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Quadrille wallpaper in living room with red chairs.

Classic Interior Design Treatments that I Love!

I thought you’d enjoy seeing some of the things that I love, in my interior design work. Some of these are trending, but they all are classic treatments with staying power. Most of what you see here will just be the tip of the iceberg, in terms of what’s available, or possibilities, so if you like something, let me know and I can help you bring it into your life.

Quadrille Wallpaper (and Fabrics)!

Quadrille fabric and wallpaper have been a long-time favorite home resource of mine. Because I’m such a big fan of these prints, whenever I need to consider a fabric or wallpaper I always take a look at Quadrille’s selection on their site. While Quadrille is “to the trade” only, let me know if you are interested in using this in your space and I can make it happen for you. I hope you like the styles as much as I do. Here are some lovely examples.

Quadrille blue & white bathroom wallpaper

Quadrille orange and white wallpaper, bedroom

Lovely Quadrille blue and white trellis design

Lime & white Quadrille wallpaper in bedroom accented with pink.

Blue and white trellis background Quadrille

Decorative Books

These handmade parchment, vibrant metallic, and leather-bound books are some of my favorite accessories to decorate any bookshelves. I use them in my own personal spaces as well. If you want to explore these for yourself, visit their site: elawrenceltd.com The examples I’m giving here are just the tip of the iceberg.

Metallic binding adds touch of luxury.

Turquoise marbling on bookbinding adds another shot of color.

Art quote made up of decorative bound books.

Personalized geo location on decorative book binding is a neat touch.

Old world style decorative books add a nice antique touch.

Humorous literary quote made through stack of decorative books.

Custom Draperies

Draperies can be a key element in a room’s design. From adding a splash of color to completely pulling a room together, drapery is as beautiful as it is functional. Windows offer so many possibilities to add beauty and style to a room, and custom draperies can perfectly accommodate any space or functional situation, especially in conjunction with other window treatments, to create a unique impression. With custom drapes, you never have to settle – they are made just for you!
Elegant sweep of custom draperies.
Box cornice with custom draperies.
Tri-tone color and pattern for a fabulous look!
Sculpted valance and custom draperies add unmatched elegance.
Two-tone solid and pattern custom draperies combined with other window treatments for a look that ties everything together.
Old world elegance with these sophisticated custom draperies.

Custom Bedding – One of the True Classic Interior Design Treatments

The bed is the centerpiece of every bedroom, and the core of every well-designed bedroom, anchoring the overall theme throughout. I love how custom bedding can layer on some wonderful colors and textures, pulling the room together beautifully. More so with accessories, headboards, or other treatments, few things immediately impart “luxury” as nicely as custom bedding. And don’t discount the”snuggle factor” either!

custom bedding 1

custom bedding 2

custom bedding 3

custom bedding 4

Maybe some of my favorite things can become your favorite things too! If anything you’ve seen here lights a fire, please let me know and I can show you how to add any of these classic interior design treatments into your space. Just message me here, right below this blog post or at the “contact” link, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can call me anytime at: (407) 947-7718.

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Attractive use of red in interior design

How to Decorate with Red (and What to Avoid)

The color red mixes well with almost any color scheme, but how do you decorate with red without going overboard? Here are five quick and easy ways to add red to your home based on the kind of style you’re considering, followed by some thoughts on what to try to avoid.

Most of us don’t wear red from head-to-toe on a daily basis, so why do this to your walls? Consider how you wear red and translate your wardrobe to your room. While red is the color of passion if you’re too passionate about the color you may be seeing red (literally) in your home. Red can go everywhere from cheery and happy to angry and aggressive. You don’t want to overdo it and, conversely, you don’t want to be wimpy with it either.

Red art, red sofa in living room

Red works very well as an accent color in everything from lighting and candles to pillows and walls. Accents of red can be used to draw your eye to other areas of the room that might ordinarily be overlooked. Entice, intrigue and invite with red – it’s an excellent vehicle for that.

red side tables jazz up turquoise interior

Consider adding a single piece of red artwork to your space. When it comes to red, less is often more. Red also goes a long way to adding drama and eye-catching appeal (like a high-gloss red front door.

Inviting red front door

When considering the shade of red to use as a focal point, look to your decorating style and your house’s architecture. Red should be well-thought-out, as well as the shade itself.

Choose Your Style to Find the Right Reds to Decorate with

Contemporary Design incorporates neutral elements with pops of bold color, often red.
On the door: Bold, bright red
Inside: Bright red shades in a pillow, rug, or throw

Modern Design calls for all kinds of reds: from primary hues to classic shades with burgundy or brown undertones.
On the door: Any red you love that makes a statement.
Inside: Consider injecting red through a painting or piece of art.

Traditional Design stays away from primary reds and instead involves burgundy or black tones.
On the door: A deep, rich red
Inside: Decorate with Oriental rugs injected with darker reds.

Deep shades of red in traditional living area

Transitional Design relies on a neutral palette, a perfect canvas for pops of red.
On the door: Match this red to hues you use inside the home, or skip the red door entirely to keep a more neutral (transitional) theme.
Inside: Choose a softer and more indirect approach like a red lamp or piece of art.

Country Reds are chalkier and softer: Think barn or scarlet reds. Choose reds with pinkish and purplish hues, like the color of a ripening apple.
On the door: Barn red
Inside: Accessorize with country reds in knickknacks and fabrics.

Here are a few beautiful examples of red used selectively so as to not overpower a room:

Subtle use of red in patterns and prints

Red chairs that make a room sing!

Use red to tie everything together – luxuriously.

Some Style “Don’ts” to Decorate with Red

Remember, red is a tricky color to decorate with. Along with many attractive and eye-catching effects when decorating with red, there are definitely ways you can go wrong with this pop of color. Here are a few “don’ts” for you to consider, and remember, nothing is sacred, so go where your (red) heart moves you! (the pictures aren’t examples of what’s “bad”, but they may move your red needle in one direction or the other, too much or too little)

Don’t Stick with One Shade

Red art, chair and in a rug, in a modern setting.
A common misconception is that you must stick with one particular shade of a color when choosing a color scheme for your room. You want to avoid this even with muted colors like grays, blues, and whites, but you especially want to steer clear of this when you are incorporating red into your home’s interior. Using only the same shade of red or any color in one space that you are designing will become overstimulating (and overused) quite quickly. When looking to decorate with red consider a variety of shades, from softer choices to more flamboyant options. Using several shades will give your room a sense of depth and variety, which won’t make your space visually overwhelming.

Don’t Overdo or Over-Emphasize

For some, this may be too much red.
As I’ve indicated, designing and decorating with the color red is a constant balancing act between using too little and using too much. You can start by asking yourself one of two questions: Do I have enough red? Or do I have too much? If you find yourself asking the latter, you’ll want to take a step back and identify where you are over-emphasizing the red. If you feel that sense of being overwhelmed and your walls are not yet red, a way to pull things back is painting the room’s walls in earth tones or dark browns. The earthy shades will help ground any red in the room and also provide a viable contrast.

Don’t Retreat into Minimalism

Beautiful red cabinet, with red accents and in the art, adding dramatic boldness to the space.
Adding pops of color to an interior styled in a very minimalistic sense usually will add some good visual contrast. However, when you decide to decorate with red decor or red paint, you are probably not thinking “minimal” in your approach in general. Red room designs will be very visually dramatic. Golds, mirrored items, and bold window treatments will complement the drama found in the shades of red you’ve decided on throughout a room. Red shines in styles that are typically over-the-top, glamorous, and chic. For more drama, use over-the-top red-accented decor to play up a room’s bold display, and you’ll likely create a daring space in your home.

Don’t Be Too Timid

A red Oriental rug with other touches of red in accents can nicely "set" a room.
Just like sticking with one shade, using one piece of red-accented decor won’t add much more than a slight pop of color to an area. You can be as bold as the color red itself. Red stimulates attraction and appetites, so why not integrate red into your kitchen and dining rooms? When decorating your home’s interior with any red decor or paint you need to be open to taking a risk and be confident in your choices. If you aren’t ready to commit to painting, several red (remember, different shades) decorative accessories may have the same effect. Red room designs often come across as warm, inviting, and dramatic. So don’t be afraid and know that the thing to master when using red is to find the middle ground between beauty and function.

Once you’ve made the decision to decorate with red and incorporate multiple shades, try to be bold, dramatic, and confident in styling your interior. Take your time, find your own middle ground, and if you feel you’re over-emphasizing the color, dial it back, but still accessorize more than what minimalistic styles call for. When decorating with red, remember to design a space you’ll love living in!

I’d love to know your thoughts on decorating with red, especially some of the styles shown here! Is your home currently decorated with red in one form or another? Do you feel it needs some help? I can show you how to pull it all together, or we can start from scratch, of course. Just message me here, right below this blog post or at the “contact” link, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can call me anytime at: (407) 947-7718.

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Cozy up with orange - living room accents

Cozy Up with Orange!

Orange is a contemporary, fun and warm color, but it can be tricky to decorate with. No worries, here are some sweet ideas to inspire you in decorating with orange! With my help, you’ll soon be an expert on how to decorate with orange to add some contemporary flair and warmth to a room.

So, how to get started decorating with orange? First of all, you don’t have to spend a fortune or redo your house to add orange. The color works beautifully with earth tones and neutrals such as taupes, beiges, and grey. It is such a vibrant and eye-catching tone that a little can go a long way. And because of that, you don’t have to commit to a lot of orange to make things work nicely, just choose a few elements instead, starting with some of the ideas below.

Let’s Start with Your Front Door

Painting your front door orange expresses positivity to your neighborhood and draws people to your home! Its festive warmth is very inviting!

Decorating with Orange in the Kitchen Area

Look how fun this is!  Orange pendant lamps add a cheerful vibe to a transitional open kitchen space.

Living Area Space

A well-balanced variety of orange home accents includes wall art, throw pillows, an area rug, and porcelain vases.

Dining Space

Orange leather dining chairs are carried forward into the large vertical artwork that adds height to the dining room.

Dining Space (part two)

How about adding a burnt orange rug under a dining table to make a subtler statement.

Bathroom

Now, this is fun (and stylish)! Whimsical ocean-inspired wallpaper is enhanced with s few bright orange elements on the vanity to help draw attention to the orange fish.

Decorating with Orange in the Bedroom Space

Paint the interior of an alcove in a bold, vibrant orange for a fresh, modern look. The color is repeated in a lovely mix of fabrics that support each other but don’t overwhelm.

Autumnal Orange Palette

Here is a nice paint palette I selected if you choose to use it as a starting point. You may not see a lot of color differentiation between these colors, but lighting (natural and artificial) can make a huge difference in selecting the right color for the right mood; finish makes a big difference too. Talk to me. I can help guide you to the perfect palette for your specific space. Just reply to this email.

Let me know your thoughts about working orange into your holiday decorating – as well as your general decor, I’d love to hear what you think. It’s a great color to start with and works beautifully with very muted complementary, analogous colors and warm creams, grays, and beiges – or even greiges (it’s exactly what you’re thinking it is; the ratio of beige to gray in your greige determines whether it is a cool or warm neutral).

If you would like ideas for decorating with orange (or adding in just the right touch of this fun color) in your home or office space, let me know. It all depends on your taste for orange in general, but it’s a delightful color to add some pizazz to your decor this Fall – or any – season. I’d love to hear from you, just click the contact link on this website and message me here, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can call me anytime at: (407) 947-7718.
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classic round mirror in dining room

Decorating with Mirrors!

Mirrors Reflect Your Image

mirror at entryway

The most common reason to have a mirror is to view your own reflection, of course. But while you most certainly have mirrors in each of your bathrooms, and perhaps your bedroom too—you may not have thought to put a mirror in an entryway, mudroom or hallway! In these spaces, they’re perfect for last-minute checks of your appearance before heading out the door. Decorating with mirrors can really open up a room or space, and bring extra light into places that could use it.

You’ll be surprised how much you use and appreciate a mirror when placed, as this one is, near a set of hooks, a shelf or console where you can stash other items you may need to freshen up. Or, so you can easily grab your necessities on your way out the door.

This stylish idea has a convenience factor that’s hard to beat, and luckily it’s easy to find mirrors that are beautiful enough for even the grandest of entries. Let’s look at a variety of ways decorating with mirrors can enhance style and functionality in your rooms.

Mirrors Reflect Light

mirror reflecting outside light into a room

Here’s a real “mirror no-no” when it comes to design: Try not to place your mirrors on walls that reflect other walls, or your TV setup, or even worse, just the ceiling (what?!). It really doesn’t do much for your space.

Instead, opt for art on these walls (and don’t angle anything towards the ceiling) and place your mirror where it can catch the light from a window or the rest of a nice, open room, instead.

Dark rooms, or dens without windows, would especially benefit from a mirror. They help bounce natural light around the room, even if it’s coming from a lamp or a ceiling light. For extra sparkle at night, consider placing candles or lamps in front of a mirror that hangs above a console table or buffet for a truly glowy atmosphere.

Mirrors Reflect Space

large mirror making a room feel larger

Just as mirrors can give the illusion of more light, they can also make a room feel larger than it really is, which is great when you’re living in a small home or apartment. When hung low or when propped against a wall, large mirrors, in particular, give the illusion of more space.

Mirrors in tight spaces and small rooms are great, as they can reflect a larger area, even extending into adjacent rooms. Although it is true that larger mirrors come with heftier price tags, they also take up lots of wall space, which can be a benefit if your room is art-challenged. (And it will cost less than framing tons of smaller pieces.)

The sense of depth that mirrors lend to small spaces may be worth the higher price. And, consider turning lots of smaller, inexpensive mirrors into a larger singular installation.

6 small inexpensive mirrors grouped as one large mirror

Mirrors Reflect Your Style

stylish mirrored wall art

As I’ve discussed so far, mirrors can serve a lot of important purposes beyond just looking pretty and helping make sure you look good, too. They are also useful accessories to choose for small or dark spaces because they give the illusion of more space and light—both of which are also good things.

In addition to these practical purposes, the sheer variety of mirror styles, colors and shapes available these days make it fun to choose one (or more) for your space. Sometimes, you don’t need a mirror, you just want one. Maybe, it would make a great accent in your room, or you found it at a flea market and couldn’t say no, or the color of the frame just spoke to you.

A driftwood mirror is perfect for a coastal space, while no mid-century modern home would be complete without a starburst mirror. Mirrors can have rustic wood finishes, mosaic tile borders, lacquered baroque frames, gilded leaves, leather with nailhead trim, and even fur or cowhide frames.

Here Are Some Tips on Decorating with Mirrors

luxurious round mirror makes bedroom sparkle

Mirrors are great for so many reasons—they reflect light, they open up spaces, and they just make rooms look better in general. But before you start hanging them left, right, and center there are some things to keep in mind. Here are a few tips on how to decorate with mirrors.

Consider the Reflection

As I indicated earlier, before you hang a mirror take into account what is across from it. While we often hang mirrors based on available wall space, it’s important to think about what will be reflected in it. When hung opposite an important architectural element, painting, or piece of furniture it will give that item even more importance—as it will if hung across from something unattractive. Also, whenever possible hang a mirror across from a window. It will significantly increase the amount of light in the room.

Placement Matters when Decorating with Mirrors

Aside from placing it across from something visually appealing, a mirror should always be hung at the appropriate height for the space. Unlike art which should always be hung at eye level, mirror placement will depend on what you want to be reflected. Eye-level works in many cases, but higher or lower can work better, depending on the situation.

Think Big with Mirrors

Don’t be afraid to use a large mirror in a small space. Mirrors create the illusion of depth and space so they can really help make a small room feel bigger. A full-length mirror leaning against the wall is a great decorative element to use in a tiny room. Mirrors are also great for narrow spots such as hallways. And a mirror wall can completely open up a room!

Decorating with Mirrors can Create a Focal Point

Mirrors make great focal points. It’s why they are so often placed above mantels and dining room buffets. Hang sconces on either side and you’ve got the perfect focal point in any room.

Don’t Forget About Style

Mirrors can be modern, traditional, edgy, classic—pretty much anything. It all depends on the frame. Consider what effect you want to create when choosing a mirror in a frame. A beautiful Chinoiserie mirror will have a far different effect on a room than a simple wood frame. There’s also the mirror itself, smoky glass and antique mirrors with imperfections can be very moody and greatly contribute to the look of a space.

Hang Mirrors Properly

A small nail hammered into the wall won’t cut it. Use proper wall hooks or picture hangers and be sure to use two (one at either end). This will ensure the mirror is held flat to the wall. A wire hung on a single hook is not only dangerous but it can cause the mirror to rest against the wall at an angle, distorting the reflection. If the mirror is very heavy, have it hung by professionals.

Use Several Mirrors at Once

Don’t be afraid to create a gallery wall with mirrors. Like with any photo wall, treat them as one unit when deciding on placement. That said, a mirrored gallery wall will look best in a room with little clutter. All of the frames can be visually busy—add that to a small, cluttered room and it could be too much.

About Mirrored Furniture

Mirrored furniture has gone through a few periods of popularity. While it can be great for reflecting light and elongating walls, don’t use it in a room that has a lot going on. The extra reflections will just be too much.

Everybody loves mirrors, for a variety of reasons, but using mirrors properly can be a bit tricky. What they say about real estate applies here too: location, location, location (and laying flat against the wall). Spoiler alert: the key takeaway is to always consider what is being reflected in a mirror, and that will dictate where it’s hung. I hope you like these tips about decorating with mirrors! Let me know what you think! If you’d like me to consult for finding your perfect mirror(s) and that perfect location, I’m always here to help! I’d love to hear from you, just click the contact link on this website and message me here, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can call me anytime at: (407) 947-7718.

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The Christmas Decorators - Soho Interior Design

Christmas Will Be Here Before You Know It!

Soho Interior Design offers The Christmas Decorators.

Just a reminder to everyone that booking early to have me and my Christmas Decorators team dress up your home or business for the holidays is a great way to avoid last-minute frustration! Our available slots tend to fill up fast! We’ve been doing Christmas decorating for 5 years now, and have several very pleased repeat clients. If you’re hosting a Christmas or holiday-time party or having family visit for the holidays, we can decorate your home and create that warm, inviting Christmastime vibe!

If you think you’ll be in town and want your home done up for the holidays, early booking is a great way to lock things in. Click this link to check out some of my past holiday projects, showcased on my website. We’d love to customize your home for your Christmas! Just click the contact link on this website and message me here, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. And, of course, you can call me anytime at: (407) 947-7718. It’s easy to book The Christmas Decorators!

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5 Decorating Tips to Make Your Home Cozy

5 Decorating Tips to Make Your Home Cozy

Regardless of the season, every home can benefit from adding a little cozy comfort.

Having a home that is inviting — that beckons to visitors and lingers in the minds of guests — makes for both an enjoyable and memorable place. And there’s a big benefit to creating a home that is inviting to guests: it’s more inviting to you — and that’s really the important thing — the added delight you’ll have spending time in your cozy home! I’ll share some tips to try that will help you craft a home that welcomes everyone who walks through its doors — and wraps you up in a little cozy comfort!

 

1. Touches from the outdoors create a cozy and organic look in your home: Use branches from your backyard to create a sculpture-like tabletop vignette. The best part of this is it’s free! What you see here is a branch arrangement that is paired with a nature-inspired bowl filled with succulents, coordinating with the grouping’s sea green and azure blue glassware.

 

2. Be Eclectic: Mixing and matching different styles creates a personalized look for your home.  Don’t be afraid to dive in and try it, just be sure to keep one dominant element and mix styles through the accessories.

 

3. Layered Windows: Add more texture and warmth to a room by layering a simple shade with drapes. Here, bamboo shades are paired with a patterned drape. There are so many options available for incredibly stylish, warm and cozy results.

 

4. Upholstered Headboards: Choosing plush or upholstered furniture will set the cozy feeling throughout your home – especially for a headboard in your bedroom.

 

5.  Lighting: Create an “old-style” feel with a chandelier, flickering candle, or mod lamp. Having soft lighting can make a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.

Here are a few more tips to make your home feel warm and cozy:

  • Select a warm paint color
  • Incorporate wood
  • Layer with rugs
  • Add texture
  • Blend old and new
  • Add something organic in every room
  • Bring in small comforts like pillows and throws
  • Hang pictures at eye level

I hope you like these tips! Let me know what you think! If you’d like me to consult for creating more coziness in your home, I’d be glad to help! I’d love to hear from you, just click the contact link on this website and message me here, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can call me anytime at: (407) 947-7718.

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No Entryway? No Problem! Here are 5 Beautiful Solutions!

No Entryway? No Problem! Here are 5 Beautiful Solutions!

I’ve found some exciting ideas for creating what might be described as a “faux entryway”, especially useful for homes that don’t have a foyer! These DIY small-space solutions will help you hack your way to an entryway (whether you already have one or not) — like hanging shelves, narrow tables, and cute cubbies — so you can store more in your faux entryway with style.

 

1. Shelf Solution

Install a wall-mount shelf that can house keys, sunglasses, and other rushing out the door essentials, while a large mirror allows for last minute checks. Be sure to use a shallow shelf, or you can risk nicking the door each time it opens.

 

2. Another Shelf Solution

Create your own side table with a large corbel and interesting top, the chalkboard is the perfect place to scribble last-minute reminders.

 

3. Color Explosion

Let the accessories do the talking. An intricately-carved table topped with glossy orange lamps and turquoise knickknacks is impressively eye-catching against white walls. Stacks of books on the bottom shelf, which doubles as storage, adds additional touches of color.

 

4. Vintage Charm

Old furniture is perfect for repurposing. A vintage desk, dresser or armoire near the front door collects everyday items but is also a conversation piece. This particular piece evokes country French charm; fresh florals and a hinged lamp complement the look.

 

5. Italian Marble Top Entry Table

Marble tables look incredibly artistic, and when attached to a wall in this fashion, can make your entryway look like an art museum. The metal bottom with the details breaks the monotony of the table and gives it an additional focal point.

Let me know what you think of these ideas! Have you created something similar in your home? Would you like to? I can help you determine what works best for your interior situation – I’d love to hear from you, just message me here, right below this blog post or at the “contact” link, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can call me anytime at: (407) 947-7718.

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Living Coral is Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year – Are You a Fan?

Living Coral is Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year – Are You a Fan?

Color management company Pantone Color Institute announced its pick for Color of the Year for 2019. It’s an eye-popping orange-pink hybrid called Living Coral. You may sense and appreciate its boldness and vibrancy, so lets look at some successful uses of the new “it” color.

Pantone describes Living Coral as “an affable and animating shade whose golden undertone gives it a softer edge.” While I don’t find Living Coral particularly soft, if I’m going this bold to decorate a client’s home, I prefer to be a little less trendy. But if you’re loving this intense color, here are some ideas of how to use it in your home and yard.

Living Coral is bold and bright. Here are places to consider using it indoors and out: 


1. Textiles. An easy way to integrate and play with a bright color in a room is to start small and simple, such as with accent pillows and throws. These pieces offer a dash of color that isn’t overwhelming, and they aren’t a big commitment since they are affordable enough to swap out down the road if you get tired of the color.

2. Decorative accents. If you want to take things a bit further with Living Coral, think about sprinkling it in a few small areas throughout a room via artwork, floor or window treatments, or side tables or other small pieces of furniture. It’s a small amount of a big color, so this application doesn’t look too busy. By dispersing the color, you draw the eye all around the room.

3. Furniture. If you want to go bolder, consider larger, more statement-making coral-colored furniture. Now I would never advise someone to decorate with a color simply because it has been deemed fashionable, but having your favorite color become trendy means it will be easier to find all manner of items in that hue. So if you are a big fan of bright coral and want to decorate with it, 2019 will be your year to stock up on home furnishings.

4. Accent wall. Ready to go really bold with Living Coral? Painting one or two walls in a saturated coral is a great way to pack a punch with this color. Just think about keeping the other wall or walls light and neutral, especially if you are using this color as an accent in a bedroom. Too much of this hue could start to feel busy and anxiety-inducing, in my opinion.

5. Architectural accent. Because Living Coral is such a striking color, it can be called into service to bring attention to interesting architectural elements in your home. Whether using it on a beautiful built-in desk and bookcase or in a cool and contemporary stairway, go bold to make it stand out. Just keep in mind, if you attempt to make everything in a room stand out, then nothing does. So use the vivid hue thoughtfully on only those elements worth the attention.

6. Outside. A smart way to use a vibrant color that you love without knocking yourself or your guests over the head with it is to take it outside to furniture or accessories. Because of the abundance of natural light during the day (or the forgiveness of darkness at night), outdoor areas can take vivid color more easily than indoor rooms, especially dark or cramped indoor spaces that can feel claustrophobic when decorated with intense colors.


7. Front door. A favorite place to use a daring color is on the front door. The kinetic coral in this photo is energetic and inviting. To me, this is the best use of the lively hue — to welcome visitors to your home.

Let me know what you think of Pantone’s color choice? Have you used it in your home? Would you like to? I can help you determine what works best for your interior situation – I’d love to hear from you, just message me here, right below this blog post or at the “contact” link, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can call me anytime at: (407) 947-7718.

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Holiday Decor that Lasts from Thanksgiving to Christmas

Holiday Decor that Lasts from Thanksgiving to Christmas

Here are some ways to keep your decor fresh throughout the holiday season with these easy tips and ideas. I’s easy to transition your holiday decor from Thanksgiving to Christmas with a few simple updates if you like, but these should cover your needs for the entire season.
 

Gather Ornaments in a Bowl
It’s never too early to unpack a pretty collection of ornaments, especially when you have a handsome way of displaying them. Take this silver bowl: It’s a lovely receptacle for ornaments. A few striped balls add just a pop of color. Tip: Try changing the color, finish, or shape for visual variety that blends seamlessly with your non-holiday decor.

Craft a Fruity Wreath
Place this lush, harvest-themed wreath on your mantel for a fresh-and-fruity take on holiday decor. To form the leafy wreath, we bunched lemon leaves and secured them around a wreath frame with floral wire. A little hot-glue joins faux pears, oranges, and nuts together, and a quick wrap in floral wire binds the fruity grouping to the wreath. You can use real fruit, if preferred, but we recommend faux fruit for long-lasting cheer.

 

Pile On the Apples
Make a modern cornucopia by piling Granny Smith apples, pine cones and greenery in a vintage suitcase. Double the visual impact by using the open suitcase top as a frame for your favorite winter photograph; just use double-sided tape to secure the image in place.

Dress Up Inexpensive Ornaments
Paint and glitter can be fantastic helpers to create miniature focal points around your house. For example, classic gray paint and a dusting of glitter add contrast and sparkle to ordinary decorations. Wrap a tiny box in neutral paper and add pinecones and greenery for color.
 

Play Up Natural Holiday Elements
Tuck a small vase inside a larger glass urn and fill the space between the two with mixed nuts. Fill the small vase with water and add fresh flowers or greenery.

Mismatch Glass Pieces for Your Mantel
To make your mantel holiday-ready in minutes, pair a few red-hue glasses, votives, vases, and champagne flutes together and fill with mini white candles. Tuck a few real or faux berries around the containers for a lovely interior accent that will please no matter the season.
 

Combine Colors and Accents
Pinecones evoke autumn, while silver and blue often call to mind winter. A deft combination of the two provides a dramatic yet easy decorating accent. Here, various shades of spray paint transform the textural beauty of pinecones.

Enhance Your Staircase with Twigs
Tie bundles of bare tree and winterberry branches to the spindles on your staircase for an autumnal look. After Thanksgiving, tie pine boughs to the branches with pretty velvet ribbon, and wire Christmas ornaments around the velvet ribbon for extra color.
 

Mix Fruit, Greenery, and Pinecones
For decorations that smoothly transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, start with neutral basics. A beveled-edge mirror topped with simple white candles creates a classic foundation. For Thanksgiving add a simple fall garland and mini pumpkins. When Christmas draws near, replace harvest elements with pine boughs, clementines, and pinecones (as shown).

Combine Greenery and Ornaments
Trays filled with ornaments make a great holiday centerpiece. For warmth, temper the shine with small sprigs of greenery and miniature pinecones tucked between the ornaments or even inside small vases. Keep the vibe casual with a smattering of larger pinecones placed around or underneath the container.

If you’d like help in creating a lovely holiday mood for your home, email me at: Carmen Dick or call me at: (407) 947-7718 and we can discuss possibilities.

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What I discovered at The International Window Covering Expo!

What I discovered at The International Window Covering Expo!

Well, it was time for another…field trip! The International Window Covering Expo was in Tampa in March, so I decided that, since it was so close to home, I had to make this one, no excuses! So, I drove over there and brought Mary with me. Mary has been with me since I started this journey of decorating, and she has stuck by me through thick and thin. She is an amazing seamstress, having produced hundreds of beautiful draperies, bedding, and pillows for all of my clients for the past 14 years. I would be lost without her. We ventured off early in the morning and had a great time and ,of course, had to indulge in some adult beverages afterwards, at my favorite venue, The Columbia Restaurant. So glad we went, very informative, and a LOT of great products and ideas!

Next month I’ll bring you up to date on the nursery decorating, and more photos to come! And speaking of the nursery, I’m also planning a “Parents to Be Party” in May for my son Ryan and daughter-in-law Jenny! I love throwing a good party and will post my tips for creating an elegant and fun event. Stay tuned.

Exciting new product idea

So, here’s what really stood out to me, and I’ll propose this for the right client (maybe you?)…Tableaux Decorative Grilles. These are grilles that allow for virtually unlimited use in interior or exterior home design or home decorating projects. They can be used for window treatments and transoms, ceiling treatments, decorative accents and wall art, partition screens, and miscellaneous decor. Checkout these photos…AMAZING, right!

 

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