5.2.13

Decorating For A Beach Style Cottage Home

Whether you live on the coast or not, decorating for a beach style cottage home can be done any time of year. As summer approaches, beach fun is on everyone’s mind and perhaps this blog will inspire you to re-decorate with coastal living in mind.

If you just want some subtle touches or little reminders of the beach, accessories are a great way to go.

Set a few around your home to give your home a whimsical nautical feel without committing to the cottage look.

Sometimes less can be more of a statement. Here is a great example of just a simple touch of the beach can give you that toes-in-the-sand feel.

For those who absolutely love the beach and want to bring it home with them all year round (doesn’t everyone?), I have put together a few of my favorite nautical style spaces.

I realize it may be near impossible, but if you can draw your eyes away from this amazing ocean view for just a second, take a look at this lucky duck’s living space which has the same hues as the beach sand and water.

White shutters are a great way to get a coastal feel in a room. I just love the colors and decorative pillows in this space.

Even an overcast day at the beach is better than no day at the beach. You can achieve a nautical feel by using wide stripes and gray tones, white piping on the sofa adds a nice touch, throw in a few beach-y accessories and voila!~

I hope my blog has inspired you to re-decorate for the summer. At the very least, go out and bury your toes in the sand! Contact CT Interior Designer, Melanie Langford at All About Interiors to get started on your next decorating or remodeling project.

 

 

Picture sources: 1) Better Homes And Gardens 2) Bellemaison23.com 3) 4.bp.blogspot.com 4) LaBellevietres.chic 5)House of Turquoise 6) Lynnmorgandesign.com

Filed in: Uncategorized
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4.24.13

Turn Small Spaces Into Bigger Places

Recently I was in a very small apartment so I started thinking of creative ways to turn small spaces into a bigger places. Here are various tricks that you can use on a small apartment space to make it appear larger.

picture via Source

Hang long curtains: Start close to the ceiling to give the appearance that your windows are larger than they are and your ceilings are higher than they actually are.

 

Martha’s Vineyard Chest pic via Source

If you can’t paint your walls in your apartment, paint your furniture to add color and interest.

pic via Pinterest unknown source

Double the function of furniture. A creative solution to get two functions out of a piece of furniture for the price of one. An example of this would be this beautiful table for doing paperwork, computer work or writing bills also doubles as a make up table.

Picture via Pinterest via Source

Ditch the Dining room. This room is so rarely used it is a waste of precious square footage. Turn it into another useful living space such as an office or guest room.

Pic via Source

Bring it up… Use your walls to hang floating shelves to rotate your decor or use shelving for extra storage space.

Picture via BHG

Embrace open storage by adding an industrial shelving unit for added storage when your storage options are minimal. You can also purchase storage ottomans to store extra blankets, videos, books etc..

Pic via Source

Build it up! Create the illusion of a larger space by installing a tall book shelf or wall unit. The closer it is to the ceiling, the bigger your place will look. Here I go again, talking about storage but this can also double as additional storage.

picture via Pinterest source unknown

Hang mirrors around your space. Choose a framed mirror that highlights and compliments your decor. The reflection of light will brighten up the space and make the room appear larger than it is.

picture via Pinterest

Add an entry to your home. If your apartment lacks a designated one, you can create one with a bookcase by removing the top shelves and installing hooks to hang coats.

picture via Pinterest

Remove doors to extra closets. By removing the closet doors, it will open up the space and create a cool visual style. It will also turn your closet into a more useful space such as a small office or reading nook.

So there you have it! You have virtually just increased your square footage by following these great tips! Should you home need updating please contact our CT Interior Designer, Melanie Langford of All About Interiors for a “Rent A Designer’s Eye” consultation.

Filed in: Turning Small Spaces into Bigger Places
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4.17.13

Decorating Ideas Inspired By Nature

Decorating Ideas Inspired By Nature, Imitated In Home Decor. This post was written over a year ago but thought it was relevant to repeat today with all the spring blooms recently popping out.

Often my design and color inspiration comes directly from what I see outdoors. Why mess with a good thing right? Mother nature was probably, no, most likely the best designer out there… why not emulate her.

Take this beautiful puffin bird for instance:

The black, white and red color scheme is duplicated in this sophisticated bedroom.

picture via www.design-decor-staging.com

again the same color combination is in this beautiful bathroom design

picture via www.imgfave.com

Take a look outside your window on a winter’s eve. What do you see?

picture unknown

The beauty of a fresh snow fall against a moonlit night can easily be brought inside with dark blues and white.

picture via www.conspicuousstyle.com

My favorite time of year for color inspiration is fall. I just love the vibrant reds, greens, oranges and yellows in a complete color combination.

picture source unknown

I would be happy to take these vibrant colors and place them in your favorite space in your home, if that is the color palate that inspires you.

picture via www.blog.houseoffifty.com design via Kalierosenfelddesign.com

picture via www.comfyheaven.blogspot.com

The serenity of the color purple sets a mood of calmness and peace just like this beautiful butterfly and lavender field.

picture source Pinterest

A bedroom space is the perfect place for this zen like color.

picture via bing.com

Ahhh then there is beautiful turquoise blue on this pretty little bird.

Picture via Pinterest

This color can be paired fantastically with so many color combinations.

picture via www.houseofturquoise.com

I talk for days about color. There is so much inspiring beauty and vibrant color in nature. I will leave you with one of my personal favorite colors “the new neutral” which literally goes with all other colors. This color can be found in your own back yard. Have you guessed it yet?

picture via Pinterest

Yes, green is such a wonderful natural color that can be paired with just about any other color and look absolutely amazing. It is calming and welcoming and looks great on just about everyone.

picture via blog.liveserramar.com

Mother nature, my absolute favorite designer, has created some AMAZING color combinations. I believe that her intention was to inspire the designer in all of us to create a home decor that imitates the colors and natural beauty that we see outdoors.

Which color combination found in nature would be your inspiration for a starting point in your next design project?

For decorating assistance, please contact our professional CT interior decorator, Melanie Langford at All About Interiors to help create your natural oasis.

Filed in: Color | Cool Color Trends | Decorating | Inspired By Nature | Paint Color
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July 31, 2012 - 6:35 pm

Eduardo - That’s a great way of decorating. I never thgohut of grouping things in certain numbers. It does make your house look really good, so your on to something here. Love your color choices. I’m gonna remember this each time I move things around in my house. Can’t wait for your next video, they always inspire me.

August 1, 2012 - 7:52 am

admin - Eduardo
Thanks for commenting on my blog. I am so glad you enjoyed it and learned a few things along the way. Happy decorating! ~Melanie

4.10.13

5 Basic Interior Design Tips

5 Basic Interior Design Tips to always follow. Interior design is more than just what looks good together; there are rules to follow and trade tricks to implement. Today, I will share with you 5 basic design tips that you can to apply to your spaces.

Picture Source Homegoods

Widen & Heighten Those Windows

Hang your window treatments higher and wider than the actual window and it will trick the eye into seeing a much larger window.

Source www.savorncmagazine.com

Windows will appear much larger when drapery panels are installed wall-to-wall.

Source: BHG

Make a Small Space Look Larger

Do you have a small space you’d like to appear larger? Try adding a shimmer tile as a back splash to reflect light. Open cabinetry also can fool the eye into believing the space is more open than it is.

Source: BHG

A Low-Contrast Color Scheme will make a room appear larger than it is. High contrast color scheme will break up the space and make it look choppy.

 

Source www.Simpleeverydayglamourblogspot.com

Don’t Be a Matchmaker

It’s okay to mix styles and finishes as long as they share some similarity such as scale, color, shape etc… Notice the curves of the contemporary sofa and coffee table mixed with the Victorian style moldings and mirror. Simply beautiful!

Source: La Dolce Vita

Lighten Up

When there is little light in a room there are a few tricks that are quick fixes.

Mirrors behind the lamps reflect and add light around the room.

Source: www.Designindulgenceblogspot.com

Hang a large mirror which will diffuse the light and act as if it’s a window.

Source: www.Houzz.com

Hanging Around

People have a tendency to hang pictures too high. Wall art should ground everything around it. So when putting it over a piece of furniture, hang it 24 to 36 inches above, though that rule varies depending on the height of the artwork itself. Make sure your frame compliments your picture. Before you make any holes in the wall, try this trick: Use the paper insert provided with a frame (or a newspaper cutout) to figure out the best placement. Put it on the wall and move it around to get a feel for how the piece will look in the room. Apply the same rules when placing mirrors, which are best hung opposite something you want to see more of—such as beautiful wallpaper or windows to bring in more light.

In sharing this with you, I hope you have learned at least one new tip listed here and use for your home. Should you have any questions about Interior Design, please feel free to leave a comment. If you need help in decorating your home, please contact interior designer, Melanie Langford at All About Interiors

 

Filed in: Decorating | Interior Design
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4.3.13

Home Remodeling

Home owners are starting to feel more confident in investing in their homes once again, according to recent industry surveys that lead to a strong rebound taking hold in home remodeling. Home owners also may be seeing higher returns on their investments from some of these remodeling projects at resale, according to the most recent Cost vs. Value Report, which reviews the top remodeling projects that offer the highest returns at resale. The Cost vs. Value Report is conducted each year by Remodeling Magazine, in conjunction with REALTOR(R) Magazine.

pic via House of Turquoise

So, which remodeling projects offer the best return on investment at resale? The following mid-range remodeling jobs offer the highest returns, according to the 2013 Cost vs. Value Report.

 

pic via asoftplace.net

1. Entry door replacement (steel)

Estimated job cost: $1,137

Return on investment at resale: 85.6%

pic via Houzz

2. Deck addition (wood)

Job cost: $9,327

ROI: 77.3%

pic via Houzz

3. Garage door replacement

Job cost: $1,496

ROI: 75.7%

pic via Pinterest designer unknown

4. Minor kitchen remodel

Job cost: $18,527

ROI: 75.4%

pic via Pinterest (Anderson Windows)

5. Window replacement (wood)

Job cost: $10,708

ROI: 73.3%

pic via Twig Home

6. Attic bedroom

Job cost: $47,919

ROI: 72.9%

pic via BHG

7. Siding replacement (vinyl)

Job cost: $11,192

ROI: 72.9%

pic via WinDura Solutions

8. Window replacement (vinyl)

Job cost: $9,770

ROI: 71.2%

pic via Pinterest designer unknown

9. Basement remodel

Job cost: $61,303

ROI: 70.3%

pic via Houzz

10. Major kitchen remodel

Job cost: $53,931

ROI: 68.9%

If you are looking to take on any remodeling projects this year, All About Interiors offers “Rent a Designer’s Eye” Consultations as well as Full Interior Design and Remodeling services. Hiring a professional designer will help guide you towards making prudent decisions and achieving the look you are longing for. Contact CT Interior Designer, Melanie Langford http://www.allaboutinteriors.org/contact/ to begin your next remodeling project.

 

Article content contributions via Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR Magazine

Filed in: Easy Home Makeover | Interior Design
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