Secrets Of Redesign

NonCreative-itus

I go through stages of being really creative and then, because of the nature of the blog, I open my big mouth via the keyboard and talk about being creative which in turn means Im not actually creating anything since Im so busy talking about it.  Clearly, Im not good at multitasking.  July, my month offish has been good for me to begin to get my creativeness back.  I thought Id share what I did to start those juices flowing.

I allowed myself to buy a few things even if I didnt know where Ill put them or how I will use them.

A few months ago I wrote about my crackdown on thrift store purchases and Ive followed through.  But, I realized that suddenly I have no projects, no parts to inspire making a whole.  Its all about balance.  So yesterday I spent $29 at a thrift store on pure inspiration.  It was money well spent.  Here are a few things Ive purchased over the last month or so

This big blue painting.  Angela is the queen of painting collections and she has really inspired me.  I bought that tiny painting up there for $1 a few months ago.  Its yet to look right anywhere in my house and I realized it needed some friends.  So I paid $2.50 for a buddy and I hope to collect a few more over time.

Ive noticed lots of pendant lights made of this stuff recently.  Maybe Ill try to make one. Two dollars.

I bought $8 worth of doilies at #ilovethrifting day.  I pinned them on my drapes to see if I like them there.  So far, I do, so that might turn into an upcoming mistreatment.

I also bought random sheets from the thrift store.  Gross, right? No worries, I wash them in the sanitary cycle in my machine.

I also bought some of these dishes, not sure were theyll end up.

Five pretty bowls for 80 cents each.

And I bought this pair of cafe curtains just because I love the bottom three inches of each of them.

Want to jump-start your creativity?  Maybe you could use a venture into a thrift store without a plan.

On The Right Side of the Bed

By using a variety of different styling techniques one can easily change the look of a bed. The integration of pillows, bedskirts, headboards, style of bed frame and type of bedding can alter the overall impression that a bed gives. In addition, depth and texture can be added with color and the use of different materials. My favorite way to style a bed is to use three Euro sized pillows across the back then to add front shams and pillow throws. Phoebe Howard creates a subtle but pretty look here by using a headboard, bedskirt, plain duvet and five extra decorative pillows.

This simplistic bed and neutral palette room designed by Timothy Whealon creates a calming bedroom. The white upholstered headboard, different colored bed linens and pillows tie the bed in with the room decor.

This four poster bed and simple bed add to the vintage touches in this bedroom designed by Aidan Cassidy and Charles Teti. Its interesting to think about how this picture would change with the use of pillows.

Large pillows, a textured coverlet and a pretty bed create a soothing environment. The classic pieces of furniture help this large space to be tranquil and inviting. Notice how the patterned pillows behind the white pillows add some depth to the look of the bed.

Using an accent colour on extra throw pillows on your bed can help tie in the bedding with the rest of the room decor. The headboard matches the color of the bedding, creating continuity in the room.

This darker, more masculine bedroom uses a variety of pillow shapes as well as a fur blanket at the foot of the bed to add texture and shape to this bedroom.

Marietta Himes Gomez creates a pretty bed by adding three layers of pillows and a simple duvet to create an inviting and tranquil bedroom.

Hows your bed styled? Any tips or tricks to share?

Image credits: Phoebe Howard (1), Timothy Whealon interiors (2),  Aidan Cassidy and Charles Teti for Elle Decor (3), Brian Gluckstein for House and Home (4), John Saladino for Elle Decor (5),  Andrew Halliday & David Greer for  House Beautiful (6), and Marietta Himes Gomez (7).

Sloping Arms

Sloping arms on furniture are one of my favorite characteristics. They add visual elegance and can be very comfortable.  I like the contrast of this small vintage sofa with sloping arms opposite a large modern sofa.

This chair with sloped arms fits quietly in this bedroom.

These matching armchairs in Keri Russels home show off how beautiful sloping arms can be.

Guest desk chairs with sloping arms create an inviting, casual office space.

A good spot to read, especially when the arms are upholstered.

This sitting room is pretty with the sloped arms chairs around the round table.

Are you a fan too?

Image Credits: John Loecke for Lonny Magazine (1), Scott Sanders for House Beautiful (2), Kerri Russel & Shane Deary in Elle Decor (3), Patrick Printy for Elle Decor (4), West Elm (5), and House and Home (6).

My Favorite Things: Cherry Blossoms

Although spring has passed here in Charlotte, spring always makes me think of cherry blossoms as they are one of my favorite things. In the past few weeks I have been thinking of them and more frequently noticing the pattern. I wondered if they originated in Japan, how did they become the tree of Washington DC? Interesting to find that the city of Tokyo gave the city of Washington DC 3,000 Cherry Blossom trees in 1912.

The interior decorating world has always taken beautiful natural patterns and integrated them into our homes. The delicate, intricate blossoms are known the world over for their beauty. This room uses a sophisticated light fixture based on the cherry blossom design and a wall decal to add visual interest to this gray room.

I love the delicate images of cherry blossoms featured on these dishes from Details by Lili Diallo

The ever favorite Flowering Quince by Clarence House,

and a less expensive version made by Calico Corners which Caitlin Creer used so nicely on this chair.

How perfect this Christofle Hanami china is for high tea (especially since I have been doing a little post Royal Wedding tracking).

Miles Redd adds life to this hallway by using cherry blossom wallpaper.

I love this pretty Ming Cherry Blossom wallpaper by Schumacher.

Are cherry blossoms one of your favorites too?

Image credits: Google Image (1), Google Image (2), Elle Decor (3), Details by Lili Diallo via The City Sage (4), Domino magazine (5),  Caitlin Creer Blog (6), Hanami by Christofle via Positively Beauty (7), Miles Redd (8)  via Chinoiserie Chic blog (9 & 10).