Jenni Part IV

I finished Jenni's Boston Apartment. I found that CB2 had a lot of great items at terrific prices- unless otherwise stated- CB2 was the source--- so- here goes: With my $6000 budget:

For the bedding in her bedroom- I kept it very simple- neutral linens with a fun pillow in the center. Fold back your duvet, use crisp white sheets, two bed pillows and two shams.

This "believe" print goes on the wall by the window. $179

Two of these "perspective" mirrors go over the dresser. $300

I would use four of these sconce pieces on the larger wall as you enter the bedroom, to your right. $200

This is still the dresser from Scandinavian Designs: $645

For night stands, I selected the "Twiggy" table: $200 for both.

The headboard is from West Elm: $475.

Two barstools in for the counter bar: $180

Two dining room chairs: $240

The 39 inch dining room table: $199

On the wall by the table- I selected this piece from CB2- it is made of re-cycled newspapers- a great look- and only $99 for piece over 40 inches is wonderful!

In the entry, as you enter- to your left, I added this bookcase. She did say her husband was in grad school- yes? I figured he might have a book or two. $199

With the funny shape of the living area- I took out the sofa all together. Even the love seat size was awkward to fit in there- I decided to go with two lounge chairs only. $1000

The West Elm Hudson Media Cabinet: $400

The Element Coffee table $349

On the wall behind the two chairs I am putting four mirrors- each is 31 inches square. $516

For Jenni's rug- I selected a fun green shag- 5 x 8 would probably be a good size for her place. $299.

Well- it came to $5700. I would do a a little searching for sales. I find that the best times to order furniture tend to be Labor Day and Memorial Day- so if that happens to fit into your schedule... These prices don't include tax or shipping- so we need a sale for it to work.

I would check out Craig's list once you get there to find a cute set for your patio- and pick up a couple of planters. I want you to notice a couple of things with my suggestions- stay away from matching dining sets and bedroom sets. They are so boring- and small places especially that don't have a lot of room for variety can't handle the repetition. Notice how the color pallet doesn't change dramatically from the living area to the sleeping area. Consistency in a small place is even more important than in a larger home. Notice the different textures and different materials. Double check your scale of items by putting painters tape or newspaper on the floor. Add some red and green accents on your bookcase, and other places. I added the pop of red barstools and the green rug- but you'll need to repeat those colors a bit. If you can- I would do one thing- get your two chairs locally- something that you can sit in first- and make sure they are comfortable for your and your husband. Boston will have a lot of resources.

Boston! What an adventure! I hope you love it there!

XOXO

Christine

Original Art Work- Jason Bowen

There is nothing like original art work. My daughter got a "High School Musical" poster for Christmas from a friend and I had to teach her the hard lesson that posters were not allowed in our house. (I did find a nice spot for it in her closet). I know I sound mean- but she has a darling mural all around the top of her room- and no matter how cute Troy is- I will control her room as long as possible. My husband wanted to purchase a poster at Yosemite not long after we got married- and let's just say that he learned a little more about me on that trip. ( BTW- I do allow Giclee prints in my house- I am not a total snob) Today I wanted to highlight a local artist. ( He's in the bay area- ) He married a good friend of mine- and is amazingly talented. He does beautiful commissioned portraits- as well as the look I have here on my blog today. Wouldn't you love portraits of your children??? I would. His name is Jason Bowen. Check out his blog here. He also sells giclee prints on canvass- if original art work is not in the budget.

This last one is my favorite- "Grand Morning in Venice"- Isn't it fabulous?

The Blingy Bath

Hi!

I found your blog when I searched google for ceiling tile paintable wallpaper, lol. I was wondering if you might be able to give me some advice on my powder bathroom. I'm having a hard time taking the plunge. (Heh. plunge.) I have a small powder bathroom. 5' 8"x 5' with 8 foot ceiling. We have a sconce-type light above the mirror, and a recessed light to one side above the toilet. No windows/natural light. Here is my idea for the room - you tell me if it could work without looking like a cave, or too top heavy. I wanted to put paintable ceiling tile wallpaper around the bottom half of the wall, like a wainscot, paint that a creamy or shimmery white, and add a chair rail molding, then paint the top half of the walls black. Then add crown around the ceiling. I'm still not sure do I leave the ceiling white? Then I wanted to hang a small traditional style beaded/crystal chandelier from the recessed light fixture. The fact that it's to one side makes this possible because that way the door doesn't hit it. I don't think i can do candle sconces on either side of the mirror because there is no room on one side and the only fix would be to move the sink. My husband won't go for that, lol. In my head it seems beautiful, but because there isn't any natural light, and it's small, I'm afraid that I'll get it done and realize the room looks too dark. But then again I keep thinking white "wainscot" white fixtures and white accessories should help offset the black. I really hope you have some advice for me, lol. My husband makes me feel like there is no room for trial and error when it comes to projects around the house, and it has made me a nervous wreck. I feel bad asking for your expert advice for nothing in return. I can help you add some bling to your blog if you'd like. I make "Blogicons" which are the little icons that appear in the address bar or tab of your browser. I noticed you have the blogger orange "B". I could make a custom one for you in exchange for some decor advice! :) Here is a better explanation of the blogicon. http://yourblogicon.blogspot.com/ Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing from you!!
CaraStarr

Dear Cara,

Let me help you plan more of a fail-proof plan for your room. I do worry about the black walls. I appreciate powder bathrooms that have dark wall color- but if I were to go with your plan- I would bring the wainscot up to more like a five foot level.

Want a safer plan? Add texture and pattern in your wallpaper- and have it go all the way to the ceiling- no black at all. The paper below is from Candice Olson's wallpaper book, Dimensional Surfaces. It is hard to tell how fabulous it is from this picture- but you should go check it out- or send me your address and I will have a sample sent to you. It is a faux wood grain- with a reflective mirror type texture to it. Very Cool.

I like your idea of bringing lights down in more of a side by side sconce look- check out this bathroom below- the lights are installed right on the frame of the mirror. Maybe you have more room than you thought. Install them on the frame- install them on the mirror itself. It is a great look. (Make sure your lights are small enough).

Consider a unique pendant light like the one above from Uttermost in lieu of a chandelier. I am here to keep you on the cutting edge...

And for your ceiling. I couldn't find a picture of this- so just follow me here. Use 12 x 12 or similar sized mirrors on the ceiling- adding metal tiles (2 x 2)- like the ones above- at intersecting tiles. This will give you some pizazz and bling that will make the room a showplace in your home.

For your wall- you don't need a towel bar with no shower or tub. I don't have a pictue of your room- but if you are wasting a wall with a towel bar- remove it and add art- like the art I posted at the top. This alone will go a long way to making a beautiful room.

Finish with crown molding and a decent sized base board.

If I haven't given you too much work to do already- I'd love a blogicon- thanks :)

Kentucky Mama's Bedroom

Christine,
I'm attaching pictures of my small bedroom for some decorating help. The size of the bedroom is 12x12. Things I love about the bedroom is my bedding from Restoration Hardware, which is a paisley print in Celery, and my print above the nightstand. I love the look of upholstered headboards, but right now it's not an option. I had this furniture before I moved into the house, so I've done my best with making the flow work best.

My questions for you are:
1. What kind of lighting would you recommend? I want to get rid of the ceiling fan. I attached a picture from overstock of a light that I'm really liking right now.
2. What about bedside lighting? Would you replace the lamp with something bigger to scale or a sconce on each side of the bed? Would that be too many shades with the ceiling light too?
3. Do I need a rug? If so, what kind and what size? How would you suggest placing it?
4. What are your other ideas for art work? Like I said, I really like my print I have in there. Should I get the other one that is included in the set for the other side of the bed to balance things out?
5. I need help with window treatments. I have no idea though.
6. At the end of the bed, i have a cheap flimsy mirror and a basket that holds my "morning routine" I get ready in my bedroom every morning to avoid waking my daughter. I attached a couple of pictures for some ideas I came up with. One is a floor length mirror from Ballard Designs. It is called The Stella. The stacked basket idea came from Velvet and Linen blog. This would be great for extra storage and hide my blowdryer, etc.

I'd love to hear your ideas. I also posted my bedroom on my blog with more images if you are curious
http://elizabeth-kentuckymama.blogspot.com/2009/11/blah-blah-bedroom-decorating-advice.html

Thanks for a great blog!
Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth,

You are off to a good start in your bedroom- and I will help you finish. Consider these things:

1. Furniture Arrangement


2. Texture


3. Lighting

First of all. You need to re-arrange your room. I don't want to hear any excuses- or reasons to keep it where it is- because it needs to move. Your headboard should not be on that wall. Move your headboard to the wall adjacent to the wall with the door. I only see three walls in your pictures- I assume the fourth has a closet. Put your headboard on the wall with no window, and no door. Put your large dresser piece on the wall where your headboard currently is. There. That's better.

Now, let's add some texture- look around your room- it is completely void of interesting texture.

I also really like your art work. It is about the right scale to be above your night stand. I only see one night stand. Don't get a second piece of art without getting a second night stand. You are fine with just one. You do need something large above the bed. Your headboard is too low to go without. Don't get another piece of art- they would compete with each other on the same wall. I selected a piece of alternative wall decor for you- the piece above is from Uttermost. It is 44 x 44- and would fill the space perfectly.

The mirror you like from Ballard Designs is great- and adds some shiny texture. I like your idea of the silhouettes- use those on another wall- and a plate collage on the last wall.

In addition to that- add greenery. I'd get a nice large piece and put it on top of the dresser. Also- get a good plant in a large pot- put it in a corner- add an uplight and put it on a timer.

Yes- add an area rug. The one at the top of the post is a faux sheep skin. It would seriously up the style factor- as well as the coziness factor. Rug from Homedecorator.com

Texture can also be brought in with your bedding. Your bedding is nice- but incomplete. Add a fluffy blanket at the base of the bed, or put one on your bed and fold back the duvet. Now add at least one accent pillow with a different texture.

The sixth place I'd like to see you introduce texture is with a bolder window treatment. Now that the bed is moved- add full length drapery panels. I would lose the cornice- but then I am not a big cornice fan. Add at least two more patterns while you are at it- you have one- and need a minimum of three. One on the drapes- one on the accent pillow.

Thirdly- we need to improve lighting. Put your small lamp on the tall dresser. Put it on a timer and consider it accent lighting. Replace your ceiling fan with a chandelier like the one above from Uttermost. (This alone will make a huge difference in the room.) Add a larger table lamp on the nightstand. As I have said before- it is such a common mistake to have too small a lamp on your nightstand. The bottom of the shade should be above your head when sitting in bed reading. I'd say a minimum height of 36 inches. (generally speaking.) The lamp below is similar to the one from your post- but coordinates with the chandelier I selected. Your two choices were "OK"- but mine work together a little better. (and yet they are not part of a matching set.)

There you are- furniture arrangement (do that today), texture, and lighting. Your room will really look spectacular. Send us some after pics!

As a post script- I don't like your ceiling color with your wall color- I would change the ceiling color. Make it a darker shade of your wall color- not too dark. It will be cozy.

Happy New Year!

XOXO

Christine

Karen's Place

Dear Christine,
I am stuck on a color for my kitchen, family room, and hall. Finding a color that goes well with my granite counter tops is seeming impossible! I also was trying to have it coordinate with the adjoining dinning room and entry way, (they are a light, cool yellow) but am not sure that is possible. Maybe I need to repaint those as well. What do you suggest? I am stumped!

Thank you!

Karen

This is the color of my dinning room and living room, which are on either side of the entry:

This is the color of my granite:

Dear Karen,

When a wall is a tricky as yours is- it generally means there is a larger problem here than just the wall color. You have black leather, some colorful pillows that don't seem to have any black in them, gray stone, some yellow paint, white woodwork, and green and black granite. What is missing here? A unifier.

Fabric is a good way to go when looking for a unifier. I would add some Roman shades. (No panels with the design of the room- panels should go to the floor always.) Window treatments are an opportunity to add a unifier. Check out this fabric from Robert Allen. (Same fabric above and below- one picture is a close up.) This gives you a starting point. I would then find pillows (not solids- but patterns-) that bring in these colors- the blues and persimmons- mixed with black. Remember- at least three patterns in a room- different sized patterns.

Then on your wall- consider a grasscloth. The one below is from Leland. This would be rich and a beautiful contrast with your white woodwork. You can use the fabric and the light strings in the grasscloth to find your perfect paint color.

While I am here- let me address your wall decor. The grouping above your sofa is too small. You need more items- or a larger item. Your scale is off. This piece below by Uttermost is 80 inches in length. It also adds some repetition of the color you are adding. Right now- you don't have repetition- and it makes none of your accent colors really work. If someone came to your house- and then left- and someone asked, "what color was her family room?" they would start to stutter! Define your pallet through repetition.

When I first started this blog I went into great detail on how to decorate your mantle- look at these old posts- start at the beginning- and it will be clear that you need to "re-do." I see seven separate items up there- and I should see one beautiful collection of items. Your art work is also on the small side- and not helping with your color repetition. Check out the wall decor below that I found from Uttermost. It is 36 x 36- and repeats your colors.

Happy decorating Karen. You have a beautiful home to start with.

XOXO

Christine