Decorate with Inspiration and Patience

Decorating our homes and getting our spaces where we want them is not an instant fix–though I do love sharing fast fix tips! The process of creating a new interior style takes time. As a professional, I spend a lot of time just searching for the items, materials, and colors to help clients determine the style and feeling they want in a space. If you are not sure of where to begin, try this:

 

Find a piece of furniture or accessory item that you love. What is it that you love about it? Is it the color, the shape, the texture, the finish, the clean lines… If this is the feel or style you want in your space then take a picture and keep it with you when you shop for your space.  Be patient when pulling your space together and you’ll be happy with your decisions.

 

Lotus Bar Cabinet by Century Furniture

 

This fabulous cabinet is a launching point for a clients bathroom – but – it’s a bar. They’ll get the look they love with the function they need because the idea and the style has now been defined. I’m researching options that will work for them but keeping this look in mind.

 

Patience and inspiration goes a long way when working on house projects or designing a space. Do your research and Love the Space You’re In!

 

There is a lot of great value in hiring a professional. See gosimplysavvy.com for all services (in-home or e-Design options available for both organizing and interior styling).

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Update Your Space with a New Accent Color

You can change the entire look of a space just by changing your color focus. Update your look with a new accent color – just be sure to repeat the color for it to make style sense and show intention. Showing the same color in three ways is always a good rule to follow.

 

Would you choose red as an accent or use it as a focal point?

 

HouseBeautiful.com

 

serenaandlily.com

 

realsimple.com

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The Style Impact of Drapery

Window treatments can transform and update the style and feeling of a space with pattern, color, and texture. If you are re-decorating your space or it’s feeling a bit out of style consider updating your drapery. How long have your drapes been in your home?

 

A few points to think about:

 

  • Soften your windows by framing them with drapes – they don’t have to function.
  • If you already have shades consider adding drapes to finish it off even better–it’s a great way to add layers to your room.
  • Your goal may be to add height to a room or provide an illusion of a larger window- try raising the rod and adding wider curtains!

 

 

bhg.com

 

southernliving.com

 

smithandnoble.com

 

houseofturquoise.com

 

 Drapes can be bold and create a focal point or they can add a soft and simple layer to your room. Love the Space You’re In!

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A Simply Savvy Guest Shares Texture and Pattern Design Inspiration

 I’m delighted to have Mari share design inspiration with Simply Savvy readers- what space do you love?

 

Hi, everyone! It’s Mari here from Arcadian Home blog, a great place to find beautiful and interesting home decor inspirations. I’m so happy to be visiting with you at Simply Savvy. Today’s guest post is about spaces that use pattern and texture as an integral part of their designs.

For your decorating inspiration, I’ve brought along eight of my favorite room images that show off intriguing patterns and textures. Please enjoy!

 

Pattern and Texture

 

This corner sitting area is awash in color and intriguing pattern—so chic, yet comfortable and inviting. White on white dimensional framed artwork is a fresh and unexpected textural element in the design.

 

Pattern and Texture

 

The texture and pattern seen in a herringbone wood floor, velvet settee and leopard print pillows, are wonderfully low key in this sophisticated foyer. Table decorations in the space are simple and unassuming compared to other more glamorous elements.

 

Pattern and Texture

 

Jewel tone velvet and decorative pillows on the sofa add beautiful texture to this living room. I love the large Greek key patterned carpet. How amazing is the framed wall art?

 

Pattern and Texture

 

From the colorful space above, we turn to soft and soothing neutrals in this chic bedroom. Pattern on the floor and lovely textures on the bed add subtle interest to the design.

 

Pattern and Texture

 

A creamy Juju hat and monochromatic bedding add softness and lovely texture to this bedroom with its appealing global vibe.

 

Pattern and Texture

 

An all white contemporary bath design is elevated by tone on tone striped walls and lacey pattern. This is such a meticulous use of pattern and visual texture. I also love the tiny sparkly wall sconce.

 

Pattern and Texture

 

This glamorous living room is filled with muted pattern and luxurious texture. It’s a lovely mix of softness, sleek metals and rough rustic elements.

 

Pattern and Texture

 

The designer of these beautiful outdoor spaces brings pattern and texture outside. Black and white stripes are a stunning contrast to the rich greenery—so gorgeous. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

What do you think of these intriguing patterned and textured spaces? Leave us your comments, and visit Arcadian Home for more home decor, light fixtures, and interior inspiration!

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Design Inspiration: A Contemporary Living Room

All design work starts with inspiration. Defining the style and desired feel of a space takes patience and a bit of time searching. I tend to start looking at images online so that I can easily share idea boards or individual images with a client. Houzz.com and Pinterest.com are full of space ideas and inspiration–just to get started.

 

Have you seen HGTV’s The High/Low Project with Sabrina Soto? It’s one of my favorites. She first designs a space without budget constraints and then recreates the room keeping within a budget set by the client. A concept turns into a very similar look without the cost – she must use a bit of magic dust with some of the transformations I’ve seen.

 

Just start with a space concept or design you love. Here is the inspiration for a current project of mine. I’ll share the design board once completed and then of course the journey of installation.

 

http://www.projectinteriors.net/ via Houzz.com

 

Follow Simply Savvy on Pinterest {here} and now on Houzz {here}. Simply Savvy’s organizing and styling services can be viewed {here}

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A Gathering Place:: Kitchen Design Inspiration

I’ve been working with a client to determine the best use of space in their new kitchen. I previously shared the possibility of a built-in nook vs a sitting area with a settee {post-here}. As I explored the options I’ve since determined that we need to explore plan C. The family needs a flexible area that is also a comfortable gathering spot. Neither the built-in nor the settee will check both boxes (and meet space requirements).  I’m now designing a living space in the kitchen.

 

Changing direction means gathering new inspiration. Let’s start with some idea sharing during my day out browsing.

 

First, I’m considering the style, comfort, and feel of the space. We’re on a tight budget so I first headed over to Pier 1 Imports.

 

via Simply Savvy at Pier1.com

 

via Simply Savvy at Pier1.com

 

I then visited Stash  in Memphis to look at their high end pieces for market prices- love their showroom. I believe saving money where it makes sense is fine; however, understand the quality of what you buy and where to splurge. The sofa needs to be of durable, lasting quality. This does not mean we have to go custom; however, it just takes more searching time to find that perfect fit. Custom may allow us to choose the indestructible fabric we need in this space. More to come on that. Still looking…

 

http://www.stashhome.com/ photo by Simply Savvy

 

I’ll continue searching for the right pieces. In the meantime, here are a couple of inspiring spaces.

 

See why I like the idea of a settee?

 

Southern Living Idea House photo by http://southernhospitalityblog.com/

 

Love the idea of using armless accent chairs to keep the balance of weight in the space {and tufted is even better!}

 

traditionalhome.com

 

Inspiration is everywhere. I take time with clients to define the function they want with the pieces that will enhance their already fabulous space. Sometimes that means we rethink a plan and move on to the next option. It’s possible that we’ll circle back and that’s ok – you’ve got to explore your options, be open to ideas, and make a comfortable descision with your investment. Love the space you’re in!

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Simply Savvy Decorating Tip:: Go Big and Bold with Pattern

Have you walked into a space that you love and just stood still and took notice of the details? Do you know what it is you love about the space? It might be the layers of textiles, decorative touches, the mixture of finishes, or the combination of it all that speaks to you . Our eye grabs on to a focal point in a space yet so many of us have neutral spaces that lack a wow factor–it could just be a subtle wow vs. an in-your-face wow.

Large, bold, graphic patterns add interest and great style to a space. If your space could use a little oomph try replacing your draperies with a bold and beautiful pattern–and a little wow!

 

westelm.com

 

hollymathisinteriors.com

 

bhg.com

 

thehuntedinterior.blogspot.com

 

Love the space you’re in! If you need a little help in your space take a look at Simply Savvy’s services.

 

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Simply Savvy Styling Inspiration:: The Dining Room Centerpiece

I’ve been thinking about my dining room and how I can freshen it up for the season. I’ve decided to create a grouping of candles and natural elements to create my centerpiece.  I want something that will vary in height, style, and finish.

This idea is close to what I am thinking.  I’ll scale this down, add textured candles, vary the finish, and add natural elements found in my own yard. Less formal but this is my inspiration.

 

HolyForestFairy via Pinterest

 

These Gold Pillar Candles from Pottery Barn would add warmth and texture.

 

PotteryBarn.com

 

I’m going to use branches from a berry bush and magnolia leaves as my natural element.

 

marthastewart.com

 

Simplistic, casual, and elegant- that’s my decorating centerpiece plan! What’s your style this season? Have you refreshed your dining room? I’d love to see what you’ve done.

 

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Simply Savvy Color, Pattern, and Texture Inspiration

If you are wanting to spruce up your space consider including these three elements: Color, Pattern, and Texture…and maybe a little shine!

Take a look at these AMAZING spaces and see how the three elements work together in each.  How can you achieve this in your space?

 

via Pinterest

 

via Houzz.com

 

via designspongeonline.com

 

bhg.com

 

via apartmenttherapy.com

 

What grabs your attention? I love the mixture of patterns used in this last image- the lucite table, gold chandelier, and mixture of styles really make this space inviting and eye-catching. Very stylish. Play with the elements in your home and love the space you’re in!

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Simply Savvy Celebrates One year with Giveaway # 2

Congratulations Trish! Please check your email.

 

Thank you to those that participated in giveaway #1! The celebration continues with another giveaway!  I’m particularly excited about this one because the winner receives a Simply Savvy service, virtually!  I get to work with one of my fabulous readers and then share the results with all of you! {By the way, there is a giveaway #3!}

Simply Savvy’s virtual services include E-Design and DIY Space Consulting. These services allow me to suggest space solutions, organizing ideas, and decorating tips to enhance your home when I can’t be there.

The winner of this giveaway will receive a Go Savvy E-Design Package. This provides an idea board with suggested products and written description (or discussion) to further explain the space, area of need, or organizing solution.  I can visually show you how to organize a bathroom closet, style a book shelf, or decorate a small bedroom–just some of the ideas you can use!

 

 

Things the winner needs to know::

The winner of a Simply Savvy virtual service will provide a photo of the area or item of interest and a description of need. We will then communicate about style preferences or space challenges to further provide more detail. The winner submits one space or one area of need. The process, the picture, and the result will be shared on a future blog post.

Enter to win. Here’s how::

  • Simply leave a brief comment on this blog post telling me how I can help your home or space. You must include your email.
  • Extra entry::Become a new follower of Simply Savvy on the blog {HERE} or Facebook {HERE} , or Twitter {HERE}, or Google+ {HERE}  I’ll follow you back. (Love supporting you too! ) You can always follow them all–just because!
  • Extra entry:: Mention/share this giveaway on your Facebook page, Twitter account, Blog, or Google+.
  • It only counts if you come back and post a comment for every entry.

 

The entry period closes at 12pm CST on Tuesday, August 21, 2012.  The winner will be announced on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 on Simply Savvy’s Facebook page.

**You must be 18 or older.

 

This is just the second giveaway for our Simply Savvy One Year Celebration! Subscribe so you don’t miss more coming in August.

 

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