Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

which is the fairest of them all?

There is much to choose from when selecting accessories, and mirrors are no exception. Mirrors are a versatile piece of wall decor. They provide beauty in themselves, and they can also enhance the space by reflecting warmth, expanding views, and projecting space.

These three caught my eye this week.

















West Elm Antiqued Tiled Mirror
Lets stand a tall wall mirror in the hallway. The tiled border adds to the visual interest, but still keeps it clean. Perhaps it is reflecting some vibrantly colored room or outdoor garden at the other end of the hall.

















Brissi Louis Phillipe Mirror
This is the mirror I want in my bedroom. This Louis Phillipe Mirror is a great copy, and easily accessible...if you live in London. Boo.














Arteriors Nikita Mirror
I am drawn to these panels and often think about separating them and placing them in between furniture in a dining room or entrance hall. The finish says formal, but the shapes are quite playful. That would work in any number of design schemes!

West Elm www.westelm.com
Brissi www.brissi.co.uk
Arteriors www.arteriorshome.com/

Starting Fresh

A couple with a 2 year old--and a baby on the way--have just moved into a home that hasn't been touched since 1978. And, in 1978 it was just the kitchen that received a facelift. So, they are truly starting anew with a wonderful colonial with great bones.

Let's breathe some new life into a classic treasure.

A Home Office

Working from home allows you to move beyond the cubicle and create a textured space that meets your needs--functionally and stylistically. When your room looks like this, you might be excited to go to work.

Enjoy the commute!

How do you choose wall colors?

Does a fan deck scare you?

The color of your walls can be the most critical part of your design scheme. When the shade suits the space, a level of perfection is reached that is so high, one might not even notice the color. Or, the color is so right for the room that it sings, and presents a stage for the other elements to join in the chorus. But, missing a color can have equally strong results, of the negative kind.

So, how can you best gauge the color without painting and repainting for months on end? (Which I have done!)

Paint Boards! These can be carried around the room to be seen in different lights. But, when you are ready to put the project down for a moment, you don't have to have a paint square on your wall.

To begin, purchase 20x30" foam boards and sample pot of the desired color.

Paint the boards using a paint brush or a roller (best).

Move the boards around the room at various times of day to confirm which one is the ideal shade for the space.

You can even check your accent color. A dressing room will be coral, above, and the master bedroom will be one of those shades of gray.

Once you know you love it, paint that room!

Photo Credit: Amy Smith http://amysmithdesign.com
Benjamin Moore Paints

Why do I love this?

Texture, simplicity, warmth.

I think is why I folded down the page when I was flipping through the catalog. It would look so lovely in an entry (obvi) or a home office--maybe with covered magazine files on top and an upholstered stool under for impromptu seating.

(Like when your daughter comes in and wants to tell you about her day...)

West Elm Parsons Console in Natural Rattan
www.westelm.com

Summer Entertaining, on a dime!

It looks like the sun might actually come out in Seattle this week. Not one to waste Vitamin D, we will be entertaining outside!

I have loved seeing the melamine dishware--some even monogrammed--that has graced the pages of Elle Decor and House Beautiful this month. Such lovely things and I do think a set of these would look AMAZING at our backyard table.

The reality of our backyard table, however, is that it lives on a soon-to-be replaced deck. So, our dinnerware has come from some sneaky sources.

The Midsommar plate set (in red, set of 4 for $1.99 at Ikea) is happily paired with braided placements (World Market, $15.96 for four).

Napkins get to stand out at our table and when we are entertaining with children, paper is usually the best call. I was charmed by the Midsommar collection (also at Ikea, $2.49 for 30).

Adding some real glassware might feel like a nice contrast with the plastic plates. I think I would, however, embrace the durability of plastic and break out my melamine tumblers.

Happy Almost Summer!

Midsommar Plates and Napkins, Ikea.com
Braided Placemats, World Market
Melamine Glasses, Graham and Green

Dear Friend,

I found a rug that made me think of you. It is soft, but fine. Has some texture, but in a neat weave. And, it comes in a variety of colors that evoke summer ease, as well as cozy winter evenings. I am quite enamored!
Take a look at this. I think it would look so lovely in your bedroom, or perhaps in the tv room. Or, what would you think if we covered your stairs with this?
Talk soon!
Love,
Me

Dash and Albert Zipper Rug
www.dashandalbert.com

Hello!

I am a devoted blog reader. Family blogs, travel blogs, cooking blogs...those capture my interest. But, design blogs motive me. They inspire me. They are a creative driving force. In some ways, these blogs have taken the hole left by the closing of several important shelter magazines. They delight my senses with images of beauty. And, a few make me laugh.

I have always loved interior design and architecture. I know I was not alone in wanted to redesign my childhood bedroom. I viewed my college dorm room as a blank canvas each year. And, my first apartment? Sheer bliss. My first studio, alone? Even more amazing. A home with my new husband? Delight. A home for my new family? Joy.

As an interior designer in Seattle, I have started a small business bringing the joy and fun of designing and decorating into homes and small businesses. I love this work. I also love my green notebooks that I have filled with clippings, notes, sketches, and ideas. In some ways, I am hoping this blog will be musings much like what I add to my notebooks. I also hope to show a little of the design process for projects currently in progress.

So, here are some thoughts from my notebook...