-legged loved one in your family, give her an animal-themed throw pillow this Mother's Day! Cute and humorous pillows make great gifts and are a playful reminder of the family pet.

Photo: HGTV

For the Entertainer

Inspired ideas for the mom who likes to host and entertain people range from personalized wine glasses to adorable accessories around the house to more! Monogrammed wine glasses are beautiful on display and add an elegant touch when entertaining guests in the home.

Photo: Home Decorators

And, what's wine without cheese? A monogrammed cutting board is an affordable gift that she'll be sure to love and be proud to use when entertaining guests.

Photo: C. Wonder

These wicker baskets, a versatile home accessory, can hold magazines and more for entertaining guests and will keep clutter at bay.

Photo: Ballard Designs

For the Outdoors Lover

If your mom is more of the outdoorsy type, then look to gardening accessories and other patio decor. An outdoor gardening stool serves both beauty and function, making it the perfect outdoor accent for the upcoming summer.

Photo: ElleDecor

For the hands-on gardener, try giving her some gardening tools and accessories that will help in her day-to-day gardening tasks.

Photo: Williams Sonoma

We hope you enjoyed these gift ideas for Mother's Day! We have many more great gift ideas for mom in our two featured gift lists:

5 Elegant Gift Ideas for the Home Under $25

5 Elegant Gift Ideas for the Home Under $50

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/177228/Great-Interior-Design-Gifts-for-Mom

Design Trend of 2013: Stripes

Alison Van de Berghe — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:32:00 GMT

Whether you're wearing them, painting them or decorating with them, 2013 is the year for stripes. Not only are stripes energetic and fun, but they are also easy to incorporate in your decor. Throw stripes into your home today for an extra pop of color and texture.

Celebrities like Brittany Snow are already ahead on the trend!

Photo: NewsGab

Painting with Stripes

Striped walls are a great way to kick off a color scheme when decorating a room. Why paint with one color when you can paint with two or three? Use painter's tape to create a stencil for your colors.

Photo: HGTV

We know stenciling four walls with stripes can take a lot of time, so if you're looking for a faster way to implement this 2013 trend on your walls, try focusing on one focal point in the room and painting stripes on its adjacent accent wall. This room's nautical theme includes a navy and white striped accent wall to tie the theme together.

Photo: HGTV

Striped Accessories

Another way to make this 2013 trend present in your home is to throw in some striped accessories. From paintings to pillows, stripes can be a small accent that make a big difference.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Stripes make it easy to bring in other colors to your design scheme, and will add a fun focal point to the space. Make a painting a feature piece, or throw some smaller pillows on your couch to give an extra oomph to your color scheme. And, don't be afraid to mix stripes with other patterns to create an unexpected vignette!

Photo: Apartment Therarpy

The next time you are looking for a fresh color or pattern to add to your home, give stripes a try. If you like the idea of using and mixing patterns, check out our post on how to use floral patterns in your home.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/176922/Design-Trend-of-2013-Stripes

Decorating Your Home with Neon

Alison Van de Berghe — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:34:00 GMT

Is today's sudden drop in temperature making you blue? Us to. Hopefully these neon decor ideas will brighten your mood! Make the colors in your home really pop this spring and summer (if they ever get here) by spicing up your home with a little bit of neon. This design trend will add that extra jolt of fun and spontaneity to your space and your day.

Neon Furniture and Accessories

Neon furniture is a great option for a room that doesn't already have much color in the space. This neon chair is interesting and chic, and adds an unexpected splash of color to the room.

Photo: RealSimple

In addition to furniture, try adding neon accessories. For example, the room below combines a neon yellow chair with a bright green lamp and colorful bedding. Placed against a white wall, these colors really stand out!

Photo: RealSimple

Neon Paint

Bring some brightness into your home by painting your walls with electric colored paint. Pick a bright paint color as a start for decorating your room, whether it be the bathroom, living room or even the bedroom. Keep in mind that neon walls can become a little overwhelming, especially in a small space. If this is your concern, select an accent wall to paint in your neon color to subdue the eccentricity while still adding a burst of excitement!

Photo: HGTV

For more on adding a bold color to your space, read our Design Questions Answered: How to Add an Accent Color to a Space

Small Neon Accents

If furniture, lighting and paint add just a bit too much boldness for your taste, start with smaller and more minimal neon decorations. Adding a neon vase is a good start to still get that splash of color without overpowering the space.

Photo: RealSimple

For more bold color inspiration, take a look at these entryways that burst with color. Not only are these designs bold and chic, but they're affordable as well! Please tell us how you are using neon colors in your home in the comments below.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/176749/Decorating-Your-Home-with-Neon

Welcoming Your New Baby to the Perfect Nursery

Alison Van de Berghe — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:48:00 GMT

When the time has come to welcome a new little one into your home, it is an important step to make sure the room they first come home to is comfortable and welcoming. Decorate your baby's nursery with the right colors, designs and comforting furniture using these design tips.

Baby Girl

A beautiful pink room for your little girl is the perfect way to welcome her into your home. Light pink walls and decorations give the room an obvious feminine feel. Use accents like lace bedding and frilly pillows to make it even more girly and cute.

Photo: HGTV

Baby Boy

Using the stardard blue walls and white decorations for your baby boy's room may seem a little too obvious, but when paired with the right furniture and accessories can be the perfect color combination for your new little one. Blue is the perfect color if you're interested in a nautical theme - a popular nursery theme for many expectant mothers. Darker walls are perfect for white frames and accessories. The baby name along the liner below is the perfect addition to welcome the room's new tenant.

Photo: HGTV

Select a pastel blue to add a gentler touch of the masculine color. Soften it up even more by finding wall decals to place behind the changing table or crib.

Photo: HomeDIT

Neutral Baby Room

Parents who are interested in keeping the gender of their baby a surprise need to prepare their baby's room to work for either gender. To the many expectant parents who are not in love with the idea of a neutral yellow nursery, we recommend using a lime green with white accents to keep the room gender neutral but also unique and beautiful.

Photo: WeeDecor

Cute Accessories

Once you've selected the paint color(s) for your baby's nursery, the fun part is in picking the perfect accessories! A cute theme like the nautical nursery above is the perfect way to get the ideas flowing! Once your theme is picked, try looking for some fun DIY projects on Pinterest, like the 3-D wall art pieces below, to start adding a unique touch of love to the room.

Photo: HGTV

No matter what you select as the decor theme of your baby's nursery, he or she will be sure to delight as they grow up in their personalized room!

For inspiration on ways to organize your baby's nursery, read Nursery Organization Ideas for the Mom-to-Be.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/176407/Welcoming-Your-New-Baby-to-the-Perfect-Nursery

Interior Design Tips: How to Pull Off a Sleek, Modern Bathroom

Alison Van de Berghe — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:40:00 GMT

If you're starting on a bathroom remodel or renovation, consider designing a modern bathroom to revamp your home. Modern bathrooms have a minimalist simplicity that is both classy and edgy. Use the modern interiors below for inspiration to design a sleek and contemporary new bathroom.

Geometric Shapes

Don't be afraid to go for the geometric look with sleek rectangles and sharp edges. Modern bathrooms feature these shapes in their sinks and tubs, typically having them stand alone to make a minimalist, modern statement. Use these hard-edged shapes to emphasize the contemporary theme.

Photo: HGTV

In the bathroom below, the sharp edges of the standalone tub stand out and make more of a statement than a tub that is set into the bathroom tile.

Photo: HGTV

One Bold Color

Modern bathrooms typically stick to a strict color scheme, allowing for one or two different hues. Working with too many colors in the space will distract from the sleek and chic modern look. Try selecting one bold color to combine with whites, blacks, or grays.

The blue tile and paint color below contrasts well with the bright white sinks. The lack of other colored accents and accessories leaves the blue to speak for itself in a beautiful way.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

The bathroom below with its bold red color and sharp-edged, sleek cabinets exudes a modern eccentricity that makes this contempoary bathroom unique and interesting.

Photo: ElleDecor

For more modern bathroom ideas and inspiring spaces, read our blog entry on masculine bathroom design.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/176226/Interior-Design-Tips-How-to-Pull-Off-a-Sleek-Modern-Bathroom

Elegant, Classy and Fun: Using Tiffany Blue in Your Home

Alison Van de Berghe — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:25:00 GMT

If our recent post on using coral in your home didn't target your spring hue of choice, then look no further for Spring-color interior inspiration: today we're highlighting Tiffany Blue. Love and engagement is certainly in the air, but Tiffany Blue isn't just for jewelry boxes! Follow these interior design tips to make your home fresh, elegant and fun with this beautiful color for the season.

Make It a Theme

Tiffany blue can come in many shades and is a delicate enough color that your room's entire color scheme can be centered around it, especially since this blue hue is easily complimented by other color accents. Start small with Tiffany blue pillows, lamps and accessories, and then continue to expand the color theme with bigger features like curtains and furniture.

Photo: HGTV

Beds are an easy way to incorporate Tiffany blue, whether it be with the linens, duvet, pillows, or even the headboard. The key to using a lot of tiffany blue accents in a room is to keep the walls a neutral tone. This will allow the feature pieces to really stand out.

Photo: RoseDays

Create Walls that Pop

Tiffany blue is a gorgeous color to adorn your walls because it pairs beautifully with other colors. Interior designers love to use Tiffany blue as a backdrop because it sets a beautiful stage for the rest of the room.

Photo: Women's Day

Photo: DecorPad

Pair with Other Pastels

Tiffany blue works really nicely when paired with other pastels in a room's color scheme. Combine Spring colors like pinks, yellows and light greens with your robin egg blue. Easter may be behind us but these pretty hues can work year-round to brighten up your home!

Photo: 11Gray

If you're looking for more color inspiration for your home, take a look at our decorating tips to brighten up your home with yellow.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/175818/Elegant-Classy-and-Fun-Using-Tiffany-Blue-in-Your-Home

Interior Design For the Spring: Using Floral Patterns

Alison Van de Berghe — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:18:00 GMT

Now that the spring flowers are finally starting to bloom outside, it's the perfect time to bring some beautiful floral accents inside your home. Floral patterns make your home bright and cheerful. As the weather gets warmer, the reminder of spring inside your home will make you excited for the beautiful days to come.

Floral Walls

Floral walls are a wonderful interior design strategy that will make the decor of your room seem more dynamic than other spaces, even if it is technically less accessorized. The busy pattern works to create an intriguing focal point for the room.

If a fully-printed room is too much for your design aesthetic and taste, select one wall to accent with a floral pattern to make the print a little less overwhelming. An entryway is the perfect place for a bold, welcoming print. The entryway below is bright, friendly, and inviting -a delightful threshold into your home!

Photo: Elle Decor

The room below uses floral wall tapestries as a backdrop in an elegant dining room.

Photo: Elle Decor

Floral Fabric and Upholstery

Floral patterns used in upholstry and pillow fabrics are an easy way to tie in a room's general color scheme and create a beautiful vignette in your home.

Notice in the room below that although the floral upholstery is juxtaposed with other striped patterns, it is subtle and simple enough to complement the overall design motif of the room. Selecting a less busy pattern in muted tones is a wonderful trick to incorporate new colors into a room without distracting from the rest of the aesthetic.

Photo: Elle Decor

For a bolder approach, a bright pattern will add a pop of color to the space, making the upholstered item(s) the focal point of the room. Re-upholstering a chair in a bold print is a great way to upcycle an older piece of furniture to make it feel brand new.

Photo: Elle Decor

Floral Accents

If you are looking for an easier (and more literal!) way to bring spring inside, then adding smaller floral accents might be the answer for you. Instead of adding wall decals or upholstering chairs, you can buy flowers to adorn your tables and attract your guests. Try working in other floral-inspired accents as well, for example this bold sign in celebrity Meg Ryan's living room!

Photo: Elle Decor

For more home decor inspiration this Spring, read our recent post about using coral hues in your home!

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/175608/Interior-Design-For-the-Spring-Using-Floral-Patterns

A Pop of Spring: Coral Hues in Your Home

Alison Van de Berghe — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:16:00 GMT

When the long winter months are finally coming to a close, a little bit of color is a truly refreshing sight. This spring, use these interior design tips to add a beautiful coral hue in your home.

Furniture

Coral furniture may seem bold, but when done correctly is a beautiful accent to an otherwise dull room. Pairing coral with white, black or other more neutral tones adds elegant, Spring-like touch to what would otherwise be a more somber space.

Photo: HGTV

Patterns

Choosing coral patterns for your home is an excellent way to add a subtle burst of color. Upholster the old chair you've been wanting to change up, or add some new couch pillows or other accents to refresh the look of the space.

Photo: HGTV

Pillows are another easy way to add that extra pop of color. Try blending them with other spring colors as well - for example, pastel shades of blue or yellow.

Photo: Caitlin and Wilson

Coral Accents

Although coral patterns make beautiful accents to a dull-colored room, selecting solid coral fabrics makes a bold statement while remaining classy and elegant. A subtle hint of solid coral contrasts well with many other light colors, and also leaves your space feeling refreshed for the upcoming warm (we hope!) spring months.

These dining room curtains are elegant and fitting for a classy living room, and match well with the green upholstery.

Photo: Alice Wemple

The following bedroom displays a great juxtaposition of coral patterns with solid coral accents.

Photo: The Lennox

This spring, take advantage of the gorgeous bright colors and use them to light up your home. Coral is a classy and easy hue to use in your home, and really works well to make that room you've been itching to redo just a little brighter.

For more examples on using coral and tangerine in your home decor, download our Design LookBook for decorating with orange hues!

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/175020/A-Pop-of-Spring-Coral-Hues-in-Your-Home

Outdoor Design: How to Create the Perfect Patio

Alison Van de Berghe — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:46:00 GMT

As spring time rolls around and the temperature gets warmer, entertaining can be moved to outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather. Having an outdoor sitting area can make all the difference when the weather is nice enough to be outside with friends and family. As you are starting to feel the urge to be outside after a long winter, check out these design tips to help you create the perfect patio.

Pergolas

Pergolas are a much-appreciated accent to an outdoor patio because they make the patio shadier on hot, sunny days, while giving the seating area a nice focal point. They are also beautiful when accented with vines or other foliage, like the plants you see hanging from the pergola below.

Photo: HGTV

Wooden Furniture

Wooden furniture can compliment the outdoorsy feel of your patio, and are made to withstand outdoor elements. Wooden furniture is easy to match with bright colors, making it fun to accessorize.

Photo: Houzz

This outdoor kitchen setting shows the combination of wooden furniture with earth tone accents and stonework as a succesful pairing for an outdoorsy and rustic patio space. Potted flowers are a nice, delicate touch for this patio design.

Photo: Houzz

Fire Pits

Adding a fire pit to your outdoor patio makes your sitting area friendlier and warmer! Fire pits are a great centerpoint for your patio, and make the sitting area cozy for gathering friends and family on a chilly evening.

Photo: HGTV

Be sure to check with your city or county ordinances before installing a firepit outside of your home. For example, the open burning of wood is illegal in Denver, CO - quite to the disappointment of this Denver-based interior design firm! Luckily, gas firepits are still an option.

Foliage

A final touch to make your outdoor patio comfortable and stylish is the addition of more plant-life, as you've seen in some of the examples above. Foliage, potted plants, hanging plants, and many other natural decorations are the perfect addition for your patio decor.

Photo: HGTV

For more tips on backyards and outdoor patios, check out our other blog post about creating the perfect backyard retreat for your home.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/175011/Outdoor-Design-How-to-Create-the-Perfect-Patio

Chic and Feminine Design Tips for a Classy Office

Amanda Butterworth — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:25:00 GMT

The last place someone wants to work all day is in a drab gray cubicle or boring office. If the space isn't inspiring, how can you expect the work to be? Here are 4 design ideas to design a stylish woman's office space that will be sure to put a spark in your work drive and creativity.

A Large Elegant Surface Space

Finding the right table or desk is probably the most important part of putting together your office. Aside from the style you are searching for - modern, traditional, transitional, eclectic, etc. - it is important to find a desk with a large work surface.

Photo: HGTV

Rather than select a bulky desk with drawers and a short surface depth, find a table that can be transformed into a desk space that fits your design scheme. You can place shelving along your walls for storage purpose, leaving the desk and middle of your office open and visually spacious.

Photo: HGTV

Photo: House Beautiful

Comfortable but Stylish Seating

Desk chairs should be ergonomic, but that doesn't mean they can't be stylish too. Keep your back and your eyes from getting sore with a high-backed cushioned chair in a fabric that compliments your office design scheme.

Photo: House Beautiful

Don't just stop with your desk chair. A comfortable seating area for clients can add an elegant, inviting touch to your office.

Photo: House Beautiful

Hang an elegant chandelier

This isn't the first time we've recommended hanging a stylish chandelier to add visual excitement to a room, and it won't be the last. It's good enough for your walk-in-closet, and it's perfect for your office as well! The chandelier adds a sophisticated glam to any space. Even those most classic of chandeliers can add a modern update to a space.

Photo: Studio|ten|25

Read more of our interior design blog for more office decor inspiration.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/174721/Chic-and-Feminine-Design-Tips-for-a-Classy-Office

Kitchen Design Tips: 5 Best Flooring Options

Alison Van de Berghe — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:25:00 GMT

When redesiging your kitchen, what better way to start than "from the ground up?" Selecting an exciting flooring option can be the right foundation for designing an entirely new kitchen. Since the kitchen is one of the main places in the home for gathering the family, it is important to have a beautiful, friendly, and welcoming kitchen. Use the following flooring ideas as inspiration for your kitchen design or renovation.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a beautiful option to add a rustic and antique look. A wooden floor is extremely versatile and will work with almost any design scheme.

Photo: ElleDecor

Pair your hardwood floors with unpainted wood cabinets to create a cozy cabin feel.

Photo: HGTV

Tile Floors

Tile floors can add a classy and modern look to your kitchen. Depending on what color you pick, the array of options can look great when paired with matching cabinets and lighting.

Photo: ElleDecor

Contrast your light cabinets with a dark tile to create a more modern kitchen aesthetic.

Photo: Houzz

Marble Floors

Marble kitchen floors are classy and elegant. Marble provides a look of grandeur even when paired with minimalistic accessories. Stainless steel appliances will stand out on a marble canvas. Accent the kitchen with bold, bright accessories to add a modern twist.

Bamboo Floors

Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly, unique, and beautiful flooring option for a chic home. Bamboo is easy to pair with whites and neutral earth tones and will look stunning with your stainless steel appliances.

Photo: BHG

Laminated Floors

If you are renovating on a dime, don't be afraid of laminated flooring. While laminates may seem old fashioned and dated, there are many stylish options out there that can update your kitchen's look without breaking the bank! Laminates can mock other flooring types like wood or tile, but with easier installation and a lower cost.

Photo: HGTV

Read more of our articles for more kitchen design inspiration.

Decorate your home by room (and start with the kitchen!) with our Decor by Room eBook.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/174081/Kitchen-Design-Tips-5-Best-Flooring-Options

Redecorating Your Teen's Bedroom

Alison Van de Berghe — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:26:00 GMT

As your children grow older, it is inevitable that their tastes will change and they will get sick of their "child-like" bedroom. Be prepared for this day and follow these simple interior design tips for your teen's bedroom.

If your child is not quite a teen yet, read our article Bright Colors, Loud Patterns - Children's Room Interior Design Tips for inspiration for your younger child's bedroom.

Teenage Girl

Creating the right room for your teenage girl takes a lot of cooperation on her part to get it right, but the result will be extremely worthwhile. A great place to start is to pick a color scheme. Choosing a bright, feminine and girly color to paint the walls can make the room pop and will get your daughter excited about her "new" room. Painting just one accent wall a different color is a creative idea to keep the room interesting while also minimizing some of the labor. If paint isn't your thing, wallpapers are back in style (we like to think they never went out of style!) and are an excellent way to add a stylish flair to the room's decor.

Photo: Decoist

When the color scheme is chosen and the walls are dry, the second step is to pick a bed spread. Having the right comforter is important for a teenage girl and will be fun for her to select. The colors and pattern of your duvet or bed spread can be the deciding factor for other accessories in your room. Teenage girls tend to love monogrammed accessories, such as pillow cases or hanging wall signs.

Photo: HGTV

Photo: Inspiration for Home

Lighting is another easy opportunity to dramatically change the look and feel of your daughter's bedroom. The right chandelier can add a whimsical sophistication that she'll be sure to love.

Photo: HGTV

Teenage Boy

A safe bet for the walls in your son's room is to stick with blues, grays, and neutrals. This color scheme is safe for the tastes of most teenage boys, and is easy to accessorize as well.

Photo: Home Designing

If your teenage boy doesn't have a vision in mind for his bedroom, a great decorating method is to take inspiration from his interests and hobbies. If he's into a specific sport or activity, use that as the design scheme of the bedroom. This also lends itself to easy-to-obtain accessories - just look through his equipment stash!

Photo: Decoist

For more inspiration on redecorating your child's bedroom, read our article featured in the Denver Post, How to Redo Your Child's Room for Less.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/173749/Redecorating-Your-Teen-s-Bedroom

Designing the Perfect Bar for Your Home

Alison Van de Berghe — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:15:00 GMT

A bar is a welcoming, fun addition to an otherwise boring living room corner or closet. Adding a bar to your house is a good excuse to throw a cocktail party, show off the house, and finally host the friends you've been wanting to have over. Whether you prefer a showy bar in the middle of a room or a more quiet, hidden bar, the addition of a bar in your home is a decision you will not regret. These design tips can help you decide what kind of bar is the right one for you.

Hidden Bar

If you prefer to have your bar set out of the way of your common living spaces, a good option is to enclose it behind closet doors. This way you can still have all your great bar essentials out of sight's way, but easily accessible when you need them. Adding a mirror on the back wall of a hidden bar (or any bar!) is a great way to expand and add visual depth to your bar area.

Photo: Houzz

Artistic Bar

If you prefer a more center-featured bar in your home, display your glassware and beverages on an artistic bar that is accentuated with beautiful wallpaper or an eye-catching centerpiece. The back wall of the bar is the perfect canvas for featuring an artistic piece. Add shelves to the design wall for extra storage.

Photo: HouseBeautiful

Bar Cart

Another great option for adding a bar to your home is the classic bar cart. A bar cart allows you to serve and entertain in style without needing to renovate a closet or corner of your home. The portable bar cart is extremely useful in serving guests in any room of your home. Starting your party in the living room, but planning to serve dinner in the dining room? Simply move the cart to the next room to continue the evening. Worried about the weather for your upcoming outdoor cocktail party? Never fear - if it starts to rain, simply move your portable bar into your home to keep the celebration alive! A bar cart is the perfect solution that accommodates for any change of plans and provides full access to your bar in any space of your home.

Photo: Belle Design

If you're looking for more bar design tips, take a look at our Modern Wet Bar Design Tips for Denver Men.

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/173729/Designing-the-Perfect-Bar-for-Your-Home

Transform Your Entryway Closet Into a Mudroom

Alison Van de Berghe — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:46:00 GMT

Everyone dreads muddy shoe-tracks in their house, especially when it ends up dirtying the entire entrance to your beautiful home. The way to successfully put a stop to this bad habit is to transform your entryway closet space into a mudroom - the perfect solution for those muddy feet! Not only that, but this space will be incredibly useful for placing shoes, hanging coats, and storing other items that you might need to grab on your way out the door.

Remove the Closet Doors

The first step is to remove the doors and hardware from your entryway closet to make room for new mudroom built-ins. By doing this, you can transform your cluttered closet space into a beautiful organizational system for your family's belongings. Following this, removing the door trim and frame will help enlarge the entry space.

Lighting and Colors

For the lighting in your new mudroom, remove all fixtures currently in your closet and schedule an electrician to come set up a center fixture that can make it that much easier to find what you need as quick as possible when you're rushing out the door. The colors used in creating a mudroom can reflect exactly the purpose of the room itself: use dark colors that can hide the dirt and mud tracked in from outside. Grey, black or brown shelves can easily be accented with bright colors used on bins, labels or even knobs. However, if dark shelving is not for you, lighter colored shelves in white or beige not only look beautiful when paired with a dark floor to mask the dirt, but also can make the space appear larger than it is.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Organization is Key

When creating your new mudroom, start off with a bench as a base that you can build up from. Making space for shelves, bins and benches is a great option, but hanging space is also essential for coats, scarves and whatever else doesn't fit in a bin. Allocating the right amount of space for each person in the family while still leaving room for other accessories like shoes, hats, scarves, and umbrellas is also a necessity. Add a cute personal touch that your kids will love by placing name cards over each cubby.

Photo: HGTV

Bins and Shelving Not For You?

If you would prefer to hide the clutter of your shelves, an alternative to the standard bins and shelving combo is a built-in cabinet with doors that will hide the mess inside. Larger built-ins are a great option for creating optimal space in a small mudroom.

Photo: The House of Smiths

Whether you are working with a small entryway or a large one, transforming a closet into a mudroom is an excellent option for keeping your home tidy. The storage-options and attractive design of a mudroom will help you keep all of your family's last-minute out-the-door items in order. Now, all you need to do to is throw in a rug and some bench pillows to make the mudroom look properly accessorized!

Interested in more mudroom design inspiration? View a collection of our blog posts that are focused on mudroom interior design!

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/173146/Transform-Your-Entryway-Closet-Into-a-Mudroom

Masculine Bathroom Design Inspiration for the Sophisticated Bachelor

Alison Van de Berghe — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 21:27:00 GMT

An essential for the perfect bachelor pad is a masculine yet sophisticated bathroom design. To create your perfect bathroom sans feminine accents or girly color schemes, follow these interior design tips and get inspired.

Men Groom Themselves, Too

A nice mirror and storage space is entirely necessary to not only make the bathroom sleek and appropriate, but also to ensure the bachelor himself has a good grooming space. A large mirror can make a small bathroom look bigger, but also can take up wallspace that otherwise would have been empty.

Photo: Stylisheve

Good storage space can make all the difference, whether the bathroom is a small or large space. Keeping your things under the sink in neat bins or shelves is a classy idea, which leaves the counter top open and and clean and the shelves hiding all the mess.

Photo: Houzz

Dark Hues for the Tall, Dark and Handsome

It's important to select the right color scheme for a man's bathroom to make sure it gives off a sophisticated vibe. For men, it is safe to stick with grey, black, and brown hues. Not only are these colors easy and attractive to pair with white bathroom fixtures, but they also create a canvas for an added pop of color.

Photo: The Examiner

A great way to add a pop of color to the bathroom and still maintain that masculine vibe is with bold colored towels. Hang them on your walls or fold them on shelves to add a little brightness to the darker bathroom color scheme.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Let the Shower Shine

Depending on the size of your bathroom, the shower area can be a featured piece or just a small space hidden in a corner. Help your shower stand out with beautiful tiling that matches the overall color scheme of the bathroom.

Photo: HouseBeautiful

The dark hues in the bathroom below combined with the large mirror and tiled shower make this space look large and elegant. The juxtaposition of the tiled walls with the wood paneled floor adds a classy and masculine touch.

Photo: Appliance In Home

Now that these tips have made it easier to start creating the perfect bathroom for your Denver bachelor pad, the next step to keep it looking sharp is simple: keep it clean!

http://decorandyouhr.com/blog/bid/173145/Masculine-Bathroom-Design-Inspiration-for-the-Sophisticated-Bachelor