5 Biggest Decorating Mistakes & How To Fix Them

Your home may have the look and feel you've desired, but there's something's that can be reflected upon, in a mindful manner. There may be a few design ideas that can be improved upon. I have noticed barriers that people struggle with and I  would like to share a few ways you can break through them. Below are the top five decorating faux pas committed in so many homes today and ways to fix them.

1. Hanging Artwork To High Or To Low

Art should be hung approximately 58" from the floor. It is important that your pieces are near eye level. Scale and proportion are important for the art to work well in a room. You want your eyes to rest, so you don't have to hang a piece on every wall. If you are using a piece of art as the focal point in a room, make it count.

2. Poorly Painted Walls

Paint is one of the most immediate and easiest design fix. Poor or old paint can ruin a homes look. After you have freshly painted a space, I encourage you to keep extra paint and brushes on hand. They will come in handy when it's time for touchups. It's important to keep your space feeling fresh and clean, at all times.

3. Furniture Overload

You may have fallen in love with a gorgeous antique Edwardian bowfront sideboard,  but when placed in your dining room it takes over the space or doesn't fit. Similar to artwork,  scale and proportion are crucial when you are purchasing furniture. You want you pieces to have similar proportions and too many pieces of furniture in a room doesn't allow the space to breathe. You must pre-plan any space before purchasing the pieces to fill it. It will save you time and money if you bring your rooms measurements when you are selecting your furniture. .

 4.  Displaying An Over Abundance Of Knickknacks

 After you have displayed a couple of accessories, take a few steps back and look at the room as a whole. Count the number of framed photos, objects on the coffee table and knickknacks on the mantel.  If there is an overabundance of accessories in one spot, you must edit! You may need to take away a few items or group similar items together.  Take your favorite pieces and make them the focal point of the space. Allow them to shine without competing with an overabundance of meaningless accessories.

5: Skipping Window Treatments

Window treatments are the shoes to your outfit. Their practical and functional properties add style, color and texture to a space. Without window treatments, windows feel visually disruptive and the space incomplete. There should always be some kind of treatment on every window.  The big question you should ask yourself before selecting your window treatment is weather you are looking for privacy or light. You may want both and with proper selections you can achieve it. I love when sheer curtains or shades are also used to soften up a room. They can  filter light in the most elegant ways.

Red For Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just a week away and it's brought the color red to the forefront. It's an auspicious color of marriage in India, Japan and Nepal. The color of love and adventure symbolizes super-human heroism to the Greeks and good luck in Asia. This Valentine's day I will reflect on all the qualities this confident color possesses, what comes to my mind when I think of red and how you can use it in your everyday life.

How can you incorporate this awaking and powerful color into your home décor? A red and white hammock that's draped along statuesque trees in  plush surroundings, sound perfect to me. It's an  uncomplicated way to bring in a pop of color,  without it being overpowering.

Did you know Cherokee red was the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wrights signature color? It wasn't an exact color, but a whole range of reddish hues, some dark and some more vivid.  He called his architecture “organic” and described it as that “great living creative spirit which from generation to generation, from age to age, proceeds, persists, creates, according to the nature of man and his circumstances as they both change.”

Taliesin West was Mr. Wright's winter home. It's now a school for architects. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona the setting is magnificent and a testament of his life and work. This living memorial is open for tours as well. It's certainly a place I would love to visit one day.

Nothing brightens up a room like a red flowering plant. Their expressive and powerful qualities speak for themselves. The eye catching Lipstick plants showy flowers dangle from its branch. It's an easy to grow plant and is closely related to African Violets. Their flowering buds actually resemble a tube of lipstick, how fun!

When I think of the color red I also think of the red doors in Scotland. The homeowners would paint their front door red to signify that they had paid off their mortgage. Their sanctuary is now complete with a warm and welcoming entrance.  I feel it's a small celebration and token of many years of hard work. It's a proud moment for homeowners. Their sanctuary is now complete with a warm and welcoming entrance. Their stylish entrances shout hospitality, happiness and positivity.  I am certainly a fan.

5 Ways To Add Color To Your Winter Blues

The air is crisp and darkness falls upon us sooner in these winter months. Bare branches as outward fingers freeze in the breeze. Visions of the warm sun glistening off the oceans horizon seem to be a faint memory. The anticipation and excitement for the holidays have long gone.  Our steadfast motivations and resolutions may have lost their momentum. A slight feeling of the blues may have crept into your thoughts like a cold wet blanket. You may need a little light in your life and I know a great way to do it! That light can come from color. Yes, colors can add simple pleasures that make you happier and brighter if you include them in your home. Adding a vibrant color to your home décor can be just as satisfying as listening to your favorite song or running that extra mile. Making a commitment to brining color into your home is a great start to a new year. Here are 5 simple ways you can do so.

1. Adding A Pop Of Color To Your Bed Pillows

Your bedroom is  your sanctuary and a place for solace and reflection.  Your bedroom can easily take on a place that inspires original thought and inquisitiveness. This feng shui color of sunlight  should be used in small dosages, but when strategically placed it can awaken a room,  in the most uplifting way. It's a come hither color with its cozy and welcoming feeling.

2:  Accessorize With Color!

Adding a pop of color into a home accessory is fun and easy. A touch of something bright can add style and flare to any room in the home. 

3. An Area Rug With A Punch Of Color

Accent rugs are a great way to alter the décor of your home with hints of color. You can spice up your space with a dramatic effect using bold colors and patterns. They not only anchor a room, but add style and depth. If your not bold enough to use a vibrant area rug in your living room, you can incorporate one in your outdoor space,  entryway or bathroom.

4. Bring Color Into Your Window Treatment

Window treatments are a great way to add color to your home.  There are a plethora of styles and colors that will brighten any room. It's crucial to consider the type of fabric, lining and length when selecting your custom made or off-the-shelf curtains.

5. Bring Color Into Your Artwork

 Don't be shy to incorporate bright colors into your artwork.  Artwork can cheer up a room and keep it from looking boring and feeling cold. Bright pieces have an uncanny way of breathing life into a room. They often serve as a focal point, so allow that piece to bring joy color to your life!   

Interior Design: Tile Me Beautiful, Luxury Tile

TILE ME BEAUTIFUL

Did you know tile has the ability to make you feel welcomed, calm, safe, luxurious and captivated? Did you know tile has been made by man for over 4000 years?Beautiful tiled surfaces have been found in the oldest pyramids and ancient ruins ofGreek cities. It’s a manufactured piece of hard-wearing material such as glass, metal, stone, metal or ceramic.  I love to see tile on unexpected places. Tile can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary, with careful placement and thought. Shape, color, texture and patterns all play a significant role in the design process.

Mosaic tiles can be highly customizable and the tile options are endless. A few of my favorites are glass, natural stone, unglazed porcelain and prism glass. I love to see elaborate mosaic tiles used in bathrooms. They immediately bring the room  to life. This design idea can withstand the test of time, in both practicality and style. They make their own statement, they are a one man show. Their charm and presence can impress any homebuyer.  I enjoy looking at the reflective light properties of the glass mosaics.

Clay tile roofs are strong and durable. I love how it gives an  aesthetic appeal to French Provincial, Spanish or American Colonial style of homes. Clay tiled roofs evoke a feeling of craftsmanship. Their ability to withstand the test of time with a little tender loving care,  is appealing to me. Clay tiles contain excellent insulating properties and on top of it all, did you know they are fireproof?

 

With all the tile choices out there you can create a multitude of looks. I think the interlocking patio tiles by Ezy are great! You don’t have the hassle of laying tiles the traditional way. You just clip the tiles together, automatically guaranteeing precise spacing, perfect alignment and securely locked in position.

Well, if I can’t go to the spa everyday I can replicate the feeling at home. Hand me a cup of warm tea, wrap myself in a fluffy white robe and I'm there. Just thinking about New Ravana's latest series of outdoor flooring brings me into a state of tranquility. The 33” x 33” tiles resemble smooth, natural pebbles with the help of the latest inkjet digital technology.

My patio is an instrumental part of my home. It’s a place where I enjoy my morning cup of coffee.  It’s my sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I don’t think your outdoor space should be an afterthought. Its significance boarders my indoor décor. My outdoor space adds comfort, beauty and value to my home.

 

Luxury: What inspires an interior designer to design high end home.

Inspire Me

 Where does my inspiration come from? What gets the creative juices flowing? My inspirations evolve, transform, and circulate through my mind. Inspiration doesn’t always come in expected ways. It can ignite from an experience or gift. They can be dramatic, sweet, artistic, luxurious,  whimsical, and luxurious.  They are in unexpected places that may trigger the fire within me.  The fire that brings my client’s dream home to fruition. It's integral to have conversations with our clients that reveal elements of their lives. These conversations inform our design decisions. A happy client makes for a happy life, in my world.

 Colorful doors of Malta inspire me. They tell a story on their own. They leave me wondering who lives behind the tall, ornate statuesque figures. The colors speak for themselves and I am inspired to incorporate them into the interiors of homes as well. I can see a pop of color used on an accent wall, occasional chairs, a throw blanket, or pillow. I can see incorporating a bright color in the artwork as well. That prefect punch of color can adds character  to a room’s aesthetics. The aesthetics that are an extension on my experiences.

 

The color blue represents abundance and prosperity. It is said to be a great Feng Shui color, as well. With all the variations of blue out there, there may be one that strikes a cord within you.

A red door means welcome in old early American tradition. I love the vibrancy of this color. It’s a statement all on its own.  I compare it to a neck tie. It’s not the largest clothing piece you have on, but a red tie is a reaffirmation of strength. The color red catches our eye and keeps us focused on the beholder of the home.

The beach has been an inspiration of mine for a long time. Our design work in Florida has allowed this inspiration to prosper. The sand’s soft tones and variety of hues are replicated in my designs. The neutral pallet speaks of calmness and peacefulness. Shades of cream and tan elevate the home to a welcoming and inviting level. The soft tones say luxury and are timeless as Grace Kelly’s beauty.

 

Artwork inspires me in many ways, they are trampolines for great ideas.  It speaks to me in words sometimes I can only hear. It is used to make a statement and a platform for design.  I have been inspired by contemporary, classical, pop, realism and impressionistic paintings. One piece of artwork can be the inspiration for the whole room, stirring  the creative process.  They are canvases for creative ideas that can set the tone for the space.  The femininity of a painting can inspire a designer to create soft lines within the space. Pop art may inspire 60’s style furniture. I may use egg armchairs or minimalist sofas that share the space with pop art.

 

  

Photo: www.leftbankart.com

Interior Design, The Icon, The Wrap Dress & The Woman Behind It All

She’s Legendary, Glamorous, & Fearless.. She’s Diane von Furstenberg.

A former Princess Diane of Furstenberg, Diane has always wanted to become someone of her own. With her Grace Kelly good looks she was certainly had the most photographed cheekbones in the 1970’s. She launched her fashion company DvF , in 1997 with the reintroduction of her famous wrap dress. The DvF line has proven it’s stain ability and is currently being sold in 70 countries and 45 free-standing shops world wide.Diane von Furstenberg’s famous knitted wrap dress was introduced in 1972. The light weight jersey material is not only figure flattering, but very forgiving. They became easy to wear for traveling and stylish for work. They replaced the constricting pantsuits, making women feel liberated. “Women today want versatile, simple, classic comfortable, slimming clothing”, she has told the Los Angeles Times. With hard work and dedication she had become the most marketable woman since Coco Chanel. Von Furstenburg effortlessly broadened her brand to home design. In 2014 she collaborated with Kravet  and designed home fabrics. Like her dress line her home fabrics are soft and bold. The bold prints, are unapologetic and not for the fearful. They are bold and full of expression. The collection exudes her fabulous sense for print & color plus her venturesome appetite for mixing unexpected patterns.   

The softer line is continues to show style and beauty. Diane's sand and stone designswere inspired by the desert. The floral designs show Von Furstenberg's sense offemininity and grace. Her angelic side comes to life in the fabrics. They make stunning window treatments andbreath life into upholstered furniture.

I believe Diane's line of fabrics at Kravet are both bold and calming. I can see incorporating her line into our urban, more modern commercial spaces. The softer lines can be beautifully  intertwined into our residential clients homes, as well. Diane makes it easy to create custom drapery, pillows, bedding and furniture with these new designs.

Luxury meets sophistication within the eyes of a style icon. Thank you Diane Von Furstenberg!

Luxury: An Interior Designer And The Perfect Dinner Party

Welcome To My Dinner Party

The guest list has been made, the invites are out, now what? I’ve been known for throwing great parties with 30 or more people, but somehow dinner for 8 is really tough. With an intimate gathering as this,  I choose not to hire my favorite caterer who can whip up perfectly toasted brioche rounds with crème fraiche and caviar.  Every morsel of food that had been selected with such care. Every bite and sip, tip the party from just another fun evening to the conversational topics of discussions. This time I will try to recreate those magical evenings on my own. Luxury with an air of easiness, is my goal for this evening. I will take my interior design knowledge and melt it ever so delicately with music, food, and the love of good company.  I figured I would start with the entertainment and work my way up. Music, oh yes the music will play a significant role in my party. I have hired DJ’s in the past, but not for a dinner party of 8. The music will set the ambience, putting my guests in a great frame of mind. It’s also a great way of  filling in any awkward silences.  While carefully scanning through my iPod I have to think of the purpose of the dinner party and my guests. I want to keep the party at a level of sophistication with a touch of flair and interest.  Maybe I could play songs from the soundtrack of The Great Gatsby or songs from the latest James Bond film, Skyfall. I move onto the accents and tableware. I need cloth napkins, dinner plates, silverware, candles and fresh flowers, or course!  Using a serving drink tray instantly elevates the party, keeping it polished, refined and an ease of luxury.   I choose a color scheme and use it continuously throughout the décor. To many colors on the table will take away from my magical endeavor.  If I have the time I will meticulously fold the linen napkins into a French pleat.            I  can get creative with my centerpieces. Flowers in a vase are is always a go to choice, but what about dandelions scattered alone a wood plank. Instead of using the classic glass vase, blending flowers with asparagus is a idiosyncratic and beautiful way to add color to the table. 

 I feel there is a huge difference between eating and dining.  Eating is the act of consuming, something we have to do to survive. Dining, however, refers to the cultural aspect of eating. Dining is the art and the experience of eating. It's like reading a non-fiction novel through the eyes of the main character.

The meal should contain nothing overpowering or heavy. I like incorporating fresh and simple ingredients.  Just a hint of this and a hint of that. A tomato and avocado salad with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper, is a great start. My main course would be a baked lemon chicken with a side of green beans and mushroom risotto rice.

            I want to create an experience at my dining party. I want the scents and flavors of my food to speak for themselves. I will never know what each palate experiences, but when there is laughter and joy, I will know I have created the perfect dinner party. 

Heart Cone Chair, Interior Design Trend

Verner Panton: 2/13/26 - 9/5/98

Happy Valentines Day everyone!  What a more fitting post for today then the iconic heart shaped chair by Verner Panton, a highly influential figure in design development in the 1960s and 1970s.

Heart Cone Chair by Verner Panton

In the mid-1950's, Verner panton converted a Volkswagen bus into a mobile studio and travelled across Europe.  In 1958 he returned to Denmark full of unconventional ideas...one of which evolved into the iconic Heart Cone Chair.  The design was so futuristic and shocking that when it was exhibited in a shop window in New York City police had to order its removal due to the traffic chaos its presence created!Today, an authentic heart cone chair retails for around $4,200 but can be found as a reproduction for much less. Yellow, Black, Blue and Purple are just a few of the colors offered.  I think Red would be my choice of color if I had the opportunity to choose!

Yellow Heart Cone Chair

Hearts come in many colors according to Verner Panton!

Beautiful Violet Heart

What color would you choose?!

Flock by HON Company

Beasley & Henley Interior Design's commercial side is in love with Flock by HON. It's office furniture that's fresh, comfy, and modular for flexibility in design for the office, lounge, or other area with people congregate and collaborate. Flock is easy to reconfigure and it's endlessly adaptable.From HON on their Flock line:

Functionality: Flock's modular components enable a variety of configurations, making the collection a perfect solution for today's workplace in which collaboration is critical. Six different seating styles are offered, and work with their users to support desired work style. I.e. Iterations thoughtfully designed so that user can comfortably lounge without being pulled away from dynamic group conversation.Flexibility: Flock's modular design yields its flexibility. I.e., end chairs w/ left or right-arm options can be used on their own, in tandem w/ their opposites to create a loveseat, or w/ an armless lounge chair to create a sofa. Flock provides for variety of spaces from nooks to collaborative areas.Durability: An assurance of The HON Company's dedication to providing furnishings free from defective material or workmanship, Flock is covered by the HON Full Lifetime Warranty. The products are highly durable, designed to withstand years of use.Aesthetics: Sleek, clean lines & a modern palette create an effortlessly chic look. Both fashion forward and designed with hyper-functionality, Flock provides a comprehensive solution to collaborative workplace.Innovation: In adding Flock, HON is expanding its portfolio of workplace fundamentals to offer more innovative, responsive designs that recognize the shift away from a traditional conference room for highly inclusive discussions, brainstorms & team projects to impromptu gathering spots. Thoughtfully designed, Flock seating enhances the interiors of a space while encouraging & supporting user togetherness.Sustainability: Resulting from a lean manufacturing process, Flock is thoughtfully aligned with The HON Company's core values regarding sustainability and the pursuit of waste reduction.

Modern Architecture and Contemporary Design Fuse at The Isabella Gardener Modern Museum of Architecture

Modern architecture and contemporary design join forces at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a 70,000 square foot, $115 million structure in Boston.The museum is an open, airy, light-filled box that stands respectfully behind the Venetian-style palazzo, erected in 1902 by Gardner as a repository for her extensive collection of fine and decorative art. Italian architect Renzo Piano’s new building for Boston’s beloved Gardner, commonly referred to as “The Palace,” contains more than 2,500 paintings, furniture, rare books, tapestries, and decorative art with works that range from Titian and Rembrandt to Degas and John Singer Sargent.