Decorating with Black and Yellow

Decorating with black and yellow inspiration is courtesy of the lone bee buzzing around outside the window in front of my desk. February in Louisiana is known for its temperature swings and early spring previews.

bee-in-flight

Interior designers, decoristas, bloggers, photographers and fashion mavens glean some of their best ideas by taking a page from the book of natural beauty.

yellow and black flowers in a row

Photo by Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz on Unsplash

Inspiration is everywhere and nature proves a powerful muse.

yellow-brick-cottage (1)

Several weekend getaways ago Dave the Builder and I treated ourselves to a leisurely afternoon drive through the garden district of a particular North Louisiana town complete with curb appeal ideas in mind and camera in hand.

Yellow and Black "Stay Awhile" Rectangular Door Mat

Yellow and Black “Stay Awhile” Rectangular Door Mat

Color combination perfection caught my eye enticing me to stay awhile and take in the curb and charm appeal.

black-and-white-bench

 Courtney Hill Interiors

Appealing to whimsy yet classically sophisticated, decorating with the color combination black and yellow leans into warmth, depth, and dimension.

yellow-black-place-setting

Southern Living – Photography by Laurey W. Glenn 

Decorating with Black and Yellow

Subtle.

Vivid.

Deep.

Delicate.

Radiant.

DecoratingImpressive comes to mind when black meets any shade of yellow.

glossy-black-kitchen-cabinets-with-butcher-block-countertops

 Crystal Blackshaw

Back to the workings of how colors come together in both expected and unexpected harmony-

yellow-black-modern-kitchen-cabinets

Architectural Digest – Photography by Stephen Kent Johnson

Black is a color so beautifully secure in its position on the color wheel making it a design and decorating essential.

brass-rams-head-coffee-table

  Rue Magazine

In other words, the color black will never fade or falter.

Yellow-and-Black-wallpaper

Occasionally what we imagine in our decorating mind’s eye as a set the bar color combination falls short on the other side of fruition.

Yellow-and-Black-wallpaper-foyer-chest

Mistakes and missteps happen and simply become part of the trial and error process.

Yellow-Calla-Lilies-in-black-vase

Aim for a coordinated contrast when pairing colors, and never shy from experimenting with color combinations.

Mustard Black  Oriental Area Rug

Mustard/Black  Oriental Area Rug

Classic through time and trend, the color black is one of the premier foundation and/or accent colors in interior decorating.

black-awning-yellow-accents-patio

 Tracy Hardenburg Designs

Drama in decorating is more about the visual impact it adds to the quality of the space and less about the style.

Villeroy-Boch-Audun

Villeroy & Boch Audun Dinnerware

Chosen decor styles can be every bit the grande dame of decorating drama thanks to well paired and well executed color combinations.

blue-kitchen-island-with-black-countertop

 Lauren Haskett Fine Design

Realizing a total color combination immersion does not always provide the best palette complement to the whole, consider introducing color combination styling through accents and accessories.

black-white-floors-yellow-drape-doorway

Don’t you hate when you decide upon the color combination to suit space and style and the striking decor pieces perfect in the scheme of things can’t be found?

black-upholstered-dining-chair-yellow-throw-pillows

Plush Velvet Deco Cranes Pillow Cover

Purchase items in one of the combo colors, and other pieces in the other.

Marry pieces together in order accomplish the desired look.

French-Country-Style-Fabric-Leather-Upholstered-Kitchen-Wooden-Dining-Chair

Mieres French Country Style Fabric/Leather Upholstered Dining Chair (Set of 2)

Options are a decorista’s best friend.

Yellow-and-Black-decorative-throw-pillows

Medallion Zebra Scalamandr Left Facing Single Bench, YellowBlack

Medallion Zebra Scalamandré Left Facing Single Bench, Yellow/Black

black-yellow-citrine-walls-living-room

Veranda – Photography by Thomas Loof

black-yellow-fabric

Predominant color combinations from timeless to new traditional guide the eye on a journey of decorative intrigue.

Darleen-signature-love

Wallpaper: A Classic Choice

Wallpaper is a classic choice décor element showcasing color, pattern as the featured focal point, and texture a tactile experience.

traditional-dining-room-wallpaper-Ashley-Gilbreath-Interior-Design

Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design

Contemplating what to do with a room/space is the first stage of artistic creativity.

blank-canvas (1)

Photo by Valentina Ivanova on Unsplash

Look at it this way; the walls of the space serve as a blank canvas, and your vision in unison with your personal style stamp the design elements that create the palette.

Decorative vision factored in with personal style creates the palette, and when wallpaper makes the design cut the visual impact is magnified through distinct colors, patterns and textures.

Heather-Chadduck-interiors-Arkansas-Delta-farmhouse-photography-Alison-Gootee

Heather Chadduck Interiors and Textiles – Photography by Alison Gootee

I’ll let Martha Stewart and Company explain How to Hang Wallpaper (click on the link for instructions), and I’ll cover the differences between traditional and removable aka peel and stick options.

traditional

Application options grant homeowners and renters alike decorating freedom.

Traditional wallpaper wins out in the following categories:

Overall quality of the product.

Staying power.

Ease of positioning on the wall during application.

wallpaper-application

Most traditional wallpaper comes pre-pasted. To activate the paste, the wallpaper is soaked in water.

Unpasted paper requires the application of clear wallcovering adhesive to the back of the product.

Removal of traditional wallpaper is not a quick process when compared to the rather easy removal process of peel and stick paper.  From personal experience I learned using a wallpaper steamer to remove traditional wallpaper is the way to go.

removable

Removable wallpaper is peel and stick apply today, easy removal tomorrow.

Renters sing the praises of peel and stick. DIY friendly in many cases, it lives up to its peel and stick label with no pasting or soaking required, but application does require patience and precision.

Correcting placement once applied proves a bit of an issue with the need to remove the panel and begin again almost a guarantee.

Margaret_Kirkland_Park_Ave_Bowood

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles – Photographed by Erica George Dines

Peel and stick pattern options rival those of traditional papers.

More times than not you can easily locate a peel and stick version of a traditional pattern.

Bowood-Colefax-Fowler-Fernando-Bengoechea-Architect Gil Schafer  Architect Gil Schafer – Photography by Fernando Bengoechea

Mama Places In The Home and I were having a conversation the other evening about first one thing than two when the focus of our chat turned toward why we favor the design styles we do.

Traditional with a fresh perspective pretty much best describes my preferred design style.

colefax-fowler-bowood-fabric1

Bowood by Colefax and Fowler

Factors to consider when deciding on a pattern, texture, and type basically involves personal style preferences and what space the paper will be used in.

Of course scale, flow, and balance in regards to the neighboring rooms must be taken into consideration when selecting patterns.

Bowood-laundry-room

Lauren DeLoach Interiors – Photography by Emily Followill

Matchy-matchy isn’t necessary, however, pattern power clashing gets awfully busy with the eye, and runs the risk of overpowering the intended design statement.

Visual flow works to deliver a harmonious result.

Ottoman Fantasy

Ottoman Fantasy

Trends and pattern popularity may ebb and flow, but at its core wallpaper stands as a timeless design element.

Floral-Laurel-wallpaper

Norwall Floral Laurel

Dainty Stripes Wallpaper - Soft Blue And Greens By Danika Herrick

Dainty Stripes Wallpaper – Soft Blue And Greens By Danika Herrick

Speaking of trends, my eye and my heart welcomes the return to pretty.

blue-white-bedroom-wallpaper

Anna Louise Wolfe, Ltd.

We’re seeing it in the still going strong grandmillennial style, the gaining steam coastal grandmama, and the cozy with a twist cottagecore.

floral-teal-wallpaper-fireplace-mantle

One Kings Lane – Becky Boyle Interiors

Rhododendron Script Floral Pre-Pasted Strippable Wallpaper Roll

Rhododendron Script Floral Pre-Pasted Strippable Wallpaper Roll

Where classic coastal hues of blues and greens merge with Nancy Meyer influenced neutrals is where you find the grandmother coastal aesthetic.

blue-navy-grasscloth

Cyclical perhaps, but cozy chic depicted through colors, textures, and patterns of days gone by welcomes cottagecore style home.

Laura-Ashley-Aveline-Rose-Wallpaper

Laura Ashley Aveline Rose Wallpaper

New spins on classic favorites isn’t exactly a new concept in the design and decorating world.

mural-walls-modern-dining-room

House & Home

There will always be room at the design and decorating table for this perennial design style.

Lenox Hil ScenicToileTrees Wallpaper, In Black, Metallic Gold, & Off-White

Lenox Hil Scenic/Toile/Trees Wallpaper, In Black, Metallic Gold, & Off-White

Arcadia-Mural

Etched Arcadia Mural

What a modern adaptation has the ability to do is suit today’s personal decorating preferences while acquainting the eye with a fresh take that immensely enhances the core design style.

“Magnolia Canopy” wallpaper- de Gournay (

Magnolia Canopy by de Gournay – Photography by Rebecca Reid

Gorgeous!

Barringtons Grisaille

Barringtons Grisaille by Susan Harter Muralpapers

“Use wallpaper in unexpected places:
on the ceiling in a paneled room,
in closets, hallways, and small foyers.
A great pattern or texture in small spaces
can be a prodigious twist!”

—Lindsey Coral Harper

his-mens-closet-wallpaper

 Creative Tonic

Greek Key Foil Gunmetal Wallpaper

Greek Key Metallic Shine Foil Vinyl Wallpaper

Modern take.

Nikki Chu Grey Zulu Signature Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Nikki Chu Grey Zulu Signature Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

The once a flipper, always a flipper side of my brain together with my decorating eye spies the divine flooring and thinks flip that beauty from floor to ceiling with this choice.

A-Street Prints Carriage House Wood Wallpaper gray

A-Street Prints Carriage House Wood Wallpaper

Dynamic decorating duo.

Taftan-Oasis-Tribal-Geometric-Area-Rug (1)

Taftan Oasis Tribal Geometric Area Rug

Color, texture, and patio patterns set a spring into summer scene into motion.

San-Simeonita-in-Palm-Springs-patio

Anthony Cochran Design

Iconic pairing of color and pattern, the instantly recognizable banana leaf design Martinique wallpaper designs and decorates the equally famous Beverly Hills Hotel.

hallway-Beverly-Hills-Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel

You had me at pink and green.

iconic-wallpaper-Beverly-Hills-Hotel

Martinique™ Green Wallpaper

Martinique™ Green Wallpaper

Giving a modern twist to the traditional keeps the look fresh and the style on trend and in demand.

leaf-wallpaper-office-Steve Cordony-Stylist

Steve Cordony/Stylist

York Tropics Banana Leaf Paper Strippable Roll Wallpaper

York Tropics Banana Leaf Paper Strippable Roll Wallpaper

Mardan-Light-Green-Banana-Leaf-Wallpaper

Mardan Light Green Banana Leaf Wallpaper

Rules apply for balance and form, but consider this- the unexpected use of color or well thought out and very intentional placement of a design or décor element in a “I would have never thought of that” place keeps things interesting.

Roseate Spoonbill Bird Wallpaper

Roseate Spoonbill Bird Wallpaper

wallpaper-James-Farmer-Photography by Jeff Herr

Flower Magazine- Interior design by James Farmer – Photography by Jeff Herr

Put pattern to play with whimsical choices.

library-white-wallpaper-powder-room

Lucy and Company

library-books-white-wallpaper

Library Bookshelf Wallpaper

As noted in my Lemon Influenced Home Décor post, nursery through to kids room design and décor has made great strides in the big style for little ones game.

boys-room-yellow-nightstand-forest-print-wallpaper

Forêt noire designed by Nathalie Lété Heidi Caillier Design

Woodland Animals Navy Paper Strippable Roll

Woodland Animals Navy Paper Strippable Roll

Charcoal Terrene Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Charcoal Terrene Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Fae Sage Woodland Paper Wallpaper

Wallpaper adds interest, a punch of personality, and the all important and essential pop of color.

Alexa-Pulitzer-kids-room

Garden & Gun – Photography by Morgan & Owens

On first thought I love the idea of wallpaper as a focal point for a statement wall as represented in the New Orleans home of Alexa Pulitzer

Of special interest to my gotta have it list, I need those beds.

Enchanted Forest Wallpaper Mural

Enchanted Forest Wallpaper Mural

cane-kids-bed

House & Garden – Photography by Paul Massey

Alice-in-Wonderland-wallpaper

Alice In Wonderland

lemon-wallpaper-neutral-nursery

Lemon Grove by de Gournay WallpaperDina Bandman Interiors

Lemon Option #1

citrus-grove-mint-wallpaper

Citrus Grove Fruit and Leaves Removable Peel & Stick Texture Wallpaper

Lemon Option #2

lemon-twist-stories-for-walls

Lemon Twist

If we’re talking traditional wallpapers, the conversation turns to texture and grasscloth wallpapers.

black-drop-down-desk-grasscloth-wallpaper

 Summer Thornton Design

When farmhouse/modern farmhouse design style flooded the screens and scrolls of the design and decorating loyal, textured and the look of textured found a resurgence in popularity.

Grey Salvaged Wood Vinyl Strippable Wallpaper

Grey Salvaged Wood Vinyl Strippable Wallpaper 

Many associate textured wallpaper with commercial installs, and though it is true you will find it a decorating darling of commercial spaces for the sake of durability in both style and quality of product, textured wallpaper conforms to residential use in spectacular fashion.

Clarabelle Stripe Wallpaper by Danika Herrick

Clarabelle Stripe Wallpaper by Danika Herrick

Grasscloth wallpaper hangs around the scene for one stylish and obvious reason-its natural texture and durable function keep the spotlight on it.

Schumacher Shantung Silhouette Sisal Gold On Jet Wallpaper

Schumacher Shantung Silhouette Sisal Gold On Jet Wallpaper

I’ve installed, suggested, and used grasscloth many times over the years in properties we flipped, commercial and residential design jobs, and in our personal homes to rave reviews.

grasscloth-wallpapers

A-Street Prints Carriage House Wood Light Grey
York Quarter Sawn Wood Brown
Ozone Taupe Texture
Scalamandre Shantung Grasscloth Lapis
Manhattan Comfort Elmhurst Vinyl Grey Horizontal Faux Grasscloth
Seabrook NA205  Java Grass 

Scalamandre Zebras - Zanzibar Wallpaper

Massucco Warner Miller

Instantly recognizable iconic patterns identify the hallmarks of classic brands and enduring trend leaders.

Safari Brown Zebra Safari Self Adhesive Wallpaper

Stand-alone style standouts, if you will.

Scalamandre Zebra Safari Wallpaper

Scalamandré Zebras

Scalamandré Zebras in the self adhesive/ peel-and-stick option or the traditional cut and paste application option.

yellow-and-blue-boys-nursery-design

 Maddie Hughes Design

The investment in an iconic pattern is for the life of the space.

danielle-rollins-home-le-touches-wallpaper-blue

Veranda

Brunschwig & Fils Les Touches Blue Wallpaper

Brunschwig & Fils Les Touches Blue Wallpaper

Instant focal point wow factor comes to the back of cupboards and bookcases.

le-touche-wallpaper-on-back-of-glass-front-cabinets-lined

Liz Caan Interiors

Sand Drips Blue Painted Dots Wallpaper

Sand Drips Blue Painted Dots Wallpaper

back-of-shelves-lined-with-gray-grasscloth-wallpaper (1)

 Erin Gates Design

Amplify the beauty of an antique piece by lining the drawers in a fabulous designer pattern.

house-tour-chadduck-montrose-arkansas-cottage-guest-bedroom

Veranda – Photography by Alison Gootee

Pastel colors, blue and white texture combinations, and timeless toile patterns naturally bring spring to mind.

mudroom-with-blue-dutch-door

Brooke Crew Interiors

Old World Toile Paper Strippable Roll Wallpaper

Old World Toile Paper Strippable Roll Wallpaper

Jungle Toile Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Jungle Toile Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Hey gang, here’s a DIY project tutorial for bringing a curated look to an IKEA room divider.

Click on the link below for the details.

IKEA Room Divider DIY Project

DIY-IKEA-screen-wallpaper

Classic patterns coupled with durable function make wallpaper a quality  choice of product that remains a timeless design and home décor choice.

Wow and Woof Factor: National Dog Day

Happy National Dog Day!

dog-in-kitchen

Traditional Home -Better Homes & Gardens

For dog lovers every day is National Dog Day.

dog-in-foyer

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles- Photography by Emily Followill

Unconditional love given to us by our beloved four-legged friends enriches our daily lives and the life lived within our homes.

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures;
they give
unconditional love.
For me they are the role model for being alive.”

—Gilda Radner 

Schnauzer-on-vintage-car

I, like many other dog lovers, love the idea of a special day designed to celebrate dogs “decorating” designer rooms with the wow and the woof factor for National Dog Day.

vintage-dog-statues

Country Living

Dog owners know all too well the comforts of home include a wag of the tail and a welcoming bark- the language of I’m so glad you’re home.

dog-in-foyer

2015 Charlottesville Idea House

dog-garden-Country-Homes-Interiors-Magazine

Ideal Home

Zeckos Cast Iron Scottish Terrier Dog Statue Black Enamel Scottie

Zeckos Cast Iron Scottish Terrier Dog Statue Black Enamel Scottie

dogs-on-chairs

schnauzerBetter Homes and Gardens

Must love dogs interior designer approved.

Kelly-Wearstler-with-dog-Photo-Melanie-Acevedo

Kelly Wearstler – Photo by Melanie Acevedo

Elsie-Larsons-Home-Tour

Elsie Larson’s Bold And Colorful Nashville Home

reclaimed-wood-kitchen-island

House Beautiful

The dog days of summer refer to the hottest days of the season, but the dog days of interior design and decorating refer to the hottest four-legged accessories for the look of the season.

dog-figurines

 

Spode Woodland Hunting Dogs Dinner Plate (Spaniel)

Vintage-French-Pewter-Hunting-Dog-platebulldog

Our collections usually provide a window into the world of our memories- the souvenirs of precious times and proven joys.

foo-dogs

blue foo dogs-set of 2

I know I enjoy a great must love dogs collection!

spaniels

Staffordshire Spaniels @ Christie’s Interiors (Photography by Carol Dronsfield)

dog figurines

Fido is ready to take his place on the family gallery wall.

christian-siriano-house-entrance

Elle Decor

After all, our pets are part of the family.

dog on stairs

Better Homes and Gardens

custom-poodle-wallpaper-designer-Travis-London

Designer Travis London – Architectural Digest

poodle-table-lamp

wheaten-Terrier-custom-oil-painting-portrait

Sun Sohovich Fine Art

Katrina Dog Shaped Liquor Whiskey Decanter

Alsten Pillow - Ralph Lauren Home

Houser Dog Wall Hook

dogs-painting

Country Living

Cravings-10.5-Inch-Stoneware-French-Bulldog-Cookie-Jar

Stoneware French Bulldog Cookie Jar

The Fido Files

Friend.

Companion.

Sous Chef.

Stylist.

Christmas-tree-on-wall-tulle-skirt

Style Me Pretty

Home security system.

Therapist.

Confidant.

Constant source of entertainment.

westie on couch

Design Sponge

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves
you more than he loves himself.

—Josh Billings

art-house-rules-red-and-white-kitchen

Domino

“Some of our greatest historical and artistic treasures we place
with curators in museums; others we take for walks.”

 —Roger Caras

Whimsical-Wallpapers_05

Architectural Digest

white-German-shepherd

“The dog is the perfect portrait subject.
He doesn’t pose.
He isn’t aware of the camera.”

— Patrick Demarchelier

Jackson-Ollie-park

Go for a walk with your four legged friend- good for Fido, good for your heart, good for the soul.

Throw a ball or a bone in the spirit of fetch with a friend.

Design and decorate a space customized in gone to the dogs style.

Consider adopting a rescue dog today on this National Dog Day.

Darleen-signature-love

Red, White And Blue Accents

Red, white and blue accents inspired by stellar color choices, engaging stripes, and timeless patterns star in this showcase featuring the bold and bright patriotic inspired palette- the original grand pop of color.

Cheng Toile from Dynasty Collection

Cheng Toile from Thibaut Dynasty Collection

red white and blue color palette

Miles-Redd-David-Kaihoi-blue-white-powder-room-photo-Ryan Kurtz

Architectural Digest -Photo by Ryan Kurtz

What better way to create a remarkable space than with unique interior design and decorating giving center stage to red, white and blue accents.

blue-white-decor-accents-Hillary-W-Taylor-Interiors-Brunschwig-Fils-Le-Lac

Hillary W. Taylor Interiors – Brunschwig & Fils

Red, white and blue paint colors in deep, rich, vibrant, and dramatic tones and shades promote a full-on color blast, burst, and boom of visual fireworks.

red-white-blue-color-palette-inspiration

There’s nothing kiddie about the look created in these kids’ rooms.

red-whtie-blue-bedroom-Wendy-Valliere-Interiors-New-England-Home-Magazine-Photography-by-Michael-Partenio

New England Home Magazine – Photography by Michael Partenio

Exceptionally impressive best describes this antique bed with upholstered headboard and grandly ornate swan footboard.

red-bamboo-twin-bed

Mallory Mathison Design

Pattern at play.

tomato-red-kitchen-cabinets

New England Home Magazine – Photography by Michael Partenio

Bold and beautiful describes the dramatic impact achieved in the 1842 Vermont farmhouse kitchen of Wendy Valliere of Wendy Valliere Interiors.

Red, white and blue beautiful.

red velvet pancakesRed Velvet Pancakes from Eclectic Recipes

Enticing the eye is mixture accomplished by Eclectic Recipes and this red, white and blue stack of red velvet pancakes topped with coconut syrup and fresh blueberries.

Click on the link below the photo for the recipe.

19th Century French Iron Pastry Table

19th Century French Iron Pastry Table- 1stDibs

red-white-blue-place-setting

Red, white and blue accents bring chic to both the nautical or coastal tablescape.

blue and white draperyTraditional Home

red-white-blue-fabric

navy-royal-blue-paint-colors

Royal complements navy blue, simply white enhances china white.

china-white-benjamin-moore

Benjamin Moore

red-white-blue-bedroom

Elle Decor

red-white-blue-accents

dining-room-and-library-with-glass-cabinets

 Cameron Ruppert Interiors

Befitting a palette choice with a patriotic theme pop of color, red, white and blue accents lend bold drama and traditional form to a space.

Darleen-signature-love

Softening the Style: Rustic Industrial Style

A distinct modification to the hard edge of industrial style is afoot- a reinterpretation best described as rustic industrial style.

Change is constant, and the world of design and decor is not exempt from changes or adaptions.

Rustic is often assigned to several different design styles, casting a broad net over the design application.

Industrial style is not a personal favorite, however, the present softening of hard edges in favor of tipping the scales ever so slightly towards a new traditional modern farmhouse look has the decorative oomph to win me over.

Back in the early 1980s, Dave the Builder became enamored with the modern meets contemporary design style that was all the rage.

Glass.

Chrome.

Metal color palette.

Dave the Builder was intrigued, and I was perplexed.

We met in the middle of are you kidding me and we’ll give it whirl.

We remodeled the living room/dining room combination to suit the style, and when completed we ended up with a space that was stark, cold, and characterless.

I absolutely hated the look.

Thank the design and decor gods Dave hated it to.

Robert Dame DesignsRobert Dame Designs – Thompson Custom Homes

Balance plays a pivotal role in the completed look of any space.

The impact of a primary design style is often enhanced by a supporting decorating style.

Michael-Dawkins-Home

Michael Dawkins Home

Now, I know I haven’t discovered something new, nor am I introducing an on trend design and decor phenomenon.

What I am drawing attention to is how design styles and decor tastes can, and do, evolve.

We embrace the base style elements, adding to and subtracting from in order to perfect and keep visual relevancy.

Rustic industrial style blurs the hard lines by emphasizing soft edges.

Michael-Dawkins-Home1Michael Dawkins Home

Like a uncorked bottle of wine, I liken the evolution of rustic industrial style to allowing a bottle of wine time to breathe.

More expressive and fully matured.

Terri Ricci Interiors

Terri Ricci Interiors

A little background for clarity:

The concept of industrial style decor gleans influence from the modern warehouse-loft-factory elements of design.

rustic-wood-dining-chairs

Southern Living Magazine

With rustic origins relating to vintage wares, industrial style typifies a commercial appeal through the incorporation of wood and metal into the interior design and decor.

Rustic Industrial Style

 Lori Smyth Design

The phrase pop of color is rooted in the lexicon of interior design and interior decorating, however, not all color palettes necessarily reflect the broad brush stroke of what we commonly consider color.

mix-and-match-dining-room-01 Magdalena Keck Interior Design

Natural in color, texture, pattern and appeal, neutral colors dominate the rustic industrial style palette.

Urban Archaeology

Urban Archaeology

Where the classic color combination of black and white qualifies as the height of color perfection in some instances, a neutral color palette is a bold color choice in others.

mark.cunningham.inc.portfolio.interiors.kitchen.dining.breakfast.room

Mark Cunningham Inc.

Add in a mix of metals and the industrial style decor color palette is born.

metal-top-dining-table

Industrial to Farm Dining Table

This zinc plated metal and cedar base farm dining table by SDS Designs captures two hot on trend looks- modern farmhouse and industrial style decor.

Farm+Dining+Table

Farm Dining Table by SDS Designs

You’ll notice more and more how the lines between these particular design and decor styles give life to rustic industrial style.

Industrial-style-kitchen-dark-cabinets Holder Design Associates 

Lilian Dining Chair

Lilian Dining Chair- Set of 4

office-black-chalkboard-walls-desk-under-window-double-metal-doors

WB Builders

Carbon Loft Tilton 24-in Rustic Gunmetal Bar Stool

Carbon Loft Tilton 24-in Rustic Gunmetal Bar Stool

farmhouse kitchen South Beach Exquisite House 2id Interiors

Napa Valley Farmhouse-den-Carreiro Builders

Carreiro Builders

kitchen-with-hand-poured-concrete-countertops

 Anthony Wilder

Sleek pendants and statement chandeliers visually qualify as a design tour de force.

rustic light fixtures

Sadie Pendant  ||  1-light Oxidized Nickel Pendant  ||  Bartlett Small Pendant in French White  ||  Isabel 1-Light Pendant in Colonial Blue Finish 
Modern Haning Lighting Fixture Golden Ceilling Light  ||  1-light Oxidized Brass Pendant  ||  Uttermost Pontoise 1-light Distressed Ivory Metal Mini Pendant  ||  Quoizel Amherst Mottled Cocoa 3-light Pendant

wesley.wayne.interiors

Wesley-Wayne Interiors

Homefare Metal Door Light Oak Display CabinetHomefare Metal Door Light Oak Display Cabinet

green-and-black-living-room-industrial-black-metal-casement-bar-cabinet

 Von Fitz Design

vidaXL Coffee Table Black 25.6"x25.6"x11.8" Solid Mango Wood

vidaXL Coffee Table Black Solid Mango Wood

Pulling home decor accents and accessories from other design styles avoids, or at least greatly diminishes, the risk of the space becoming locked into the hard line look of a particular decorating style.

New Orleans 1985 Vintage Map Canvas Art PrintNew Orleans 1985 Vintage Map Canvas Art Print

Uttermost Yerevan Wood Leg Lamp

Uttermost Yerevan Wood Leg Lamp

Ancient Medallion Giclee Canvas Art PrintAncient Medallion Giclee Canvas Art Print

Uttermost Lev Gold Metal Wall Decor

Uttermost Lev Gold Metal Wall Decor

Industrial-kitchen-New-York-loft

TOLA Architecture

Industrial-lighting-ideas

Bremerton 4L Bronze Wood Cage Linear Chandelier Island Pendant Light

Mercana Leighton I 15 x 20 Gold Toned Metal Spherical Pendant Light

Industrial Hanging Wired Pendant Light 

Carbon Loft Enstad 12-inch Fired Bronze Bowl 1-light Pendant

Carbon Loft Hoesl 14.5-inch Metal Sphere 1-light Pendant

Luxury Industrial Chandelier with Rustic StyleLuxury Industrial Chandelier with Rustic Style

black-display-cabinet-with-shelving-industrial-Seth-Caplan-AD

Architectural Digest

My personal choice for an in the style for replicating the very stylish storage solution option in the above image.

Ventana Glass Display Cabinet

Ventana Glass Display Cabinet

kitchen-island-corbels

The Working Kitchen

Cypress Industrial Adjustable Metal Barstool in Silver Brushed Gray with Brown Wood Seat

Cypress Industrial Adjustable Metal Barstool 

It’s quite surprising how the mixing of antiques or in the style of antiques pieces with today’s modern styles works a room to its visual advantage.

La Grange Hostyn Kitchen Island

La Grange Hostyn Kitchen Island

Art Leon Counter Height Metal Barstools with Eiffel Legs(Set of 2)

Art Leon Counter Height Metal Barstools with Eiffel Legs(Set of 2)

Staying true to one particular decor style proves a comfort zone of sorts, while the constant discovery of what accents and accessories best fit your decorative style portfolio results in a satisfying experience.

When the winds of design and decor change and blow inspiration your way, step out of the box and try a new decor style.

The result may beautifully surprise you.

Word of the Year

Inspiration is a motivational powerhouse, and the driver behind selecting a word of the year.

After a blowout Christmas holiday of eat, drink, spend, and give merriment, let’s just say we’re doing the tighten up dance around here with a little Archie Bell and the Drells thrown in for fun.

word of the year

I’m embracing the new year with a clear 2020 vision for recognizing the areas of my life that could greatly benefit from a bit of improvement.

Resolutions tend to run their course about mid-February, so I go with a plan of action that I can easily meet and master.

Giving as much attention to cleaning up my mouth as I do cleaning up the house on a Monday morning is first up on the new and improved list.

Next up is working on being the kind of person to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers that you would want to go on a vacation with- the true litmus test of a person’s character, patience, and joy of life.

Diet?

The word itself has a negative connotation to it, so, no.

Awareness of smart and sensible eating, food choices, and portion control is a more realistic goal.

This brings me to my word of the year share.

Choosing one word to guide, ground, and direct you over the next 365 days is the optimum daily, weekly, and monthly planner.

bliss weekly planner

Bliss Collections Weekly Planner

My word of the year is not the typical word one would associate with motivation, inspiration, and the like, however, it turns out it’s a word with a purposeful meaning.

tight

adjective

\ ˈtīt \

: fitting very close to the body
: marked by unusual tension (as in the face or body)
: difficult to cope with
: relatively difficult to obtain
// money is tight just now

Several years ago after a traumatic financial turn of events in our normal (what the hell is normal?) self employed-go to work to pay bills and put food on the table-keep the lights on-doing all this to make a better life for our family part of life, we were left broke, broken, worried, scared to death, and frazzled to the core.

The how will we survive losing two businesses (one the bread & butter operation and the other the hobby turned luxury business) questions seemed to have no answers.

This was 2008 folks, and the residual angst remains with me to this day.  The economic downturn gripping the nation was beating the crap out of us, but I’ve never been one to find comfort in the it’s happening to some degree to everyone way of looking at things.

Sitting alone in the office staring down at numbers, balances, and bills, the word tight popped into my head.

Money was tight and getting tighter by the day.

I was feeding my feelings, so my clothes were tight.

Fear set in quickly, taking me from happy go lucky motormouth to dejected mute resulting in my throat growing closed and tight.

Tight certainly summed up the situation.

I picked up a pen and wrote the word tight vertically on a piece of scratch paper.

tight

As I sat and stared at the word standing out among figures and fear, what came to me was a Mary Tyler Moore (you’re gonna make it after all) moment of clarity, courage, and comfort.

I picked up the pen and put the pieces of what seemed an unsolvable puzzle together.

This
Is
God
Handling
Things

HE did, and he does every single day.

The takeaway boils down to this:

I knew, and continue to know, the importance of listening to that little voice inside you.  More times than not it’s the true voice of reason.

Give yourself permission to take time for an alone moment to gather yourself and clear the noise life has a way of amplifying at times.

From designing, decorating and all the life changing decisions in-between, silence is golden, essential, and a hot commodity in the decision making process.

Not all closed doors open up again the way we think they should or want them to, but swing out in a whole new direction that over time and in HIS time pave the way to peace, promotion, provision, and understanding.

With 2020 vision, I realize how my personal relationship with God in prayer, word, love, work, thought, pen, and paper guides me through the good, the bad, the old, the new, the beautiful, the stylish, and the tight.

The creative process includes designing ourselves to be the very best we can be.

Grab 2020 by the new year with a word of the year that will make each day, week, and month the year of the very best you.

love your style

 

Welcome Personal Style Home

Gearing up to add a touch of fall to house and home, the creative process requires giving thought to the elements of design and decorating that will best welcome personal style home.

Elizabeth Drake

Elizabeth Drake

I look at each individual space in terms of framing a scene à la Hollywood set designer or director.

With a discerning eye, I evaluate what makes the cut.

welcome personal style home

Many of us derive our personal design and decorating choices from affecting colors, textures, patterns, scents, sounds, and ingredients we’ve impressively seen, felt, heard, smelled, and tasted.

If something leaves a lasting impression on you, one strong enough to influence your design and decorating choices, by all means bring it home!

The life lived within a home comes alive through personal style and taste, and there is nothing more chic than the home that beautifully demonstrates this.

Regardless of season or occasion, design and decorate with a sense of you in order to distinctly welcome personal style home.

fall-treeFlickr

Enlist the senses to aid in a frank assessment of what is working for you in the space and what is not.

Picture a tree and its branches.

The tree trunk represents your signature design style preference- the all things house that make a home foundation.

Branch from the “trunk” with transitional pieces.

Select a reference point for color, pattern, and/or texture and “branch” out from there.

 

expired

If the date stamp on certain pieces has expired, purge these items from your decorating portfolio.

I catch myself attempting to justify keeping pieces long past their decorative prime because somewhere in time it appealed to me, and perhaps it may again strike my fancy.

No, Hattie Hoarder, it won’t.

Say goodbye to the stale, the outdated, and the expired in lieu of something or nothing (less is more sometimes) better suited in its place to welcome personal style home.

dining-room-table-image

Our interior design, decorating, and home decor choices reflect our core design style preferences.

It’s these thoughtful and personal choices that resoundingly welcome personal style home.

Darleen-signature-love

The Art Of The Hang: Instructions For Hanging Art

I received an email suggesting a repost of The Art of the Hang: Instructions for Hanging Art may prove beneficial to new readers and decoristas taking spring updating to heart and wall alike.

In the spirit of seasonal updating, this new, improved and updated version is primed and ready to show and tell you Places In The Home instructions for hanging art.

contact-information-1

It’s funny how movie titles stick in the impressionable side of my brain, becoming an exercise in conversion to interior design and decorating application.

Let me demonstrate for you how it’s done.

hang 'em high

Hang ‘Em High is a 1968 western starring Clint Eastwood.

It is not the standard instructions for hanging art and decorative accents.

statement-art

House & Garden

In many cases and in many spaces, exceptions must be made to the general rule of design and decorating.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”

― Pablo Picasso

Fornasetti-plates

Lewis Interiors

Balance, scale and proportion partnered with room size, ceiling height, and intention of dramatic effect become the relevant factors to consider when assessing placement of artwork.

antique-artwork

Traditional Home

mirrors-on-wall-1

Traditional Home

Over my career as interior decorator, house to home flipper/stager, and antiques shopkeeper, I have hung my fair share of framed artwork, decorative antique plates, pediments, mirrors, ironwork, and sconces.




english-kitchen

House & Garden

Some high, some higher and some at the highest point on a wall.

Janie-Molster-art

House Beautiful

art-dining-room

Interior designer Rita Konig’s West London Flat

Not all spaces, walls, decorating styles, tastes, and intended results are created equal.

Thank goodness!

family-tradition-pink-and-white-living-room

Domino

How boring it would be to exist in a cookie-cutter world of design and decorating.

gallery-wall-living-room

Decorating Ideas ~  Trend Spotted: Marble Now

Many homes ago we were blessed or cursed depending on how you look at it with sixteen foot ceilings.

The traditional rule of picture hanging did not apply in this case, and decorative interpretation as well as adjustment blurred all standard lines and rules of placement.

art-on-walls

Architectural Digest

I’ve come to believe the concept of the gallery wall was born out of tall ceilings and the decorative pursuit to avoid a void of space.

gallery-wallTraditional Home

Hanging the artwork and decorative accouterments at eye level didn’t flow  and would have been visually boring.

Not all eye levels are created equal.

The exception to the traditional rule applies here.

starving-artists-sale

flickr

Back in the late Seventies, my parents attended a starving artist sale.

A buying spree of landscape, floral and architecture paintings ensued.

With  hammer and picture hanging kit in hand, no formal instructions for hanging art to guide, and two sets of eyes fixed for eyeballing measurements and placement, the marathon art hanging session commenced.

Aren’t you going to use a measuring tape?

Don’t need it.

Let me at least get you the yard stick.

No, we’ve got this.

Is it level?

Good enough.

I was fourteen at the time and even I knew this wasn’t the way to go.

macgyverDave the Builder is a MacGyver in the name of all things house that make a home.

In his apprenticeship years he mastered the skill of hanging pictures, mirrors, artwork, etc. in both a visually pleasing and design appropriate manner.

He brings his mathematical, architectural experience, and building talents to the table, and I bring a discerning eye and keen supervisory skills.

I’m good like that.

From years of hanging art in our homes, homes of clients, and at Hopefully Classic, we have mastered the art of the hang by following the instructions for hanging art.  

instructions for hanging art

Eye level varies from person to person, height to height.

If it doesn’t look right to you, raise or lower the artwork to accommodate.

After deciding the desired height to hang the picture, measure from the ceiling the distance to one hanger on one side of the picture.

Next, measure from the ceiling to the other side hanger to assure a level picture hanging.

If the frame has only one center hanger, measure the back of the picture from the center of the bottom of the frame to the center of the top of the frame.

Divide this number in half.

That is your center line.

Mark spot(s) on the wall with a pencil.

Pull the picture wire tightly upward as if  hanging on the hook.

Measure the distance from the center line to the top point of the wire.

Add this distance to the eye level line measurement ( your pencil mark or marks on the wall).

This is where you put the picture hook.

Two hooks placed 2 inches apart seems to work best for smaller pieces.

If the piece is larger, it is better to use two hooks spaced 8 inches from each side.

bedroom-gallery-wall

Charleston Magazine

Interior design and decorating is a process.

Placing  furniture and deciding on what will be the focal point of the room begins the process.

With decisions reached and furniture placed, I step back and view the walls as the canvas of the room.

It might be that one stellar piece of artwork or favorite painting sufficiently carries the room.

art-in-kitchen-wall

Victoria Magazine

Gallery groupings of different sizes and subjects work to capture the wow effect, deviate from the expected, and create what I call a decorating oxymoron- the off balance balance.

When arranging a grouping of artwork and before hanging, I like to layout the pieces on the floor in front of the wall they will be hung on.

This allows you to get a visual read on the balance and proportion of the layout, and to fine-tune the arrangement.

It also helps to eliminate or at least cut down on putting holes in the wall.

Trick of the Trade Tip:

Plain white toothpaste is as a great alternative to caulk.  Squeeze the toothpaste into the hole and wipe off the excess.  

Use a spirit or laser level to ensure artwork is level.

No level, no problem.

I find the best measure is ultimately trusting your eye.

art-above-fireplace

One Kings Lane ~ Photo by Ellen McDermott

Hanging artwork above a fireplace mantel offers the opportunity to layer artwork pieces.

When hanging artwork over a fireplace, aim to leave as little space as possible between the bottom of the art piece and the mantle unless another item will be placed under artwork or decorative accessory.

picture-frame-moldings-picture-frame-molding

Architectural Digest

san-francisco-proper-kelly-wearstler-interiors-hotel-california-usa_dezeen

San Francisco Proper ~ Designer Kelly Wearstler   

Hanging artwork and decorative pieces within the panel area of a wall frame molding design element adds dimension to the space.

Patricia_Altschul_07Architectural Digest

Entertain and embrace a different-out of the ordinary-unexpected way of decorating.

This is rule number one to consider in the art of creating a visual focal point.

art-placement-oil-paintingDomaine

The lower the placement the better in most cases.

The frame should give the illusion it is connected to the piece it is hanging above.

mirror-above-sofa

Domino

Hanging artwork 6 to 8 inches above furniture supports sufficient headroom allowance.

artwork-gallery

Apartment Therapy

Consider hanging a grouping in a bedroom lower than standing eye level.

The result can surprisingly produce the focal point of the space.

Modern-farmhouse-bedroom

Little House of Four

Better Homes & Gardens

The art to hanging artwork, framed treasures, mirrors, architectural pieces and the like is in the scale, placement and arrangement that best suits the space and optimally showcases your personal style.

Love your style!

 

 

 

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