Tomorrow I Share Spring into Summer Home Design Trends That Are Coming Into Their Own

I am getting ready right now for a fun time tomorrow on WFMZ TV 69 News At Sunrise with Eve Russo.  At 8:50 am I will be sharing home design trends that anyone can incorporate.  I have had my eye on the fashion runway, checking out many amazing interior designers and bloggers, and have seen a spike in these four trends.  Hope you can tune in!  I will of course have the skinny on it all later that day if you miss the show.  Have a lovely day!

A Spring Bedroom Of Blue And Green

"I envision this bedroom to be cozy and serene."  Those were the words our very sweet client used when she hired us to design a guest bedroom for her in-laws that were coming from overseas in eight weeks.  The last guest bedroom we did for her (see pic at end of this post) was much more specific to a whimsical style, but this one would be completely different.

Walls were painted Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter.  

Generously sized night stands like this one allow for a lamp, and more space for alarm clock and/or cell phone.  Drawer space or an extra open area give space for him/her to store a book, TV remote, or any other item your guest brought with them that they want to have near the bed.

......p.s. Terrariums (you can find these everywhere these days!) with some stones and faux succulents are great table top decor because they bring in the look of nature and never need to be watered!

For us, 'cozy and serene' included light airy bedding, natural textures and woods, and accent colors that were spa like.  We chose an upholstered headboard with oil bronze nail heads in a nubby linen fabric.  

The duvet cover and bed skirt are fresh and neutral so if the homeowner decides to change out the accent colors, there will not be a need to lose these previously bought pieces.  

The window roman shade is of woven material.  It has black out and is cordless.  

Blocking the morning sun and giving privacy to guests is key.  This is your chance to make a stylish statement!  

We added custom pleated drapes for drama.  The medallion pattern on this curtain is so pretty!  We hung them from brass rods and rings.  

A few pillows give the bed a comfy soft colorful look and can be used as an extra cushion behind the standard or king bed pillow, or for behind the back to sit up in bed.

Mix the fabric you use for a layered textural look!  We included velvet, knitted and embroidered pillows.

Every guest bedroom should have a large wall mirror for viewing clothing, hair and make up.  I also love a bench as well, so someone can take on/pull off shoes or place a suitcase or clothing on it.  

_____________________________________

Here is the guest bedroom we created for this client previously.  We had fun with this one, bringing in sunny yellow and happy green tones. We used stage coach valances, sheers, and cottage rustic looking furniture pieces. 

Taupe : The New Neutral Paint

Grey and Greige paints have been my go-to colors for the last few years.  Clients specifically ask for them.  But lately I have had an interest in more taupe tones.  Some have a soft brown undertone and some have a lovely grey finish.  These colors can create a very beutiful and comforting vibe.

I am loving these Benjamin Moore colors:
Silver Fox 2108-50
Portland 2109-60
Through the Looking Glass CSP-495
Mauve Desert 2213-50


Below I give an idea of how to use these taupes together throughout your first floor.  I included Chantilly Lace (OC-65) as complimenting trim color to the paints:

Easy Fireplace Makeover Ideas

I think fireplaces are not just for function.  It can be a wonderful design element for a room.  Whether you use it or not!  And its the perfect time to give a fireplace an update!  Easy changes include cleaning it up and adding new decor.  You can paint brick, change tile, and of course, re-do the mantel..... or add one that wasn't there before!  

ADD A MANTEL

BEFORE

This home was built very recently.  It is a gorgeous house.  They hired us to furnish and paint the master bedroom.  Adding a mantel to the existing fireplace was on the top of my list.  We used a piece of maple, stained it, and installed it.  Very simple but big difference!  

AFTER

CHANGING THE FACE OF A FIREPLACE

 

BEFORE

During the planning stages for this clients first floor renovation, we were going to simply white wash this fireplace and get a new beefier mantel, but then the homeowners decided to change to a gas insert and reface the front with stone.... And we re-used the original mantel but re-stained it and beat it up a bit to look aged.   :)

AFTER

For more ideas, check out this recent article from THE MORNING CALL.    :)

Sectional Vs Sofa Put To The Test

The topic of ' sectional or sofa ' is one of great debates in home seating and Eve Russo and I talked about on WFMZ 69 News At Sunrise.  

WATCH IT HERE

For more info and to see the photos used on the TV show CLICK HERE.

Furniture Help! Sectional Or Sofa

I am constantly wavering back and forth over this issue - sectional or sofa?  Whether I am working on a clients home project or my own home, its a big decision!  The sectional offers plenty of appeal including lots of seating for cuddling, and that coveted corner seat everyone fights over.  But a sofa is less cumbersome, looking lighter in a room, and is not such a commitment as a sectional with its permanent configuration.  

When I mention 'sectional' to some of my clients I get a reaction like "Is that still in style?" or "Don't those belong in the basement?"  Truth is, sectionals have become more modern and chic looking.  The upholstery options are extensive and the arms are less bulky.   They can also be the perfect answer to seating in some rooms due to the layout of the space.  

Many sectionals are customizable.  You choose the length on either end (the right or left side can be longer than the other), the look of the arm, the style of the cushion and the corner seat can be a square corner or rounded corner. 

Bassett Furniture

Sectionals come in L shaped, U shaped, and with one chaise (or two if you choose one on either end like I did in my own home because my husband wanted us both to have our feet up while watching a movie).  

Cecy J Interiors

Tip: Balance a sectional with something weighty on the diagonal end or across from it like a floor basket or chair.  

Reasons To Choose A Sectional or Sofa  

Consider the layout of the room! If you are lucky enough to have a large open area with plenty of square footage, the sofa vs sectional decision is more personal.  BUT if you have constrictions due to lack of space in a room or entry ways that you don't want blocked, you may be forced to use either a sofa or sectional.  Its important to measure your room carefully.  Plan it out on graph paper if you can.  Include doorways (you don't want to block any entry way with furniture).  You can also tape out the possible furniture layout you are considering on the ground using painters tape.  If you have furniture in the room now, move it around in different configurations to get a feel for what works best.  Here are some examples of rooms that work best with either a sectional or sofa: 

Sofa Wins When...

This room is tricky to get a good amount of seating in due to the long narrow space with an entry door at one end of the room and the only entrance into the room at the other end.  A sectional would block either the doorway or the entrance point so a sofa would be a good option as seen below.  No one will be tripping over furniture to get through the room.

Wesley-Wayne

Sectional Wins When...

Here is another long narrow room that has a different issue; the fireplace and television are on two different walls.  The sectional allows seating to see both and keeps a nice wide entrance point in and out of the room.  The use of two sofas would have narrowed the entrance point making it difficult to walk through the room.

 
The Cousins

Sectional Wins When...

This room is super big and the sectional floating in the center grounds the space creating a cozier seating arrangement.  I use sectionals often in large great rooms.  They bring the space down to size so you don't feel like the person across from you is so far away.

Margaret Donaldson Interiors

Sofa Wins When...

Separate sofas and chairs for really well for multiple seating for guests when you entertain (friends don't typically like to snuggle up to person to their left or right; it can be uncomfortable).  It also allows you to change up the arrangement of the furniture.  And its great for allowing conversation and traffic flow.  

Kendall Simmons

I hope this is helpful to you.  Best of luck with your own furniture project!

My Pink 1970s Bathroom Gets Renovated

BEFORE                                                       AFTER 

So long 1970s pepto pink! We finally completed our master bathroom renovation! Jumping for joy because no longer sharing my daughters bathroom.  Its a small space but really works hard for us.  

BEFORE                                                       AFTER 

Its been a bit of a process from demo to tile install, but we are done!  Party time!

STEPS TO COMPLETE THE MAIN AREA

Demo and new dry wall.

Added radiant heat to floor then began tile work.  I worked hand in hand with the tiler to make sure the tiles were forming nicely in a herringbone pattern on the floor, and the key is to use tiles next to each other that don't have a similar pattern/veining (good tip when using machine made tiles).

Floor is done!

Walls are done!

The bathroom is small so we used the same tile throughout to keep it bright and expansive looking. BUT we did 'shake it up' in varying lengths and patterns of that tile.  The floor and wall tile above chair rail are long narrow pieces (herringbone pattern on floor and random on wall).  The tile used below the chair rail, and walls of shower are larger pieces.

I wanted to use calacatta marble for the entire project but the price tag was beyond my budget, so I only used it for the chair rail, floor of the shower and pattern on the back shower wall.  After a lot of research, I found a man made tile I liked that looked similar, and I am happy with it.

Good bye shell sink......

Vanity is in!

We needed a 60 inch double vanity.  I found this one and liked how the marble looked that came with it.  Also looks like a piece of furniture with its tall legs, that gives the room a more open feel because it is a small space.  HERE IS THE LINK.  We changed out the knobs to crystal because every room needs a little bling!

Bling bling!!

BEFORE

AFTER (new knobs)

We have array of lighting options now.  The chrome wall sconces with fabric shades for ambiance lighting, two recessed lights above the vanity for more direct light (I preferred this vs using wall sconces above the vanity because I have under 8 foot ceiling and would have felt squatty).  Also a light in the shower and fan light.

We used satin nickel for the faucets and shower plumbing.  I like mixing chrome and nickel.  I don't prefer chrome everywhere because of the shininess, but used together, looks nice.

To get the mirror size right, I found a few options then taped them out on the wall using painters tape.  This is a good tip for visualizing the size before purchasing!

STEPS TO COMPLETE THE SHOWER

 BEFORE                                                       AFTER 

Good bye sunken square tub!

New work begins!

I instantly fell for this marble mosaic tile.  I wanted to keep the shower clean and light but give it one powerful POP!  And our dog Carmella approved!

Definitely had to have wall niches.  I chose two to maximize function.  The taller one is perfect for our shampoo and conditioner and body wash.  And the lower shelf holds soap and razors neatly.

I used the basket weave marble mosaic tile for the back of the niches.  This is the tile I used on the shower floor also.  For the sides of the niche, I used calacatta marble that had a lot of gray veining.

One more look at the shower.

Thats it! We still want to use a wallpaper on the walls but decided to paint it now and get back around to the paper later.  We finished the space off with crown molding.  

Next project is our basement (my daughters bathroom will be in 2018; she has a baby blue 1970s look right now)

(you need bell bottom jeans in this room)

Talking Sectional Vs Sofa On TV Thursday

CecyJ

I am constantly teetering back and forth on using sectionals in client projects.  I had one in my home years ago, and said I would not use one again.  Fast forward three years later, and I just purchased two for myself!  This Thursday at 8:50 am on WFMZ TV 69 News at Sunrise I will share the good reasons to use sectionals!

Check back here later that day to read my short post on it along with photos of rooms I am discussing.  

Decadently yours,
Shosh


*hope you are enjoying the weekend!

Excited to See An Article We Wrote On Decorating Published

Thank you Hakol for letting us be a part of your important publication, and allowing us to write an article for you for your March 2017 issue! What an honor! What a fantastic newspaper!  

To see the article CLICK HERE.  I hope you get to check it out!

Please visit our Instagram page and follow us to see daily fun and inspirational photos from Love Your Room!

Watch Shosh Explain Her Top 4 Home Interior Design Trends On TV

TGIF friends!  If you have time this weekend please view this quick video of Eve Russo of WFMZ TV and myself talking about headline making trends I am spotting for 2017 in home interior design.  Sorry for not making this available sooner (its been busy between work and my daughters after school activities this week).  I had so much fun showing viewers rooms that showcase the trends; especially for kitchens!

WATCH IT HERE

If you want more info after viewing the short clip CLICK HERE for it all including paint colors!

Have a wonderful relaxing weekend!

Top Four Defining 2017 Interior Design Trends

Forecasters are taking to the internet and sharing their opinions on What's Hot and What's Not in 2017 home interior design trends.   Reading up on opinions from various designers, architects and style bloggers was so interesting!  I am listing the top four trends I think make headline news and are noteworthy! (WATCH THIS SHORT NEWS CLIP OF EVE RUSSO AND MYSELF WALK YOU THRU THE TRENDS YOU SEE BELOW).

Loveyourroom

1. Designing Spaces Using A Mix of Styles, Time Periods, and Cultures.  Now more than ever this idea is catching on and, isn't it more interesting and fun to have layers of old and new elements side by side.  A sense of worldliness!  Like working in Georgian and Victorian era pieces, along with tailored lines that are more contemporary.  Such an interesting aesthetic!  

I get requests all the time from clients to incorporate some prized possessions into a new design plan.  This recently completed family room project you see above was curated using a ton of my clients treasured pieces.  We paired beautifully ornate gold framed art pieces with a modern armless settee, recovered two wingback chairs based on the Danish modern movement and then reupholstered in a more updated fabric.  A new custom media console blends well keeping the warm peaceful feel so you get a wonderful sense of the homeowners. 

Eminent Interior Design

2. Bring on the GREEN!  Pantone named Greenery as 2017 Color of the Year.  Its a cheerful nod to new beginnings.  I am so excited about this color trend because green, for me, is not trendy, its timeless.  

I love the way Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, described why they chose the color. "Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose."

Green can be added through paint.  Here are some happy shades to try:

Sherwin William Tansy Green (SW 6424)

Benjamin Moore Fernwood Green (2145-40)

Jen Landston Interiors

OR thru your furnishings.  Use a neutral paint color on the walls and incorporate furniture and accents in varying shades, from vibrant to deep and bold.  Imagine a mixed salad with different types of lettuce.  Beautiful and bountiful with all its different shades. But my philosophy is 'less is more' with any accent color (don't over due it or you will quickly get tired of the room).  

Add a green sofa or chair in a velvety or textured material (see the first photo in this post for a beautiful celadon velvet look).

I am currently working on a Library project and just installed two comfy upholstered green chairs (there is a ton of woodwork in the space).  I can't wait to share the room with you!  

Photography: Donna Griffith

3. Kitchens are Charming and Full of Character. This kitchen is the epitome of kitchen trends.  Kitchens are less utilitarian and moving toward a homier feel. Here are some on trend ideas:

+White painted cabinetry as well as varying shades of gray and mushroom tones.  Island colors will continue to be a different color or stain and look handcrafted, more like furniture.

+Subway tiles are a classic staple for a backsplash.  NOW there are longer and narrower options used by designers.  Go for this look but keep it in the creamy or bone white finish to stay current and timeless.   

+Open shelving like the wood ledges you see in this photo.  It brings in warmth and another layer of texture.

+Gold.  Golden tones in a matte or satin finish for hardware and lighting are seen everywhere in beautifully designed kitchens.  But what about the faucet and the appliances?  Gold may be fun but it is a trend, and investing in a faucet that is gold may be pricey for a look you may not like in a year or two.  As you can see from this photo, silver may still be a great option.  It is OK to mix metals!

  

+Quartz is still growing in popularity.  Manufacturers are making great strides in the look of this man made material that is very practical.    

Dillon Kyle Architecture

4. We Are Compartmentalizing....Sort Of.  We have worked so hard to figure out how to design and decorate open floor plans that include a kitchen as part of the great room.  But now home builders are getting requests from customers to have the option of closing off the kitchen.  So during your dinner party your cooking area can stay messy during prep time.   Love these gray sliding doors used in the photo above! Pocket doors are also really great at closing up, and opening up spaces.