May 28
KITCHENS
OK so we all know that there comes a time when you look at
your kitchen and realize that it's so drab and needs a face lift. But where do
you start? Renovating your kitchen can be a daunting task, from refurnishing your cabinetry to putting in a new island with a sink and dishwasher. But the easiest first step that you can take is choosing a style for your kitchen. Styles? What? Yes ladies and gents, your kitchen can be styled! You can try out a soft French Country idea full of soft lines and quaint patterns, but don't limit yourself to just the traditional blue and white. Take a look below at this beautiful green French Country kitchen!
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If you like the idea of a slightly more rustic look but with the soft lines of the French Country, then you could give the tougher, more masculine Rustic style a go. Fill your kitchen with heavy woods and exposed stone. our kitchen has think that this means your kitchen has to be dark.
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Retro kitchens are really popular. Bright colors and rounded edges. Don't be afraid to bring big patterns and even bigger colors to your space. The Retro styles can be bent to suit you and your kitchen. Think primary colors and checkered tiles!
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So if we give you Retro ideas, we should include the sleek beast that is the Modern kitchen! All smooth angles. Chrome and black. The kitchen of the future! But its not all dark and sharp angles. You can merge the sleek Modern style with the French Country and get something like you see below.
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Now for those of us who just can't choose between one of these styles, don't fret! We get the Eclectic kitchen. The style that blends a little bit of everything. Bright colors from the Retro, wooden panels from the French Country, exposed beams and bricks from the Rustic, and sleek lines from the Modern. Take a look.
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Don't forget to have with this! Renovating your kitchen is not too daunting. Just breathe remember that you can Paint your fridge with chalkboard paint so the kids can help with the menu or the grocery lists. (Or you can let your inner child out and draw on the fridge!) Nifty storage spaces will make it so you use all available space in your kitchen. Big or small your space is yours, so make it your own. No more worrying if your wine stained walls were an accident now they are an avante garde way of decorating your walls. You can find more inspirations on our Pintrest Kitchens board.
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April 17
Florida Room/Sun Room
Florida room. Sun room.
Solarium. Sun parlor. All different words for the same thing, a great place to
spend your spring and summer. You get to watch the storms that roll through
this area as well as enjoy the sun without the nastiness of pests or pesky
pollen. Florida rooms vary from country to country. In England, they're all
glass attributing to when they were originally greenhouses for the wealthy. In
the States, however, they started out as parlors that got a lot of sunshine.
Nowadays,
Florida rooms are a focal point in quite a few homes. It's a great place to entertain guests, share
a cup of coffee with a friend, or to just relax in the sunshine. Florida rooms are made up of huge windows ,
normally on 3 sides, tile or durable carpet floors, and sometimes skylights.
Now, it's not necessary for this style room to be solid glass; there are
versions that have what are called 'knee walls' starting at floor level and
coming up to knee or mid-thigh height.
Thinking
of redecorating your Florida room? Or adding one to your home? Remember this
room is for YOUR comfort. Make sure your furniture is comfy and durable.
Wicker is the go to choice for Florida room seating, it's easy to clean, comes
in many colors, and is very durable. You can add as many cushions and pillows
as you want. Remember YOUR comfort! Don't forget the paint, make sure your wall
colors compliment your blinds. We all know that summer sun can be dreadfully
warm. You don't need to match so much as
compliment. Keep your space warm feeling throughout the year with a warm paint
color. Think various shades of red or orange. These are just suggestions, so if
red or orange doesn't suit you or the rest of your home feel free to experiment
with colors. (All credit to the photographers and designers can be found on our Pintrest page http://www.pinterest.com/artinmotionva/florida-room-insipration/)
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Everyone needs inspiration once in awhile, including us designers. Below are some of our favorite picks from past inspiration blogs or can be found on our new Pinterest site, www.pinterest.com/artinmotionva. Why are these our favorites? Because they are GORGEOUS! And they all incorporate tips and tricks that we completely endorse and love. From embracing color and texture combinations to adding focal points to each room, all of the photos below are great examples of what you can do in your home whether you have a traditional or a contemporary home. For more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest are www.pinterest.com/artinmotionva. Enjoy being inspired!
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"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams
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Mudrooms
What is a mudroom? An informal entry? A place to hide the mess of shoes, coats, sports equipment your family has? It's all of these and more. It's an ideal space for extra storage, a display area for artwork or unique finds, and the obvious, most functional space to put on and take off your shoes. While it would be nice to have whole area from a mudroom, you can make the most of the space right by your front or back door. Check out the photos below of mudrooms, many which are small spaces being used in the most functional way. (As always, all credit goes to the photographers and links to these pages can be found on our pinterest page, http://pinterest.com/chrislynn08/art-in-motion/. )
The most functional mudrooms have hooks for each family member, a bench, and a shelf. Storage is the most important component of a mudroom as you don't want to see the mess of shoes, coats, and sporting equipment your family may have as soon as you walk in the door. If you have a small space, let your bench do double duty as a seating area as well as a place to hide extra shoes in pullouts or by lifting the seat. If you like the open look, use durable wicker storage bins that will not only hide the mess, but will withstand wear and tear. Because many of you will probably not have a separate room to use as a mudroom and you'll be using a wall near your entry, you need to make sure that it looks good and flows with the rest of the house. Consider using a complimentary paint color on the area of the wall where your mudroom will be. You could also use white bead board or stained wood to differentiate that space from the rest of the room. While your bench will be functional, you also want it to look nice. Add throw pillows or upholster the top in indoor/outdoor fabric in brighter or bolder patterns than you wouldn't normally use. They will stand up better to the comings and goings of your family. As for the shelf, make sure to place it above the hooks you have for each family member. Try placing smaller bins on the shelf for additional storage for mail, homework, scarves, and gloves or use the space to display family artwork, photos, or cool finds from a favorite family vacation. You need to make sure that this mudroom will function for every member of the family and will hold everything that you need it to, so make sure you have enough hooks and storage bins, at minimum, one for each member of the family. While you can use regular hooks, consider using ones that are unique and fit your family from glass doorknobs to funky and retro ones found at UrbanOutfitters or Anthropologie. The ideas are endless to make this space flow with the rest of your house but this is one space where form needs to follow function. That being said, follow the simple rules we have laid out for you, and you will not only have a great looking mudroom, but a functional one as well.
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Themes vs. color combinations
Remember growing up and building
sheet forts in your room with your best buds?
Or having those glow in the dark star stickers on your ceiling? How about all the boy band posters from the 80's
and 90's? Kid's rooms have come a long
way in the past decade but each parent (and child) has to face the question
when they first decide to redecorate: Do
you create a themed room or have a timeless color scheme that the child can
grow in to? Here are Art in Motion, we
think you can do both. Here are a few
tips and photos of some great kid's rooms that are not only themed, but allow
the child to mature in the room and be able to change out furniture and
accessories with ease.
1. When doing a theme - go classic and somewhat
generic. Travel. Cars.
Nautical. Animals. Does your tween daughter love zebra
print? Take a cue from the picture below
and use zebra carpet tiles to give her that 'theme' without it the pattern
being overbearing. Is your son a car
addict? When he is younger you can use
the movie Cars as inspiration. When he is older, use Nascar or vintage cars.
2. So how do you transition a themed room from
when your child was younger and is now a teen?
It all starts with your choice of paint!
Choose neutral and versatile colors that aren't too saturated. That way, you and your son/daughter won't get
tired of it as fast.
3. Don't forget - this is your kid's
room! It is where they go to play, hang
out with friends, and listen to music.
It is their own sanctuary within your home. So having a designated play area in the room
is smart. You can even let them have
their own 'permanent' sheet fort up that they can use as a reading nook or a
place to sleep when they have impromptu sleep-over's. Consider even painting one wall with chalkboard
paint (which you can now get in any color) so that it is an accent wall as well
as a place for your child to embrace their inner Picasso.
4. Storage is key. Especially if you have a themed room or think
you will be redecorating often. Using a
mixture of open and closed shelving provides places for you and your child to
display artwork or figurines that go with the theme of the room but can easily
be removed when needed.
5. Don't be afraid of prints! One of the pictures shown below that I love
is of a nursery that has stripes on the wall.
Using a simple pattern such as this allows the room to grow with the
child for many years. Many home
improvement stores and paint stores now sell stencils that you can use as
well. Like I mentioned in an earlier
post, paint the wall(s) in an eggshell or matte finish and then paint the
stencil using the same color but in a high gloss finish. Consider also using a printed wallpaper such
as the blue sailboat wallpaper seen below in a nautical themed room.
(All the photos and their credits can be found on pinterest page, http://pinterest.com/chrislynn08/art-in-motion/ as well as more photos for inspiration.)
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March 14, 2013
Welcome back! Ready to tackle your master bath? Below are 10 tips for you to make your master
bath an oasis that you can enjoy.
1. Maximize the use of natural light! You not only need it for ventilation but
having a lot of natural light makes your bath seem larger. Having the illusion that you're sharing space
with nature helps to give your space an open air quality. You can place windows in your shower, across
from a mirror so that light bounces back, or even on your ceiling (which would
probably be best for you modest types!).
2. Glass shower surrounds are great for numerous
reasons. First, they are easier to clean
than tile. Second, they allow for an
uninterrupted view in the space and allow for light in the shower so the shower
doesn't feel dark or claustrophobic.
3. Make the most of your space in the form of
storage. If you have a small footprint,
opt for vertical storage that goes all the way to the ceiling or trim out the
space between studs to create a custom built in look.
4. Your overall color palate should be subtle
and calming. Blues and greens (more
natural colors) tend to have a more calming effect on people versus oranges and
reds (energizing colors). Sticking with
one or two colors in various shades makes the room flow and seem bigger.
5. If you have a small master bath, go for drama
by adding texture to a neutral color palate.
You can do this on the ceiling by adding tin ceiling tiles, on the floor
in the form of textured tile mosaics that look like pebbles, or even placing a
frame around your mirror.
6. Who said the bedroom is the only place for
furniture? If you have a soaking tub,
place a small table beside it so you have a place to put a good book, candle,
and a glass of wine. Even adding a bench
or small ottoman with storage not only gives you more places to put your
clothes or sit, but can give you extra storage space.
7. Emphasize any architectural elements that you
may have. Have an arch? Add moulding to it. Slanted ceiling? Why not put painted bead board on it. Large 70's mirror? Frame it out.
Small changes like these can give your bath a luxurious feel.
8. If you have a standard builder's grade shower
surround, amp it up! Contact your local bath
designer (i.e. Laura and I) and talk about getting a customized tiled shower
and tub surround. Not only is this a
place where you can add in color, but it makes the room stand out from the
other baths you may have in your home.
9. Don't forget your vanity! If you have the space, opt for a double
vanity so both you and your spouse have room to get ready in the morning. If you keep the cabinetry simple, you can add
some bling in the form of your hardware.
Having a vessel sink gives your
bath a more modern feel, especially if done in glass but is also a nice custom
touch.
10. We started with lighting and we are going to
end with lighting. Natural light is
great but you still need some sort of light fixture so you can see at night. If you have a large master bath, why not have
a chandelier? This can be a fun way to
add more texture to your bath. Other
lighting tips: Put your lights on a
dimmer switch. This allows you to have
ambient lighting when you want to relax but the full light when you need to get
ready. Recessed can lighting always
works great in the shower but not so well around the mirror(s). Make sure to place any sconces on the sides
of the mirror rather than above so that you aren't creating a glare on your face.
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March 7, 2013
Did anyone enjoy the snow/rain/ice (why are we having a winter apocalypse?!?!?) yesterday? As I'm sure you can tell by now, winter is not my favorite season. That's why I'm excited to show you some awesome master baths this week! Especially the open air shower seen below. Really, is there anything more refreshing than taking a shower outside? How many of you love taking showers at the beach just for that reason? I know I do! Below is a great mix of contemporary to more traditional baths. I tried incorporating those that showed different ways that you can layout a bathroom such as having the shower behind the sink wall (genius!) to showing a combination shower/tub that everyone seems to have. Take a few minutes and look and the slideshow and just dream. Your bath could look like this too! Maybe it already does. Either way, the bathroom is actually a pretty interesting space to design. It has to be one of the most functional spaces in your home even though you don't spend a lot of time in their. Unless you're a teenage girl. Who has to spend hours making sure not one hair is out of place. Anyways, the master bath should be like the master bedroom - an oasis for just you and your special someone. Come back next week and I will go into detail on exactly how to make it that special oasis.
(All credit for the pictures below belong to their rightful owners. Links to those sites can be found on our Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/chrislynn08/art-in-motion/)
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February 28, 2013
Is anyone else ecstatic that spring is only two weeks
away? I know I am! I've never liked the cold and with this past
year's random snow storms every other weekend (and always on the weekends I'm
off) put me in a funk. That is why I am
excited to talk to you about last week's slide show. I loved the dining rooms and master bedrooms
that I posted. All use a great blend of
colors, patterns, and textures to get anyone out of a winter funk. In the past, I have talked about how much
color, lighting, staging, and accessories can really add to your space and make
a statement. This week I want to focus
on more structural elements of the spaces shown that can also make your room
brighter, more open, and interesting. These elements could include soffits, beams, columns, fireplaces, archways,
vaulted ceilings, trim and mouldings, tray ceilings, and windows. And the great news is a lot of the older
homes in our area have a lot of the architectural elements I just
mentioned. In your dining room and master bath! Which means you probably have
a few of them in your home right now!
Aren't you excited?!?! Okay, I'll
tone it down a little bit. I love older
homes where you can really play up the features in them to make a
statement. The most common elements
around our area include fireplaces, columns and beams, soffits and vaulted
ceiling . Because you have them in your dining room and master bath, they are also great places to go bold since those aren't the rooms that you will be spending the majority of your time or be showing off as often. Here are a few ideas to update
them to give them a fresh look:
Fireplaces:
1. If you have old
red bricks try painting them or whitewashing them.
2. Add new trim to
the sides and to the mantel. Don't
forget to add accessories to your mantel to make the fireplace a focal point.
3. Don't like your
fireplace? Change the whole look by adding
a stone veneer to it.
4. If you have a
standard black gas fireplace like you could buy at any home improvement store,
consider placing tile around it. If
you're going for a more modern look, go with a larger, linear porcelain tile.
5. If don't use
your fireplace and it stays empty all the time, consider using it for something
functional, say books. (Type in
"books in fireplace" in the search box on Pinterest to get ideas for
what this will look like.)
Columns and Beams:
1. Exposed beams
is a great architectural feature that not only is timeless but also can add a
lot of interest especially if you have it in a grid on your ceiling.
2. If you're going for a more rustic tone
throughout your house, go with a wire brushed look on the beams and
columns.
3. Do you have
columns in your kitchen? Box them in
with the same panels that you have on your cabinets for a seamless look.
4. If your ceiling
already has a grid pattern on it in a natural wood tone, consider painting them
a neutral color with a light gray on the exposed ceiling areas for a
contemporary look.
5. Consider using
your columns as end pieces on your island if you have an open layout in your
home. This frames the island and kitchen
while still keeping the space open.
Soffits and Vaulted Ceilings:
1. Add
lighting! Most soffits already have
electrical in them so why not put in a few recessed can lights to give you
extra lighting?
2. Treat soffits
like your trim. Let them make a subtle
statement about the room and let them continue all the way around the
room. Again, add lighting here to put
focus on any artwork you may have on the walls.
3. If you are
going to treat your soffits like your trim, paint them the same color as your
trim and ceiling. If not, then this is a
great place to add in an accent color or paint it the same color as your walls,
so the room itself will seem taller.
4. If you have a
vaulted ceiling and want a cottage or beach feel to your house, put bead board
up. This gives your ceiling texture that
you will be able to see even if you have a 12' ceiling. Paint it in an off-white or gray for contrast
or the same color as the walls in your home for a seamless look.
5. Vaulted
ceilings are a great place to add in skylights.
Because the roof isn't flat here, the light won't shine directly into
the space making it feel like a sauna, but will still add in a lot of natural
light.
Don't forget to check out our slide show next week that
is going to show some fabulous master baths!
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February 21, 2013
So it's been awhile since I've posted. Between me being sick, Laura being gone, and
just being plain busy, I haven't been able to update our inspiration. BUT, if you follow us on Pinterest you can
see we have been pinning a lot! There
are so many great ideas to update your home from complete remodels to minor DIY
projects. Today I want to go over the
tips for the living room slide show that I posted a few weeks ago as well as go
over two other rooms in the house - the formal dining room and master
bedroom.
Living Room:
I love how many of the photos that we choose incorporated
a lot of different colors and patterns.
Don't be afraid to mix a few patterns and textures together. By doing so, you can add a lot of interest to
the room and in a way where just a small piece of furniture or throw pillow can
make a statement. Just make sure to keep
the patterns and textures in similar color families so as to not be
overwhelmed. That being said, having
contrasting colors can work great in a space as well. If you want to keep the space timeless,
choose three or four colors that you love that work well together. Using those colors, choose patterns to add
interest. Keep larger pieces of
furniture neutral so you can mix and match colors and patterns on the throw
pillows, chairs, and rugs. One of the
things I loved about all the photos chosen were the different seating
arrangements. Rearranging furniture is a
great (and free!) way of spicing your room up to give it a facelift. If you decide you do want new furniture, I
recommend buying a couch (or loveseat if you have a small space), two chairs,
and an ottoman or pouf that can double as a side table. Having pieces that are multifunctional are
great because you can use them when you are entertaining for a large group or
use when it's just you and your family. Remember to figure out the main
function of the space whether it is a place for entertaining or a casual space
where the whole family to gather before you do anything. Knowing that will be key in what you choose
for your furniture as well as how you arrange it. One of the best pieces of advice I was given
while in design school was if you are entertaining, every seat needs a place
for that person to put their drink. Make
sure you have ample table space either in the form of end tables, coffee
tables, ottomans, etc. Being creative
with what your tables are made out of can add a lot of interest to your space
as well as being a conversation piece.
Artwork is another great way to spice up any space. Many of the photos I choose have varying
degrees of artwork including photo collages, a mix of large and small scale
photos, mirrors, and horn mounts.
Depending on you and your family's aesthetic, choose pieces that reflect
your travels, hobbies, and passions.
Below is the slide show for the formal dining room and
master bedroom which we will go into more detail with next week. Remember when designing the formal dining
room, it needs to be functional for the largest group of people you are going
to be hosting. Keep in mind the fabrics
used in the space as well as they ideally need to be stain resistant. No one wants a red wine stain on your upholstered
white banquette. Although formal dining
rooms seem to be going extinct, they are a great place to go bold since you
don't spend all of your time in that room.
Dining rooms can be made up of a standard table with chairs or a
banquette with chairs. Having benches,
armchairs, sofas can add a lot of texture and interest to the space. Just like with the living room, think of different seating arrangements that can be done to
better utilize your space. As for the
master bedroom, keep in mind this is your oasis in your home. A place where only you and your special
someone can go to relax. Adding in a
reading nook or chaise lounge is perfect for creating a space that is relaxing
as well as giving you more space should you need it to place your clean
clothes. Enjoy!
(All photos can be found on our Pinterest site with links to each original site. All credit belongs to the owners of the photos below.)
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January 31, 2013
What is better than snuggling up in a cozy and comfortable chair drinking hot cocoa? Especially on the weekends which seems like the only time we get snow around here. Check out the photos below for inspiration on making your living room a comfortable space on cold winter nights. All incorporate some really great ideas on what you can do in your living room to make it the showroom of your home. From bold colors and patterns, to subtle colors and textures blending together. Don't forget that small changes can make a huge impact so grab some ideas from the photos below and spruce up your living room this weekend!
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January 24, 2013
Let’s review the slide show from last week. We showed you a lot of really great examples
of office spaces and entry ways. I’m
going to list our favorite ideas that you can do for either space to make it a
more effective and interesting space.
Entry:
- Add mirrors!
They make a huge statement as well as bringing in light to the space.
- If you don’t want to hang a mirror, hang some
kind of statement piece whether it’s a piece of artwork or sculpture. This is a person’s first glimpse into your
home so make the space a statement about who you are and what you like.
- If you want to spice up the look of your entry
and on a budget, PAINT! It’s a cheap way
to make a huge impact in a small space.
Because it’s a small area, going bold here won’t be overwhelming and
will really spice up your home.
- Every entry needs a table or shelving for you to
place your keys and phone when you come home.
Use it as another surface to decorate with vases and fresh flowers or
knick knacks that you have picked up over the years. Having a table will also give the space a
feeling of organization.
- Have kids?
Place small ottomans or storage below the table for shoes and such to
keep the space functional.
- Don’t forget lighting! Having a really nice chandelier or hanging
pendants will not only light the space, but make it feel more as a room rather
than a hallway you have to go through to get to the main event.
- Placing a rug in your entry, especially if you
have hardwood or tile floors there adds warmth to the space and keeps in
inviting.
Office:
- What was the one common factor in every office
we posted? STORAGE! Shelving can not only hold binders and books
and whatever else you may need but can also display artwork. If you work from home, you want to be in a
room that not only keeps you organized but inspired. Shelving whether it is literally a shelf, or
a bookcase, or boxes placed on the wall, will not only help you stay organized
but will give you a place to put your favorite photo or piece of art.
- Get a desk that works best for you. Whether it’s a piece of mdf balanced on two
saw horses or you have an actual desk – make sure it’s big enough to be
functional for you and your work.
Placing the desk in the center of a room if you have a small office will
make your office feel bigger as well as making the desk the centerpiece of the
room.
- Have cool lighting! Make sure you have enough light from recessed
can lighting to a desk lamp. You need
light to see especially if you’re burning those midnight hours so why not get a
lamp or pendant that is functional as well as interesting.
- If you’re working from home a lot, you need to
make sure your office is warm and inviting.
Paint an accent wall your favorite color. Bring in a rug. Have curtains on the windows. You’re going to be spending a lot of time in
this room so why not make it a place where you actually want to be.
- Don’t forget about seating! Choose a comfortable seat but one that is
also functional and attractive. You
don’t have to get a boring black office chair (unless that’s your style). You can even use the one you currently have
and reupholster it in a fun modern fabric for another punch of color.
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January 17, 2013
Last week things were a little busy with Laura leaving
for a sunny vacation in Mexico and I wasn’t able to put up our weekly
inspiration. SORRY!!! So this week, I’m giving you a double dose of
inspiration. Over the course of the next
few weeks (okay, let’s face it probably months), I’m going to be posting about
different rooms in your home - office, master bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living
room, dining room, and any other room/space I can think of that needs
attention. Remember, every room and
space in your home needs to reflect your style and personality as well as being
functional. This week, we are going to look
at the entry (foyer) and home office.
Below will be a slide show of good examples of what you can do in each
space as well as adding interest. All
can be found on our pinterest page, http://pinterest.com/chrislynn08/art-in-motion/,
with links to their original sites.
Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from these
photos. A lot of the ideas you can do
yourself like hanging shelves for your office or rearranging pictures/mirrors
in your entry. Even changing out the
lighting fixtures and adding geometric wallpaper to your entry way can make a
major impact on the space even on a tight budget.
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January 3, 2013
Everybody needs inspiration in some form or another. And right now, mine is coming in the form of
very bright colors. Mostly because it’s
winter and dreary outside. On the other
hand, I just really like bright colors!
Mixing patterns, colors, and textures is a great way to make a room
interesting and also showcases your personality. Check out the photos to the right to see what is inspiring to
me this week:
1. Unique Floor Mats by Domestic Construction http://www.ahalife.com/product/219/unique-floor-mats/
2. Gold Leaf Design Group Wood Holder http://www.elledecor.com/home-remodeling/products/firewood-holder-gold-leaf-design-group
3. Tana Lawn Liberty Fabric http://www.trueup.net/liberty-of-london-fabrics-source-guide/
4. Party Poof http://toostinkincute.blogspot.com/2012/03/party-poof.html
5. http://www.thedecorista.com/2012/04/color-lover-onyx-white-kelly.html 6. http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/dramatic-red-rooms-63094#slide-1
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December 27, 2012
It’s that time of year again – gym memberships hit their
highest point and we all vow that this year will be different, we will spend
more time doing what will love rather than stressing out about everything. You know what I’m talking about – New Year’s
Resolutions. While resolutions are a
great way to get you motivated and on track to your goal, how many of us
actually stick with them past January 30?
Here are Art in Motion, we have decided we aren’t going to have
resolutions this year. We have goals of
course, and you’ll see us meeting them throughout the year as we have quite a
few changes coming our way. But we would
rather focus on helping you have the home you have always dreamed of. So here are ten guidelines to help you get
started this New Year in making your house a home that really fits your style.
New Year’s Resolutions Guidelines for your home:
- Use your square footage to your advantage! Don’t
be a hoarder!
- You know that saying “A place for everything,
everything in its place.” That your mother used to tell you when it was time to
clean your room? Well it’s true! Take
time this year to organize and figure out a storage system that works best for
you and your family.
- If you really want to make a change in your home
whether it’s a renovation or a smaller cosmetic job such as painting – take
your time! Work one room at a time and
figure out what you want each room to accomplish, whether it’s a place to relax
with family and friends or a room designed around your favorite hobbies.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Your family and friends know you best and
will understand your style. If you’re
still stuck, drop by the office and we will help you figure out exactly what
you want to accomplish.
- Decorate seasonally. Change throw pillows, blankets, and other
accessories to reflect the season.
Warmer colors such as reds, browns, and purples for fall and
winter. Cooler colors such as blues,
whites, and greens for spring and summer.
- Texture is not your enemy. Add texture to each room through accessories
such as pillows, rugs, floral arrangements, or other centerpieces.
- Go green.
Adding a plant to each room not only helps with ventilation and
allergies but it makes the room feel warmer and more accessible.
- Surround yourself with the things you love: antiques, artwork by your favorite artist,
photographs that have a special meaning to you.
Remember this is YOUR home; make it match your style and personality.
- One of the easiest and least expensive ways to
update your home: PAINT. Choose a neutral for the walls so your
furniture and accessories are the stars in your home.
- Use what you have. New doesn’t always mean newly purchased –
take what you have (and love) and repurpose it.
Your husband’s recliner, reupholster it in an updated patterned fabric. Paint an old dresser and use it as a consul
table in your entryway. Changing
upholstery and painting furniture is an easy way to give your home an updated
look. Rearranging furniture helps as
well whether you move the couch from one side of the room to the other or
moving furniture to a different room.
That being said, we hope you
have a wonderful New Year!!!
Laura & Christen
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December 20, 2012 Need last minute decorating tips for the holidays? Here are some you can do on a budget complete
with our favorite inspirations (thank you Pintrest!):
- Pick your
style – do you traditional tastes? Do
you favor a more rustic theme? Or are
you drawn to a more minimalist approach to design?
- Pick a color scheme and continue it throughout
your house for a cohesive look: white +
silver + champagne; blue + gold, purple
+ silver. Incorporate complimentary
colors such as oranges, reds, or burgundies.
Do not use red and burgundy together – pick one and stick with it!
- Group similar items together. Going rustic:
Have vases full of pine cones and needles, incorporate burlap, add
touches of wood. Going for a more
traditional or winter wonderland look:
have white candles dipped in Epsom salt with glass vases and white
lights.
- Create focal points by grouping objects together
in odd numbers .
- Don’t forget to add personal touches like photos
in both color and black and white!
- Add lighting to your interior garland for added
drama on mantles, banisters, and wreaths.
- Bows add drama to wreaths and to your tree. Two types of ribbon in one bow brings even
more drama to a wreath.
(Picture Citations from top to bottom: www.unidentifiedlifestyle.com www.southernliving.com www.bhg.com)
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