Monthly Archives: March 2014

Movie Design Inspiration: The Great Gatsby

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14671866_SIf you saw “The Great Gatsby” with Leonardo DiCaprio this year, you may have been drawn to the art deco drama present in the film. Long strings of pearls, beaded purses, and over-the-top sets created a world that tempts us to find a way to bring it home.

However, the look of that time is rather overwhelming for 916182_Scontemporary tastes. For example, check out the photo below of a deco hotel ceiling complete with a dramatic lighting fixture highlighting it. Layer upon layer of what is probably wallpaper in the high-contrast combination of red, green and gold emphasizes the varying levels of the ceiling itself. Setting off the look the over-sized bronze and amber glass pendant, about human-size, hangs on a long chain.

8566943_SYou can create a deco feel by grabbing a few elements from that time and incorporating them into your home. Take a look at the bathroom pictured. The rich colored border – set at eye-level – creates the same mood as the bevy of wallpapers in the earlier photo but on a much smaller and simpler scale.

The black marble floor echoes the style of long-ago and the look carries forward with white marble walls.

The vanity also shows an art deco flavor with its shaped and curved legs and marble top. Notice though that the faucet and fixtures are highly contemporary. This brings the space to the present.

One last art deco touch comes from the soap dispenser with its aura of another time. This bath could include some period art and possibly a small statue or vase from the era to finish the look. Think about what you could do in your home to bring the magic of “The Great Gatsby” to life.

Movie Design Inspiration: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

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16689959_SIn honor of the Oscars last week, let’s celebrate movies by looking at how films can inspire room designs.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” provides a classic image of black, white, pearls and more than a bit of excess. The film made the little black dress with pearls a look that is always in style.

You don’t need a little black dress in your closet to set the stage for a room with a sophisticated and glamorous Tiffany feel. Start with black and white – a combination as classic as the movie. Black needs to be the strongest element, with only a few white elements for contrast.

10329773_SThe next step is some serious bling. The room to the right demonstrates this with the headboard, bench, sconces and nightstands sporting a metallic gloss. It really doesn’t matter whether the metal choice is silver or gold – it’s the sparkle that matters.

Notice also the ceiling molding. The edge looks something like a string of pearls – apropos for the Tiffany look.

Want to add a touch of color? The best choice to bring the movie to life would be Tiffany blue – that classic light color that covers every box from Tiffany’s.

8334795_SNo one who has ever shopped at Tiffany’s ever forgets their particular shade of blue –as much a part of their brand as the name and the store itself. If you’re fortunate enough to receive a gift from that store wrapped as the package on the left, it’s almost impossible to toss that box.

A throw pillow, vase or small box in Tiffany blue would give your room the final touch – and maybe you will feel just a bit like Audrey when you’re in it.

Personalize your Home: Accessories

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8013641_SAre you ready for a change in your home to match the changes in your taste and preferences over time? Accessories provide an opportunity to make a dramatic change in your home with minimal effort and expense.

To start, pull all of the accessories out of the room you want to modify. Then set down only those rugs, pillows or other accessories you want to keep in the space. Do you see a trend in terms of color, texture or style? That gives you your first clue to the new look you want. Let’s take a look at two examples.

The selection in the photo to the left demonstrates a liking for shiny fabrics, vivid color and contemporary patterns. The photo below, on the other hand, leans toward earth tones and natural elements and patterns. Both can make for a wonderful room, but the personalities will be very different.

7604375_SNow, place those wanted pieces back in the room and take a look for any holes in the space or functions that are no longer provided. Wander through the other rooms in your home to see if you want to move anything around. Then make a shopping list for those items you want to replace.

Remember, you don’t need to buy everything at once. Instead, keep a list of ideas, colors and looks you want, shopping sales and looking for just the right accessory.4754254_S

Above all, don’t rush or settle for something that’s almost there but not quite perfect – look for just the right choice, even if it takes a while. Sometimes the hunt is a big part of the fun.

Finally, look for opportunities to add finishing touches that appeal to you. For example, look at the gold tie-back and tassel on the curtain in this last photo. It brings out the gold in the curtain fabric and adds a splash of opulence as well as an additional texture. For a minimal cost, an element such as this can help your space make the statement you want.