Window treatments are an aspect of design that can be underestimated and overlooked.  I’ve learned, over the years, that window treatments, when done right, always enhance the overall look and feeling of any room.  They really are the finishing touch.

Selecting the correct window treatment for your individual windows can be daunting, so here are just a few things to consider:

1. Think about the Mood of the Room

Whether it’s a living room, bedroom or an office, each window treatment should be unique to that particular space.  If you are looking to make the room feel light and airy with a sense of coziness to the space, use a lightweight fabric in color and feel.  On the other hand, if the aesthetic for the room is more classic and elegant, opt for a heavier fabric and style, which will make the room feel a touch more sophisticated.With bright sunshine and higher temperatures ahead, there is no better room to feature as the room of the month, than this covered outdoor patio! The perfect gathering space for friends and families that is functional, yet beautifully designed with bright pops of color and pattern.

2.Working with Large Windows

Oversized windows have become a huge (no pun intended) trend over the last several years.  And while we love the extra Vitamin D, they can be very tricky to dress.  In this lakeside retreat, the goal was to frame the beautiful view, have a drapery that would provide privacy and enhance the look of the overall window.  Floor to ceiling draperies were the answer and ticked all of the design boxes.

3. Choosing the Right Hardware

With a plethora of drapery rod hardware on the market, you can to from iron to wood to acrylic and way beyond.  The size of the hardwood is just as important as the material it’s made of.  Don’t go skimpy here! Select hardware that is proportionate to the window treatment and the window and will enhance the drapery it’s holding.

4. Two Story Windows

These windows may seem daunting, but honestly, two-story windows can sometimes make the biggest impact in your room design.  Every situation is different, but I do love to use floor-to-ceiling draperies than can be dramatic and will take your breath away.  Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, you can use straight panels or kick it up a notch with an oversized tie-back that will be sure to make a statement.

For anyone new to the interior design world, it can be easy to stay loyal to the conservative “rules” of design. There’s nothing wrong with sticking with a traditional look, however, bending and even breaking rules allows you to express yourself through the decor of your home. At the end of the day, interior design is all about being able to find pieces you love and incorporate them into your home. Focus on this, and by the end of this article you will be ready to mix your brass and chrome kitchen finishes and layer prints like a pro.

1. Mixing metals. Just because you have stainless steel appliances in your kitchen, doesn’t mean you should be scared of mixing metals. There is nothing wrong with pairing chrome sink hardware with stainless steel appliances. This adds a cool modern vibe and can take your kitchen to the next level.

2. Don’t place big furniture in a small room. It may seem a little odd to place big furniture in a tiny room, but having extra small furniture in a small room won’t make your space feel larger. I suggest incorporating one or two bigger pieces like a large sofa and a large accent mirror. A large sofa is comfy and inviting while an oversized accent mirror reflects light and gives the illusion of a bigger, more open space.

3. Hang your art. This is a rule that should definitely be broken! Leaning art against a wall or layering it on a floating shelf is a great way to bring a bohemian vibe into your space! It can be very chic—you just have to trust in your vision! Take it a step further and bring in unique statues or other forms of standing art.

4. Don’t paint the ceiling. This is one tip I break in almost every project. I love painted or wallpapered ceilings because it makes any space feel bold and stylish. If you go for a print, choose one what matches the scale of the room. Since adding color or texture to the ceiling is already a bold statement, I suggest sticking to a simple color or soft pattern to keep the room from getting too busy.

5. Furniture styles should always match. Having a completely matching furniture set is a thing of the past! Forgetting this rule gives you the ultimate flexibility when buying furniture. Go ahead, mix a traditional dining table with funky, modern chairs! The key here is to make sure your furniture still has some common ground. Your furniture can all be a similar shape or you can tie them together with identical throw pillows or a beautiful table runner.

Purchasing a home is an important milestone in a person’s life. And for many of us design-lovers out there, we cant wait to make our house a home.

Designing a newly purchased home can be an expensive process. However, I’m here to tell you that you don’t always need to spend a fortune on every piece to achieve a high-end look—it’s all about balance. I love finding cost effective accessories that complement the high-end pieces.

“To achieve balance in the design and in your budget, be sure to invest more of your budget on the important pieces that will make the biggest impact.”

Invest in the larger pieces that you have an emotional connection to, as these pieces will end up being the most used items in your home. They’re also pieces that you’ll build your space around, so choose wisely! I have an old saying when it comes to buying major pieces of furniture, “buy right or buy twice.”

Here is my list of furniture pieces every homeowner should invest in.

A great sofa. The sofa is the heart and soul of any living room. It’s one of the largest pieces of furniture in a home and also the one that is frequented by family, friends, and most importantly, our furry friends. Select a classic, well built sofa that will age well. A good sofa will last you 5 years, but a great sofa will last 10+ years. Since this particular piece has such a long life expectancy, I always suggest choosing a sofa in a neutral color or soft pattern. This will allow you to constantly “redesign and update” the room without actually changing the furniture. Swapping out pillows, artwork and other accessories will keep the room fresh and modern while keeping the large pieces consistent. 

A kitchen or dining room table. Do you love to entertain? Or always have guests in your home? If you answered yes to either question, then you should consider investing in a beautiful table that can withstand the constant use and abuse.

Your dream bed. Some say that your bed is the most important piece of furniture in your home. Personally, I agree with this statement. A great mattress can provide you with happiness, comfort and some support when you need it most. Splurge on a mattress and save on the accessories in your bedroom. This way you can refresh your space with new pieces when the moment strikes you. Your bedroom should be an oasis, a space that takes you far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Go ahead and invest in a dreamy bed set. You can choose a grand, dramatic set for a luxurious feel, or go for a simple, chic set that you can dress up or down!

Bonus Splurge: rugs. In fashion, the shoe makes the outfit. In design, the rug makes the room. a great rug is another piece you can design an entire room around. So I suggest choosing a staple rug that ties the elements of a room together for a polished look. Or, go wild with a great statement piece with a pop of color.

Bonus splurge: mirrors, chandeliers or artwork with character. Accessories pull together a room. Set aside at least 10% of your budget right off the top for your accessories. You won’t regret this, I promise!

Wallpaper is back!

Wallpaper has transformed in a number of ways. Grandma’s florals are gone and have been replaced with modern and trendy patterns, prints and textures. The technology behind wallpaper has also changed in a big way. The adhesives and techniques our installers use make it easier to put up and tear down, if you have to.

“The key to wallpaper is picking the right paper, so you never want to take it down.”

At the end of the day, the most important thing to know about wallpaper is where to put it, and what to put up. Here are some of my best wallpaper tips for our adventurous homeowners.

The right wallpaper for your home and lifestyle. You’ve taken the leap of faith, now it’s time to figure out which style is right for your home. Textured wallpaper is great option if you want the space to have a more natural look and feel. These are typically made from linen or cotton materials. Hand-screened wallpapers are for the homeowner who wants vivid colors and textures that pop off the wall. However, this is a more expensive option as each color is applied separately to the paper, instead of machine-printed. Wallpaper murals are making a comeback, and are perfect for the homeowner with a bold sense of style. The options for wallpaper murals are endless, and will transform that blank wall to a focal point in an instant.

The size of your space. Consider the size of your space when choosing the right wallpaper. Try a smaller scale print or use grass cloth to emphasize texture to keep the space from becoming overwhelming. However, a small powder room can often be the perfect spot to use a drama filled wallpaper.

Wallpaper isn’t just for walls. Look up! Ceilings are now calling for wallpaper to bring a space together. Wallpaper on the ceiling can instantly add texture and dimension to any room.

When going big and bold. This is where you can let your creativity  shine with the help of hand-screened wallpapers or the use of a good mural. Large scale print is perfect for an accent wall in a bedroom or dining room, and is sure to offer a wow-statement.

Professionals are your friends. Installing wallpaper has truly transformed into a more user friendly process. The adhesives and glues, as well as the installing methods have changed enough for homeowners to want wallpaper in their homes again. But, there is nothing wrong with receiving help from licensed professionals. Involving a professional installer is definitely the way to go. Brining in a professional designer is also important to help to decide what wallpaper to choose and where to put it, so in years following you don’t want to take it down.

Consider using wallpapers in those areas of your home where you want to add some drama and interest, not in every room of your house. Remember wallpaper is not the same as it was even 10 years ago. It goes up and comes down much easier. But, choosing the right kind will result in a beautiful, effortless looking space that will never go out of style.