design class: transitional style

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!

I hope you are having fun in my Design Style class that offers a few details for each individual design styles. We only have a couple more to go.

There is so much talk about style in home decor… do you think you could pinpoint your style if asked? Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to design or style, it really just boils down to personal likes and dislikes. To review the Design Styles that we have covered so far, click here. 

Today, let’s talk about Transitional Style. Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated, featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric is as diverse as graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas and textured chenille on sleek wood frames.

Colors: The transitional palette relies on a lack of color to evoke a clean, serene atmosphere. Dark brown can add depth to a neutral balance of taupe, tan and vanilla.

Accessories: A minimalist approach is taken with carefully selected accessories — a potted orchid gracefully arching in front of a window, white mats that set off photographs in simple black and silver frames, an oval wooden tray that provides a resting spot for similarly shaped silver candleholders. This kind of grouping provides a counterpoint to the furniture.

Fabrics: The lack of color makes room for interesting textures, such as the olive-colored corduroy found on the pictured sofa and smooth, creamy white cotton used on two of the side chairs. Other good choices for a transitional space are soft ultrasuedes, pliable leathers and nubby chenille.

Furniture: Curves combine with straight lines in a transitional style interior. The look balances both masculine and feminine attributes for a comfortably contemporary design. The scale of the pieces is ample but not intimidating. A lack of ornamentation and decoration keeps the focus on the simplicity and sophistication of the design. via

sunday in bed

...each Sunday, I present for your enjoyment a snapshot of staying in bed or of just choosing to be plain lazy for the day.

Either way - it’s Sunday and everyone deserves a day off.

Here’s wishing you a restful Sunday.

Enjoy your Sunday – how about Breakfast in Bed?

enjoy your saturday

Enjoy the day, there’s nothing to worry about…

If you haven't had a chance to enter my First Giveaway yet, it’s not too late - click here.

design class: old world style

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!

I thought it might be fun to have a Design Style class so everyone could get to know a few details for individual design styles. There is so much talk about style in home decor… do you think you could pinpoint your style if asked? Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to design or style, it really just boils down to personal likes and dislikes.

To review the Design Styles that we have covered so far, click here. Today I am going to offer another one of my favorites (a brother to Traditional Design Style) - Old World Style.

The hallmark of Old World design is a comfortable, broken-in look that shows the wear and tear of use. Textured walls, hand-trawled windows and walls, and tumbled marble exemplify the style. Distressed, matte and honed finishes are preferable to highly polished, reflective surfaces.

Here's how the style breaks down:

Colors: The palette is deep, rich and regal but muted for a timeworn effect. Colors typically seen in an Old World room include burgundy, navy, forest green, ocher and cream. A combination of finishes can range from dark-stained surfaces to painted, glazed and sanded finishes that simulate (or account for) years of use.

Accents: The polished surface on ceramic jars and the rustic quality of wrought iron are often paired for subtle contrast. Other elements that evoke an Old World look include woven tapestries, Aubusson rugs and a distressed gilt finish on accessories.

Fabrics: Old World-style fabrics include damasks featuring oversize scrolls or floral patterns, complex tapestry designs, stripes and small prints set on cotton and muted hues of lustrous silks. Accoutrements like fringe, tassels and beaded trim add to the multilayered look.

Architecture: Rough-hewn beams lining a ceiling can balance the more sophisticated elements in the room. Other notable architectural features of an Old World-styled home include arched doorways and windows, which add feminine curves to a predominantly masculine design.via

design class: eclectic style

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!

I thought it might be fun to have a Design Style class so everyone could get to know a few details for individual design styles. There is so much talk about style in home decor… do you think you could pinpoint your style if asked? Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to design or style, it really just boils down to personal likes and dislikes. To review the Design Styles that we have covered so far, click here. 

Have you ever thought about the Design Style called Eclectic? The word eclectic adj \e-ˈklek-tik\ means- 1: selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles 2: composed of elements drawn from various sources. Perfect, right? Eclectic style encompasses a variety of periods and styles and is brought together through the use of color, texture, shape and finish.

Here's how it breaks down:

Colors: The palette can vary, but it's best to stick with a few neutrals to help tie all the elements together. In the red and gold room pictured, creams and browns are used to ground the palette so the great design isn't lost among the many hues.

Furniture: Lines, finishes and materials of the pieces in a room are tied together with paint, fabric or a more refined or roughed-up finish.

Fabrics: An eclectic look is partly defined by the multitude of fabrics, whether they be patterned, textured or both. Choose a color scheme and stick with a neutral as your grounding force, and add to it with colored and textured solids and patterns and trims, tassels or fringe.

Finishes: A combination of finishes and textures sets an eclectic look apart from the rest. The burnished bronze lamp bases contrast with a black-and-white box but tie in with the golden tones in the ceiling and wall behind.via

design class: southwestern style

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!

I thought it might be fun to have a Design Style class so everyone could get to know a few details for individual design styles.  There is so much talk about style in home decor… do you think you could pinpoint your style if asked? Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to design or style, it really just boils down to personal likes and dislikes.

To review the Design Styles that we have covered so far, click here. How about today we take a trip to the Southwest?

Southwestern style is generally characterized by earth-tone colors, rough textures, and crafted objects, brightly colored woven fabrics, an abundance of terra cotta and clay tile roofs.

Here's how the style breaks down:

Colors: The pictured room showcases a traditional Southwestern palette of adobe red and desert-toned neutral hues. Shots of bright yellow, dusty orange and turquoise are also indicative of a Southwestern design.

Textiles: Sturdy woven fabrics, leather and suede are used for upholstery. Striped serapes (colorful wool shawls) can be used as pure decoration on walls.

Furniture: Leather is a common covering for sofas and chairs. Knotty pine is a popular choice for wood furniture and floors, which may also feature a distressed finish embellished with burnished metal accents.

Accents: Talavera pottery, painted ceramic pieces with roots in 16^th century Mexico, adds color and design interest to a desert home. Hand-painted tiles can be used on walls, floors and countertops. Wrought iron is used for all types of accessories. via

design class: country style

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!

I thought it might be fun to have a Design Style class so everyone could get to know a few details for individual design styles.  There is so much talk about style in home decor… do you think you could pinpoint your style if asked? Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to design or style, it really just boils down to personal likes and dislikes. 
To review the Design Styles that we have covered so far, click here. How about today we take a look at Country Style?

Country is a wide-ranging style that depends on geographical location (as in the  popular style - French County) but is generally exemplified by primitive furniture, muted colors, milk-paint finishes and vintage fabrics.

Here's how the style breaks down:

Colors: Soft, muted colors showing the wear of time are indicative of a rustic country style. A more contemporary country look may feature a brighter color palette with accents of red, black or pure white to set off the design.

Furniture: Flea markets and Grandma's attic are the perfect spots for finding treasures for a country-themed home. Look for pieces with straight lines, painted finishes and very little ornamentation.

Accessories: A handmade, homespun quality permeates country-style accessories, which include baskets, carved wooden bowls, pottery, pewter and hand-forged metal accents.

Fabrics: Floral, checked and striped patterns printed on calico fabric add visual interest and color to an understated country room.via

the liebster award goes to All in the Detail

 Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!


A really big hug and a huge thank you goes out to the sweet and beautiful Lisa Mende of Lisa Mende Design, for enjoying my blog enough to nominate me for the Liebster Blog Award! I truly can’t express my gratitude or my surprise on receiving this flattering award. I am so honored she picked my blog along with some other great blogs  - take a moment and check them all out by clicking here.  (Lisa did a great job with her nominee list - if I say so myself)! Lisa’s blog, Lisa Mende Design, is a beautiful collection of images and inspiration and is always one of my daily reads. You really need to check her blog out too - you are going to love it!

The origins of the Liebster Award are unclear but the general consensus says the word “Liebster” is of German origin and means “favorite, beloved, and dearest” (just in case you are wondering). In acceptance, the recipient must in return pass it on to five more favorite, beloved and dearest blogs of choice that have 200 or fewer followers. I follow many blogs, but the following five blogs definitely deserve the Liebster. Please take some time to visit these blogs and see for yourself… I think you will be glad you did! If you do visit make sure to "join" and make them a daily read t. You don't want to miss out on any of their fun, do you?

So now, it's my turn... my five picks for the Liebster Blog Award - All winners in my book! The Award Goes to:

Classic Chic Design

I Dream of

Ivy Clad

Period Homes

TG Interiors

Ok, nominees, there are a few rules for accepting this Award of Love:

1. Link back to the person who gave it to you. (That would be me!)

2. Post this darling award to your blog (for as long as you wish, you deserve it).

3. Present this award to five bloggers of your choice with less than 200 followers.

4. Leave a comment on the five blogs to let them know they've been offered the award!

Again, a huge thank you to Lisa of Lisa Mende Design for this great honor.

design class: cottage style

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!

I thought it might be fun to have a Design Style class so everyone could get to know a few details for individual design styles. There is so much talk about style in home decor… do you think you could pinpoint your style if asked?

Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to design or style, it really just boils down to personal likes and dislikes.

To review the Design Styles that we have covered so far, click here. How about today we take a look at Cottage Style?

Cottage style has a colorful, comfortable look characterized by painted or decorated furniture with graceful lines, weathered finishes, textural elements such as baskets, beadboard walls and natural-fiber rugs, and colors taken straight from a lush flower garden.

Here's how the style breaks down:

Color: The palette is purely botanical based. Light apricot, dusty pink and shades of green are set off with brighter spots of color such as fuchsia and sunflower yellow.

Furnishings: Iron and wicker furnishings are made comfortable and stylish with cushions covered in floral fabrics. Secondhand wood furniture gets a fresh look with white paint and new knobs.

Fabrics: Floral fabrics are paired with stripes and solids and trim and fringe for layer upon layer of visual interest.

Finishes: Surfaces show the wear and tear of age without looking overly rustic. A combination of surfaces and sheens coexist casually, such as a piece of glazed pottery paired with a weathered tin planter.via

sunday in bed

...each Sunday, I present for your enjoyment a snapshot of staying in bed or of just choosing to be plain lazy for the day.

Either way - it’s Sunday and everyone deserves a day off.

Here’s wishing you a restful Sunday.

Enjoy your Sunday

enjoy your saturday

design class: contemporary style

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!

I thought it might be fun to have a Design Style class so everyone could get to know a few details for individual design styles. There is so much talk about style in home decor… do you think you could pinpoint your style if asked?

Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to design or style, it really just boils down to personal likes and dislikes.

Want a quick review on Traditional and Mediterranean Styles? Click here. Today, let's take a look at Contemporary Style

Contemporary style encompasses a range of styles developed in the latter half of the 20th century. Pieces feature softened and rounded lines as opposed to the stark lines seen in modern design. Interiors contain neutral elements and bold color, and they focus on the basics of line, shape and form.

Here's how the style breaks down:

Colors: Contemporary interiors feature tone-on-tone color palettes relying heavily on black, brown, taupe, cream and pure white. Shots of color are sometimes found on a single wall, in a striking floor rug or in a special piece of art.

Furniture: Pieces feature clean lines and smooth surfaces without any carving or adornment. Silhouettes are slim without being dainty. Furniture is made of light-colored woods such as maple and birch (which also have minimal graining), frosted or clear glass, stainless steel, nickel and chrome.

Fabrics: Natural fabrics such as silk, wool, linen and cotton are used for their textural aspect and inherent neutral hues. However, bold color or geometric pattern may be brought into the design with pillows, a rug or a throw.

Lighting: The lighting design is used as an artistic statement in a contemporary interior. Floor and table lamps have straight lines and sleek metallic finishes; color might be introduced with a special shade. Recessed or track lighting draws attention to well-placed art and accessories.via

design class: mediterranean style

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!

I thought it might be fun to have a Design Style class so everyone could get to know a few details for individual design styles. There is so much talk about style in home decor… do you think you could pinpoint your style if asked?

Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to design or style, it really just boils down to personal likes and dislikes.

To see all the Design Style details, click here. Yesterday, I went over some design details for Traditional Style. Today, how about a quick trip to the Mediterranean?

 

This style originated in countries north of the Mediterranean Sea, including Spain, Greece and Italy, and is often referred to today as "Spanish modern." Mediterranean-style furniture ranges from simply functional to extremely formal. Pieces are short, with ornately turned legs and feet; hardware is heavy and often burnished. Walls are predominantly textured. A bullnose edge is a common design detail on countertops and fireplace mantels.

Here's how the style breaks down:

Colors: Mediterranean colors echo those of the sea and sky and, depending on the region, can also include warm terra cotta, lavender and yellow.

Tile: Mosaic tile designs embody the beauty of a Mediterranean interior. Bring the designs into your home on the floor or a kitchen backsplash or on something you can take with you if you move, like a mirror frame or a tabletop. You can also simulate the look of tile with a stenciled mosaic border on floors, walls or furniture.

Accessories: Burnished bronze urns, filigree light fixtures and a wrought-iron fireplace screen exemplify a Mediterranean look with a Moroccan influence.

Texture: Layers of paint and glaze are hand-rubbed onto plaster or sand-textured walls to add visual depth. Simulate the look of a plaster wall with a textured finish using tinted drywall compound and colored beeswax.via

design class: traditional style

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!

I have been thinking... it's about time for a new Design is... All in the Detail series. 

I thought it might be fun to have a Design Style class so everyone could get to know a few details for individual design styles. There is so much talk about style in home decor… do you think you could pinpoint your style if asked? Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to design or style, it really just boils down to personal likes and dislikes.

Let’s get started with my favorite style: TRADITIONAL

Traditional furnishings can hail from 18^th century England, the French countryside or even the exotic lands of the East. Among the most popular traditional styles are British Colonial revival, 18^th century English, 19^th century neoclassical and French country.

Here's how the traditional style breaks down:

Colors: Peach and green tones are balanced with aubergine and tan for a slightly floral but unfussy palette. These colors can be enhanced with bronze accents and warm wood tones for an inviting, comforting interior.

Windows: A tailored look takes over windows with a formal swag-and-panel combination. Panels are gathered loosely with tasseled cords. Fringe accents the swag treatment, adding a design detail to the scalloped edges.

Fabrics: A small print on a pillow pairs nicely with a sofa with an all-over floral pattern. Damask is a good choice for a traditional interior because the weave creates both a dull and a shiny texture that works well with a variety of trim, tassels and fringe.

Accessories: Still-life oil paintings, gilt frames and an emphasis on pairs lend a room a proper traditional feeling. To further the look, bring in a crystal chandelier, some silver candlesticks and fresh or silk flowers in a grand vase.via

freshen up your powder room

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!

Use Your Powder Room to Make a Statement  

I have to admit that bathrooms and kitchens are probably my top two favorite design projects for a home. There are so many layers, textures, surfaces choices…. all in one compact space. For example, with just a few simple decisions and a little careful planning, you can give your small half bath lots of personality. 

The best powder rooms serve the basic functions of a bathroom, but they do so with grace and charm. Their small footprints have no correlation to their overall importance. The powder room is one space where items might be examined up close and personal. All guests at one time or another will see your powder room.

Design it well, and you put your best foot forward. The trick is to turn the challenges of designing a powder room - the small size, the mundane functionality, the all-too-common lack of windows - into opportunities.

Use the space to display art that is better viewed up close; to experiment with layered lighting; or to hang a striking antique mirror.

Above all, remember… make a statement.

Because they tend to be small, powder rooms may pack more design punch per square foot than any other room in your home. You can make them spectacular and… even outlandish, if you want. They're ultimate accessory rooms, like little jeweled boxes. Want to go a little outlandish? An extremely ornate mirror can be appropriate for a powder room, where it can be admired up closely. You can anchor the small but elegant space with an antique chest that has been converted to a vanity and add antique sconces affixed to beautifully patterned wallpaper. 

  

Are you planning to update an existing powder room, transform a full bath into a half, or carve out a new spot within an existing floor plan? A larger space may have more design leeway, but in a tiny room, every item must function, fit, and contribute to the aesthetic. 

I highly recommend that you talk to a master plumber. All sorts of obstructions - joists, ductwork, and electrical lines - lurk behind walls and under floors. Before you site or move a sink or toilet, ask a plumber if you can run pipes through the wall and if your old pipes are up to today’s building code standards 

 

One way to add more punch to a small space is to include an oversized mirror to make a space feel larger and instead of a heavy vanity, add a sink bowl on a wall so that it appears like its floating in midair. This won’t take from the floor space and will deceive the eye into visualizing a small bath as a larger bath. 

 

If possible, avoid placing the toilet where it's visible from the front door when the powder room door is open. When the hostess gestures to the second door on the left, one should not be staring at the toilet. 

 

 

A Classic Powder Room can be created by combining clean lines and an elegant vanity with crystal light fixtures and tone-on-tone wallpaper to please your classic taste. 

Mixing lighting sources is a great way to add warmth and character to a Classic Powder Room. When there are no windows in a Powder Room, I like to go with a moody, atmospheric feeling. Try enhancing the lighting with rich, patterned wallpapers such as damask.

You can give your small bath lots of personality with a little careful planning. The trick is to turn the challenges of designing a powder room into opportunities.

If you haven't had a chance to enter my First Giveaway yet, it’s not too late - click here.