Designer's Notes

Designer's Notes

Mirrors can really create great impact in small rooms without natural daylight, such as hallways. Adding a unique table and an interesting statue would be the added bonus for a conversation piece.

  

Shown here, the mirror adds dimention to the hallway, and the statue adds the interest I mentioned above.



An entry hall with a center table is functional for placing handbags and packages. Art and sculptures can be showcased in this area for impact.



A colorful work of art against stark white walls is the point of departure for accent colors in this residence. A mirror and a small console are always right in any entry hall; a great place to plop your keys and cell phone as you get ready to relax. A bulky and simple baseboard is in keeping with the contemporary architecture.



A collection of pretty white pottery and rocks on this vignette is quickly contrasted by a leaning flea market painting and industrial metal stencil. A large bundle of wild flowers is a very cheap and easy way to utilize a large vessel. It doesn't always have to be roses. Go for the weeds.



For a large entry way you can place a marble checkerboard floor accentuates the length of this entry hall. When the room permits, a center table makes for an elegant reception. This is the perfect location for a floral centerpiece.

Thanksgiving Table Settings

Add a Touch of Glitz

For a sophisticated but not over-the-top look, balance the sparkle of metallics with natural elements, like fall branches or fresh fruit. Erinn's Tip: "Metallics add a great modern touch to a fall tablescape. Deep copper and bright bronze are a lovely additional to a traditional table. I prefer to bring in natural, textured elements like these seed-beaded placemats so the table doesn't get too glitzy."

Contrast Materials

A humble pinecone adds an organic touch to each place setting. Have fun with materials; contrast ceramic with glass, wood and gleaming metal. Forgo the old standby tablecloth and opt for glamorous, polished silver chargers and chocolate-brown linen napkins.

Bountiful Centerpiece

Set the stage for an unforgettable Thanksgiving feast with a centerpiece that exemplifies bounty. A ghost-white pumpkin, chunky pillar candles and metallic-painted gourds add sparkle.

Simple Sophistication

This place setting layers basic elements to achieve an extraordinary effect.A set of white plates is a great standard to have for your year-round table. You don't have to get something special out just for the season. It's all in the presentation — a crisp linen napkin folded into thirds and laid under a bronze glass plate topped with a miniature pear sets each guests' plate off with style for very little money, time or fuss.

 

Gleaming Glass Accents

Golds and ambers pair beautifully with the traditional browns and oranges of fall. Glass vases can be found very inexpensively in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes at your local housewares store. They're fantastic for adding a splash of luminescent color to the room. So go wild! Bring a bunch home, try them out and return what you don't use.

My Home/Inspiration

Bring Outdoors In

Instead of buying expensive flowers, try decorating with branches. Even bare branches that have fallen from trees can make a design impact and will last a long time.

Add Pillows

Pillows are an easy to way to add a pop of color or a new texture to a living room. Inexpensive options can be found at stores like Homegoods or Target.

Curtain Illusions

Windows look taller when draperies are mounted high on the wall. The eye will follow the line up, creating the illusion of a larger room.

Arrange by Color

Designer Kim Myles is always budget-minded and one element that didn't cost a thing in this family room is the bookshelf decorations.

Fall Colors/Part 2 of 2

A Taste of Wine

Designer Shelly Riehl David uses a vibrant color palette in this hideaway bar tucked under an elaborate staircase. Yellow-green walls soften the deep brown cabinetry and pink-striped barstools. Hues of forest green and wine in the barstool fabric display a warm, seasonal flair.

Rich Browns

The chocolate-brown wall color adds a gorgeous contrast against the light-wood bookshelves and fireplace surround. Deep-red draperies and coordinating accessories of bright red add a playful pop of color to this traditional living room. Design by Judith Balis.

Rusted Walls

A sheer gold curtain adds instant warmth and privacy to the separated living and dining rooms. A traditional fall color palette of rust, gold, brown and tan make this Asian-inspired space comfortable and soothing. Design by Vanessa DeLeon.

Pumpkin and Asparagus

Designer Christopher Grubb uses an asparagus-green wall color to add to the eclectic feel of this grand living room. A separate, and warmer, conversation area uses hues of pumpkin orange and brown for a more comfortable and cozy color palette. Orange paisley pillows deliver a touch of contrasting color to the all-white sofas.

Slip Cover Style

Slipcovers can be made from so much more than cotton. Sure Fit offers soft leather options like the slipcovers seen on this sofa and ottoman.

Are you holding on to chairs that don't work with your new decorating style? Help them make the transition by adding a pain-free slipcover. Photo courtesy of Sure Fit.

The ottoman, dining chairs, easy chair and sofas in this warm living room are all covered in slipcovers from Sure Fit.

Overlay your cream slipcovers with bright colors and patterns. From polka dots to stripes, this energetic living room design boasts an array of textures and patterns. When mixing patterns, having a constant color or design will help ground the space and bring all the pieces together. In this particular area, brown is used repeatedly and helps build a unified space. Design by Claire Watkins

White slipcovers are the perfect backdrop to a colorful assortment of pillows. In this Spanish-style living room, rustic red and burnt-orange pillows are laid on top for an added splash of color.

Slipcovers are a great choice in high-traffic areas. In this living space, oatmeal-colored slipcovers not only refresh the look of the furniture, they also protect the pieces from spills and stains. Design by Susan Fredman

Family Room Tour

This expansive space is made dramatic using a monochromatic scheme with just a hint of color in the artwork. White is difficult to pull off, but I love it when it works!!!!!!



Floor-to-ceiling draperies and a dramatic stone fireplace draw the eye upward in this handsome hearth room. The granite-topped cocktail table is a great-looking piece that will hold up to frequent use, and the oversized curved Henredon sectional is sure to become a favorite spot for watching a movie and entertaining friends. This cozy and comfortable setting is a smash in my opinion.

This stunning room is enhanced with round furniture in a soft, inviting Alcantara suede that complements the architecture of the home.



A black linen wrapped cocktail table contrasts with a light velvet sofa, silk pillows and ancient Asian objects. The 12-foot-long Japanese antique screen is a unique and beautiful focal piece, around which the design is built. Photo by Ralph Alswang.



This frequently used room with high ceilings required substantial furnishings that were practical and stylish. Oversized chenille sofas and a distressed-wood cocktail table "that you could put your feet up on" were the first order of the day. Casement draperies with stainless steel grommets let in light and views and offer privacy and softness. Tall banana plants and ethnic accessories round out the look and feel of this comfortable and well-used space. Photo by Ralph Alswang.

Traditional Living

Sheer drapes and a silk chaise work well in this space together. Tip: Look for a uniquely designed lamp, which can add character and style to a room.



Dramatic art provides life in this space with its bold colors. Modern furniture and classically designed draperies work well together.



This home theater has an art deco look fused with a modern touch. Luxurious silk upholstered sofas and chairs against velvet upholstered acoustical wall panels combine well with a unique deco patterned wool rug. Tip: Add wall sconces to give surround lighting that can be dimmed for viewing the movie.



This is totally my favorite, the room is conversational, comfortable and cozy!!



In this modern living room, furnishings alternately blend and contrast with the darker flooring, and rugs are purposefully unembellished to ensure maximum attention to the cosmopolitan furnishings and rich, textured fabrics. Walls are blank slates to serve as backdrops for bold artwork, which is highlighted with gallery lighting. Another favorite design of mine, they didn't forget to warm things up with plants.



If you follow my design style and blog you know black is a basic for me and I love this arrangment and the accent pillows.

The family room incorporates traditionally styled furnishings with slightly modern lines for an updated look. The mirror treatment on the wall mimics the design of the ceiling and cleverly hides the flat screen.



You get a warm and comfy feel with this room.

Cool blues and retro styles create a chic retreat in this small living space. The few accessories were selected with care. Designer tip: Modern interiors rely on clean lines and statement pieces to achieve the look.

Islands

This island is located adjacent to where meals are prepared and can be utilized for dining, for homework, as a buffet or for additional workspace. Design by Don Raney and Jaymes Richardson.



Think outside of the box when deciding on the shape of an island. This custom six-sided island is ideal for a contemporary rectangular kitchen. Design by Troy Adams. Although, I don't agree with the island choice, I like
the shape and style. I would have chosen a top with blues, tans and the wood color to tie the room together more softly.



Pull a chair up to this weighty island or take a seat at the table with a view. Both are painted black and provide a striking contrast to the rest of the cabinetry. Design by Beth Haley.



This island houses both a cooktop and a prep sink as well as ample storage in the form of drawers and open shelves. When space allows, always try to add a ledge and seating around an island. It appears this kitchen may have not had the extra room to do this.



LOVE THIS!!!
Don't feel penned in by having to choose one material for your island's surface; this design incorporates both tile and butcher block. Design by Didier Michot.



The colors blend well in this design.
This proportionately sized island is painted in the kitchen's soft green accent color for a lovely, finished look with plenty of function. Design by Jean Alan. Photo by Patty Carroll.

Sexy/Romantic Master Baths

Couples Retreat

Sleek, modern lines and a view of the Potomac River set this master bath apart from the pack. Andreas Charalambous' his-and-hers mirrors are made of sandblasted glass, which allows ample natural light to flow into the room.

What a Flirt

Play peekaboo behind a translucent glass shower with flirty polka-dot cutouts. Design by Andreas Charalambous.

Venus and Mars

This master bath by Gail Drury is the perfect combination of masculine and feminine. Neutral colors are pleasing to both sexes. A balance is struck by softening square lines by using curved glass blocks and a double vanity.

Open Air

This airy bathroom has its own balcony — perfect for stargazing after a romantic shower for two. The unique stone tub adds to the fresh and clean design. Room by Christopher J. Grubb.

Romantic Age

Dark wood, translucent screens and tiled walls create a rich and inviting spa setting. Proper lighting sets the tone for a romantic rendezvous.

Glamour for Two

Take your bathing up a notch by doing it in a raised stage complete with an open-air shower and candelabra. This romantic tiled masterpiece comes from Shelly Riehl David.

Heavenly Escape

Embrace a little danger by having your shower open to the heavens and only partially enclosed. Dave Stimmel keeps his design flirty in this master bath.

Float On

A few floating candles and a mirror turn this monochromatic area into the perfect place for a sexy soak.

Mindful Steam

Multicolored blue and gold tiles cover the benches and ceiling in this Zen-inspired steam room. LED lighting and relaxing fountain complete this design by Shelly Riehl David.