Modern, Funky, Glam

Do you ever start a room and then just get stuck on how to complete it or make it really shine?  This is such a common problem- you are not alone!  That's why I'm here to help! Lauren reached out to me for a bit of help on her new living room.  She had a great start, getting a new coffee table, sofa, and rugs, but then froze not knowing what to do next or how to make the pieces that she loved all work in harmony.  Gray sofa, neutral walls, & neutral but textural rugs... we're off to a great start!

While the current space doesn't show it, Lauren is certainly not afraid of color or pattern, so I decided to make it my mission to help her realize the modern, funky, glam space that I could tell that she was going for (even if she hadn't realized that's what she was going for yet ;-) ).

I started by pulling together an inspiration board.  My plan would begin with moody neutrals and I would layer on metallics, pattern, and a few bold elements.

inspiration: My Domaine, Domino, Hunted Interior, Urban Outfitters, original source unknown

From there I started to look at the individual pieces.  Lauren's gray velvet sofa was staying and the hopes was for the other, slipcovered one to be replaced by 2 side chairs.  The sofa has good bones, but I would remove all of it's matching pillows, start fresh and inject some funky glamour in the space.

1. oversize abstract art- buy larger and frame partial //2. brass task lamp //3. sofa (sim to existing) //4. locust throw blanket //5. campaign accent table //6. gray linen-like curtains- wall to wall //7. kilim pillow //8. metallic pillow //9. kilim pillow //10. swoop arm side chair //11. coffee table (sim to existing) //12. natural fiber rug (sim to existing) //13. faux fur rug (sim to existing)

I might even throw a fiddle leaf fig tree in the corner near the TV for a bit of greenery too.  I'm dreading the day that fiddle leaf figs go out of style.  They're such a fun, graphic way to add greenery without being too fussy!  A few differently shaped mirrors around the tv will help to anchor that wall as well.

When it comes to the design, it's all about balance.  It's always about balance and I feel like such a broken record.  The magic way to mix styles is to make sure that everyone has a buddy.  A metallic pillow will feel very lonely if there's nothing else shiny around it.... But this is a much larger post for another day.

If you're looking for some decor help, don't hesitate to reach out!!  Send me some images and info about your space and I'll send over a quote for your very own e-design.

I'm off for the rest of the week to bake, cook, wrap, and most of all celebrate Christmas with my family.  I hope you have an awesome week and a Christmas that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  ~XO Karen

Lucite Love

I never saw myself as a lucite person.  It always felt too modern or too weirdly retro (and not in the fun way that I'm ever so addicted to), or sometimes...dare-I-say-it cheap, but I've been singing another tune as of late. **As per usual, please pin responsibly and pin from the original source.  Gracias!!!**

When I saw Katie Kime's kitchen in Lonny Mag, it stopped me in my tracks.  It's traditional but not stuffy, colorful without being overwhelming, and has a very sophisticated whimsy to it.  That lucite island is everything.  EVERYTHING.

Katie Kime is clearly a lucite Jedi master.  If you peak above, you can see a glimpse of a lucite bar cart which is available in her shop.  Dear Santa, this would be acceptable to find under my tree Christmas morning.  Forget the fact that it won't fit under the tree.... and I already have too much furniture in my house..... I'll make it work.  XO Karen

Then just yesterday, I saw this cozy space on chrislovesjulia's instagram feed.  This lucite coffee table doesn't feel modern, retro, or cheap.  I just is.  It serves a purpose without adding visual clutter to the space.  It's a quiet statement.  Bravo.  Doesn't this room just invite you to curl up with a book?

I've also jumped on the lucite train apparently too.  On my instagram feed, you may have also noticed a bit of my own lucite a couple weeks ago.  In addition to these 2 lucite bowls, I also scored a simple lucite tray that has yet to be styled.  Estate sales for the win.

While, yes, lucite can go wrong pretty fast, it can also go oh so right.  Are there any design trends or styles you find yourself changing your tune on?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Free Ways to Find Inspiration

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  I am solar powered.  So when the days get shorter and colder, my natural inclination is to hibernate.  Hibernation is rarely a socially acceptable practice, so I generally force myself into finding inspiration and getting re-motivated in whatever ways I can. Here are some of my tried and true free ways to find inspiration:

• Go window shopping.  No need to buy things- stores can often be chock full of creative inspiration.  Color combinations you may not have thought of, beautiful patterns to ogle at, and awesome pieces that you don't need but just appreciate their existence!  Pop into a big chain store or even your local antique shop.  If you're looking for inspiration, there's always something interesting to see.

• Set a very specific goal and stick to it.  This works amazingly especially with larger projects and is a sure fire way to keep moving.  i.e. I need to have this room painted before family comes over for the holidays (even if no one will notice but you).  But Karen, how is that inspiration??  I don't know about you, but when I'm powering through a tedious task like painting a room or cleaning out the basement, that's when I get some of my best ideas.

•  Change your scenery.  If you stare at the same computer, on the same desk, in the same chair, looking at the same wall day in day out, a change of scenery will do your brain good.  Take your work to a coffee shop or even to another room.  Don't have the luxury to move your work?  Step away and take a walk.  Changing your literal views will immediately cause a shift in your mindset.

• While you're sitting in that coffee shop mentioned above (coffee optional since we're talking 'free' ways), why not meet up with a like-minded friend?  They'll understand your creative frustrations and road blocks, and may be able to share their own ideas and solutions.

• Borrow a book from the library.  Remember that place your mom took you to when you were little before you had the world of knowledge at your fingertips via smartphone 24/7?  It's still there and it's waiting for you!  Guess what- in addition to any physical book you could probably ever want, your local library most likely even has an e-catalog where you can borrow books for your e-reader and audiobooks that download right to your phone.  Get motivated, learn a new skill, or simply escape into a fantasy world.  My latest audiobook download?  Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.  I'm ready for some inspiration!

• Listen to a podcast.  Need some recommendations?  Check out my podcast listing list from last week.  There's bound to be a podcast out there that will inspire you!

• Turn up the radio and DANCE!  Act like a dork.  Who cares if the cat thinks you've lost it.  Kick up your heels, let loose, and have fun!  It may not immediately provide you with an influx of inspiration, but you'll be happier.  When you're happier, you're in a better mindset.  When you're in a better mindset, you're more open to inspiration.  BAM, problem solved!

via giphy

How do you find inspiration when you're in a rut?