Sometimes, my kind of maximalism in terms of color and pattern is not what is called for. Not everyone loves the idea of a lot happening in their surroundings. Sometimes, a simple solid palette with a punch is both exciting, calming and streamlined. This is not as easy as it appears to achieve. It can be a challenge to know where to add and where to hold back. Restraint in design is one of the more difficult principles.

Any way, this sort of streamlining can be good… But only if you are a minimalist. If you hate the idea of pattern. If you like rustic, interesting, shapely things that will give your interior some modicum of visual interest. This can be in the form of a texture, a simple pop of one solid color, an architectural element that is outstanding, like amazing floors or moulding. Whatever it is, if this is you, simple = happy.

What more do you need with those brick walls?

Texture, wood, zinc and glass; it’s all accounted for:

Here the pop of black in the huge mirror breaks up the cream; ever slightly hotel-esque, but win a wonderful way…

Absolutely no color, but a compelling visual:

Perfection:

No colors here, but that run of cabinetry with the square millwork and the soft gray backsplash makes up for it in visual interest

Sometimes, you need ducks in a row, and here they are:

1. Pinterest 2. Atlanta Brower 3. Pinterest 4. Emily Folowill 5. Pinterest 6. Houzz 7. Traditional Home

Lately, it seems as if decorative nailheads have flooded the furniture marketplace. I happen to love them, but not everyone does. What is the purpose of these little knobs aka upholstery tacks? They are both utilitarian (they attach the fabric and padding to the piece) and simply decorative.

In my opinion, they add that custom feel to any upholstered item they are applied to. Especially when the fabric being used is simple and/or solid. You can choose shiny or brushed nickel (more modern), brass (more traditional) or even bronze (more rustic). Apply them close together for a more tailored appearance or space them apart for a bit more whimsy. Or choose humongous ones, as I did on Anna’s headboard for a statement. If you notice, the teeny tiny ones are even more industrial/retro– they give off that vintage vibe. You can create a pattern with them– which is fun, but slightly trendy. Or do a double row. Or a top row and a bottom row.

Apply them to the front edges and the sides, or just one. You decide. No rules. These days, almost all custom upholstery gives you the option of adding nails, and some come standard. Find them in stores, too. Are you a fan?

1. Siena Sofa 2. Sienna Chair 3. Octavia Bed 4. Drum Ottoman 5. Fillmore Bed 6. Canter Ottoman 7. Tennyson Stool 8. Leather Cocktail Ottoman

If you want the look of custom textiles, but don’t want to spend the money, all you need to do is two things: do your research and search the mass market for designer textile influenced pieces available to the masses and at a low commitment, inexpensive price tag. As in fashion or any creative business, influential designers’ creations eventually make their way into many forms that everyone can enjoy. Some may call it the look for less, but if you think about it, it’s the look for more value.

A prefect example is in bedding. All I did was a quick surf to the major e-tailers and I came up with four great examples right off the bat:

1. West Elm goes Wearstler

LEE JOFA:

1.Bengal Bazaar 2.Edo Linen

WEST ELM:

1.Wild Orchid Ikat 2.Plaster Ikat

2. From Paule Marrot to Pine Cone Hill

DELGRECO TEXTILES:

1.Camille 2.Les Grandes Pavots

PINE CONE HILL:

1.Melody Quilt 2.Hot House Floral

3. Pierre Frey to Pottery Barn

PIERRE FREY:

1.Les Jardins d’Eyrignac 2.Fauvisme

POTTERY BARN:

1.Woodland

4. back to the beginning; John Robshaw to West Elm

DURALEE:

1.Rosehips 2.Saffron 3. Terracotta

WEST ELM:

1.Layered Ikat & Block Prints 2.Lola Quilt 3. Alhambra Duvet

Many of you may not know that I have been a guest blogger for Wayfair for a few months now. Wayfair is a Boston based company, online purveyor of housewares and furnishings, and I decided to join their blogging team when Ms. Kris Kennedy (formerly editor-extraordinaire of Better Homes & Gardens) signed on to become their chief of Editorial and Content– a fresh, innovative role for this young and progressive company.

Wayfair is a bit of a giant; millions of product under one umbrella at varying price ranges. Truly, there is something for everyone on the site, no matter your taste of budget. What struck me as most compelling, is the company’s openness to embrace social media with action… not words. Hiring Kris and her team said it all to me. It was a huge move in demonstrating Wayfair’s full investment in social media and curated online content (a well thought out endeavor) to reach their customer and create a place for buyers to read, learn, see and visit, as well as shop for about ten trillion items for their homes. Everything from cookware to Missoni pillows…

Anyway, I learned this afternoon that Wayfair designed a brand new home furnishing scheme as part of the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Part of Ellen’s biggest “giveaway” yet, Wayfair has furnished the home of Lisa Jarmon, an Ellen audience member in-need. How cool to produce something so visually appealing and gift it to a total stranger? Take a peek at the home– a bright and modern take on family living in neutrals, oranges, turquoises, reds and yellows, it screams “happy” to me. Watch Ellen show Lisa her new home here!

My favorite item in the Dream Home? Without a doubt, the turquoise trunk/coffee table in the Living Room. Feels Asian inspired to me–love the color(s) and can think of about 4 places I would use it: playroom, kids’ room, casual common room or even at the foot of a bed. There are probably more, I just can’t think of them on demand… Find it Posted by Katie in Bogle Street, Featured Post, Followed with 4 Comments