Tag Archives: home design and decor

More than Pictures on your Walls: Part 1

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5534193_SWhen you plan your walls in your new home, don’t limit your thinking to traditional two-dimensional art.

Yes, posters, prints and paintings make for a wonderful look in a space as well as showing your taste and preferences and providing pleasant views for you. However, don’t let your imagination stop there.

With the help of a few hooks or nails, you can hang almost anything and make an inviting wall display.

Take a look at the simple photo to the left. A young girl’s ballet costume and a pair of classic toe shoes combine to do more than fill space, they tell a story of part of a child’s life.

10483559_SYou can go even simpler with just one hat. The dark painted wood board with matching knobs sends an old-fashioned message which is complemented by the classic straw boater shown here to the right.

This display is functional as well as charming. The other hooks can be used for outdoor gear when needed and in the meantime, it creates the image of a country home from the past.

You may not even need to go shopping to add interest to your walls. Revisit some of the things you’ve accumulated over the years to see if they would make an intriguing wall display.

10703497_SFor example, take a look at the wall to the left. These hats may have belonged to the homeowner, or a mom or favorite aunt. By combining them together in a casual way, they’re out of their hatboxes and given the opportunity to paint a picture of another time.

What clothes or accessories do you have hiding in your closets that would make a fun display in your home?

 

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.

Personalize your Home: Art

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21188321_SThis photo portrays how most people add art to their homes. However, by using the dark wall as a foil, choosing four pieces in the same style and tone, and hanging them at the same level the result goes far beyond the impact of the art itself. When you add art to your home, do you just think that you want something on that bare wall, or do you consider taking the next design step as these people did?

This photo shows more than art – it is an art installation, with as much thought to hanging the art as was taken in selecting it. As a result, we learn something about the personality, style and taste of the people who live here. What do you want your art to say about you?

15285255_SThe next photo, right shows how art can take over a space, defining it and expanding the drama. It starts with a large-scale modern piece which is used to define the colors and style of the entire room. The result is exciting and contemporary. Notice how the brown, black and light green add depth and keep the space from being too expected. Would you create a space like this one in your home?

11754859croppedFinally, don’t limit your thinking of art to two dimensions. The three African carvings below, when positioned together, add a strong focal point against the white backdrop. Separating these three pieces or not providing the strong-contrast background would diminish their effect.

Look for opportunities to showcase your culture or your travels with art. Instead of standard souvenirs, how about selecting something special that represents the best of the folk art of the area?

When you select art for your home, look for pieces that reflect your interests, taste and personality. Also, whether it’s an antique quilt from your family or your second cousin’s block print, make your art stand out by your choice of position and backdrop. That way your art reflects more than something on the wall, it reflects you.

Personalize your Home: Color

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15825954_SDo you find yourself always choosing “safe” neutrals when you make a purchase for your home? Well, maybe it’s time to add some of your favorite colors!

If you’re not sure where to begin, take a look at these ideas to kick-start color in your décor.

It’s just paint: This seems like a daring place to add color, but it’s actually one of the easiest and least expensive ways to change a space. Here’s a suggestion. When you’re looking at paint samples, move down the color cards to the rich darker tones at the bottom. Then get sample pots of several of your lighter choices and a few of the brightest hues.

Now, challenge yourself to paint at least one wall with the vivid shade. Use the sample pots to see which wall and which color works best for you. Be sure to live with those sample colors for at least a week. You may find that a color that was startling at first grows on you over time.

20700581_SPlant a pocket of color: Whether it’s bookshelves, a guest room or some simple storage in the kitchen, consider adding a splash of various colors in combination. Take a look at how appealing the vivid mix of tones appears on the right. Simple lines pop when you add color to the mix.

Take a chance: Instead of a brown leather sofa, how about choosing one of the colors shown below? The rich blue, warm olive green, or even one of the daring reds could turn your safe living or family room into something dramatic and inviting.

Does a sofa seem just too much? Why don’t you start with a chair; then add some color in a rug. You never know, you may end up with a home as bright and colorful as you are!19877392_S

Warm up Your Home for Winter

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5899210_SWhat a cozy scene. The soft shaggy rug, a fringed wool throw, and a linen-covered throw pillow set the picture. Add a cup that used to hold hot tea and a good book and you’re set to enjoy a chilly afternoon – wrapping up with a nap.

It’s easy to create this type of winter mood in your home. Try these additions to your normal décor.

Soft rugs: The bare wood and tile floors that are so cool and inviting in the summer feel chilly when winter comes. Adding some area rugs – preferably thick and inviting to your toes – warms up the look as well as the feel of a space.

Throws: Bring a wool or knitted throw into your living room, family room or bedroom. Displayed casually in a basket or tossed across the arm of a sofa, a throw says cozy comfort. Those with fringe and in plaids or heather tones look especially comfy. If you have a large family you may need more than one to avoid arguments on cold evenings.

24439134_SPillows: Look for knitted covers or natural textures that fit well with your throw or throws. Think of the feel and look of a pile of sweaters lying on your couch. If you sew, consider picking up a sweater or two at the local thrift shop and cutting them down into pillow covers. Knitted cables, leather or wooden buttons just add to the winter personality.

Hot drinks: Soup in a mug, hot tea or coffee, and the always inspiring hot cocoa – with marshmallows – will warm up any room. include a few cookies or cheese and crackers – read a favorite book or put an old movie on your television and make the most of the winter days!

Silver Gives a Touch of Winter

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5602580_SIf you have children – particularly little girls – you’ve probably seen Frozen. The story, the music and the characters are delightful, and the scenery really puts winter front and center.

For those of us who live in Arizona, winter is not the icy adventure presented in the Disney movie, but you can bring a hint of winter’s splendor into your home using silver.

More and more, metallic paints liven up old pieces of furniture such as the bombe chest shown in this photo. Add an old-style upholstered chair and ottoman with silver leaf on the wood and rich modern black and silver upholstery, and you’re headed for your own winter design.

Black is the perfect pairing with the shine of silver, setting it off while providing the perfect addition of drama. Notice the dark burgundy silk throw pillow – a touch of dark red or turquoise will spark the black and silver with a bit of color. The silver-framed mirror, chandelier visible through the glass, and the selection of silver accessories finish up the room into something you would expect to see in Elsa the queen of Arendelle’s bedroom.

19419998_SYou can create your own silver furniture simply. Look in thrift and antique shops for a table, chair or framed mirror with some character such as the occasional table in the photo to the right. Choose something inexpensive, possibly with a damaged finish, so you aren’t covering a beautiful patina with paint.

Wash the piece and sand lightly. Before painting, wipe it down with a tack cloth to remove any dust. Look for a good quality silver spray paint. Take it outside to protect yourself against the fumes and set it on a drop cloth or newspapers to protect your landscaping. Spray the piece, using several light coats to finish it completely.

So maybe you really don’t want to recreate a Disney film set in your home. You can still bring a bit of winter silver to a corner of any room that could benefit from the additional splendor.

Brighten Your Home with the Right Lighting

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Design Center 038Lighting provides a powerful design statement in a home. Do you like traditional styles, or would you rather have contemporary lighting? Do you want lighting to be front-and-center or subtle?

After you choose your cabinets and countertops, your flooring and doors, make sure you take the time to select lighting that blends well with the design image you’re creating for your home.

Start with the dining room chandelier. This gives the strongest message of any light in your house. Hanging over your dining table, it becomes the focal point for the space and will serve as a beacon for all of your family meals. That selection will help you throughout the house.

Design Center 054Next, consider accent lighting. Notice the selection of pendant lights to the right in the photo below. The Fulton Design Center has a generous selection of pendants, ranging from graceful interpretations of the chandeliers to whimsical colorful modern pendants in a range of colors and shapes.

Remember to take a look at your options in additional lighting such as sconces and recessed lighting. A generous number of spots in your kitchen can make meal preparation easier and more pleasant.

With your lighting selections throughout your home, remember to consider task lighting and ambient lighting as well as standard fixtures. Parties, work and other events are easier to create and decorate for when you build flexibility into the light choices in your home.

Finally, take a minute to look at your exterior lighting. Will you want an extra outdoor spotlight where you plan to put your grill? Would you like a motion-activated light on the path to your front door?

Take the time to make the right decisions now so that you can eliminate the frustrations of not having lights where you need and want them later. And you will find yourself appreciating your efforts every time you flip a switch!

Choosing your Fulton Home gas fireplace

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Gas Fireplace Design Center 040As the temperatures hover around freezing at night, this time of the year begs for a fireplace. With the Fulton Homes gas fireplace option, you receive the charm and warmth of a fireplace without the headaches of buying wood, cleaning out ashes, and managing the burning process. You also have the advantage of having a fire even on smokeless days in the Phoenix area when the weather begs for one.

A fireplace provides a natural focal point to a living or family room. People are automatically drawn to a hearth, just as fireplaces in years past provided the center of a home for families to gather together for warmth in the days before central heating.

Today’s fireplaces can bow to tradition or make a more modern statement, keeping in tune with your personal style. Let’s take a look at what makes this fireplace special.

Stonework: Using stone or tile to outline your fireplace and define your mantel makes your fireplace uniquely yours. The choice of the tile design for the mantel can be paired with the same look in your kitchen backsplash to help link your kitchen with your great room space. Notice how the stone shines in the light – the fireplace’s flames will be mirrored on that inviting hearth.

Shelving: Adding the matching shelves on either side of the fireplace itself enlarges the influence of this focal point in your home while allowing you to showcase some treasured accessories. The mantel also provides enough depth to provide the opportunity to display select items that fit your fireplace’s profile.

Lighting: Candle sconces to either side of the mounted television and lights shining down on the shelves provide a nice ambient brightness without overwhelming the space. Once again, the sconces can be selected to match your kitchen and dining light fixtures, helping to integrate the style in every part of your home.

Whether warming your home in winter or adding charm to your family room in the summer, a gas fireplace is a simple way to help create a welcoming feel to your home for family and friends.