Layering

Layering - make your own rules.

I recently purchased a new rug (100% camel hair from Morocco - love it). Their is just one problem - my budget did not allow for the size that I really wanted. So now the challenge is finding a way to use the rug to had color and interest to a space even if it is not large enough to define the space.

What do I mean by this...? Layering. I love the look of layering rugs, especially with a relaxed seagrass or sisal base. Check out these pictures - what do you think? 

iVillage

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Domicile Interiors

Mia James (homeowner) with Billie Brian (architect) 

Elle Decor

George Dines

One Kings Lane

Appletree Staging, LLC

Step up into Art!

I love how the these staircases are now a true extension of the adjoining floors. The gallery walls create exceptional visual interest and character in what is often a bland and boring space. Make each step count by taking every opportunity to display more of your personal style. I hope that you find inspiration from these pictures just as I did!

Pinterest
You can probably tell by now, that Black and White are just about my favor 'color' combination so this had be the first picture! I really love the uniform and the way these pictures stretch up from the floor - what a great way to draw your eye up.

Pinterest          

Cheetah never looked so good!                     

Unknown

 What a great way to extend a small narrow staircase... I also love the variation in the banister color!

Susan Saarel

I am a fan of a grouping with varying mat sizes and mediums and a staircase is just one more place extend an expansive art collection. The random nature of the collection creates wonderful visual interest with a variety of focal points.

Jordan Guide

The relatively small pieces in this grouping create the feeling of one large focal point. The natural colors with the contacts of black and white are soothing to the eye. Well done!

my house 

Now, this is my attempt... I decided to use my photographs with black frames and large white mats for all because it help create a clean and modern space. 

Simply White

My weekend was filled with white walls... between painting my half bath/laundry room in glossy white and an afternoon visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art.  The white allows the walls to disappear and the art to take center stage. The walls seem to float almost encouraging you to go from space to space with the natural light drawing your attention into the next gallery. If you have not been, it is well worth a visit. 

North Carolina Museum of Art 

http://www.ncartmuseum.org/

... until I have pictures of my less than glamours half bath/laundry room to share, please check out the pictures below of beautiful rooms painted in high gloss white. It is like a a mirror in the paint and I love the way the light moves around the room. Wonderful unexpected twist on clean and simple white. 

 House Beautiful 

Mirror Kitchen Backsplash

I really believe mirror and light reflecting objects are key components to strong design, allowing images and colors to move around the room to change a feeling and mood just by adding and taking away light.

Why not give your kitchen the same opportunities you would give your living room? Checkout the mirror backslashes in these kitchens... gives a modern and sleek feeling while still being easy to clean and reasonably priced - sounds like a win to me!

Blogspot

Blogspot

HGTV

Joey Ivansco, For The AJC

Thomas O'Brian Kitchen

Lonny - Ethan Feirstein & Ari Heckman

Inspiring Black

As you have probably guested by now, I really like the color Black... it is unexpected, underutilized and unconventional - I love it! 

Check out these beautiful pictures below - Black Trim, Black Walls, Black Doors... I hope they 'brighten' your imagination as they have mine.

Beautiful way to accent a special front door.

Personally love this kitchen; it saved in my personal 'want' kitchen file. 

Lots of personality!

Writing on the wall?

I am not a parent or a cook, but chalkboard paint makes me want to be both! After working with a client recently that fit both of these descriptions, chalkboard paint came to mind... what a great way to make a cozy children's playroom personal and original (not to mention the dark walls create a great environment for relaxing and watching a movie on rainy Sunday afternoon).

See below just a few reasons painting your walls black may just bring out their brightest side!

Cheep, contemporary, creative - Chalk! 

It is now available in lots of colors, but I am fond of black!

What a fun conversation starter when entertaining.

This nursery is so cute! As the child grows, I can picture a the first imaginary teach-student and tic-tac-toe games on the floor. 

Chalkboard and magnetic! 

Perfect use of a small space! 

Probably my favorite as it would really grab attention and search as rotating artwork! 

Let the Games begin...

The 2012 Olympics Games start on Friday!

Time to watch as London glows with the world's competitive spirit. Enjoy the theme and live in the moment of the upcoming weeks.