Small Space?

Living in tight quarters? Is your room on the small side? Here are a couple solutions for designing a small room.

 

Paint the walls a light color. Anything close to white like lavenders, soft blues or mauves. Using light colors make the room appear bigger because you're reflecting more light.  This dining room is small and narrow but the light walls actually makes the room look bigger.

 

Dining Room: Courtesy of Room & Board

Another solution for a small room is to use a large piece of furniture. This bedroom uses a tall chest of drawers. In the photo above, the large console is used. The large piece makes the room appear bigger and cozy. Many times, people think placing small furniture in a small room is the solution. Not always the case.  Using a lot of small pieces will make your room look cluttered and that's not the look you want. The one large piece of furniture tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is.

Bedroom: Courtesy of Room & Board  

Imitation is the best form of flattery

They say the best form of flattery is to be imitated. The same philosophy holds true for design. Many of the top manufacturers for home products are just financially out of reach. Thanks to the wonderful world of decor, there's always a solution for your decorating needs. Who says you can't have a high cost look for less. Here are a few low cost items mirroring some of the big ticket items:

 

The Golden Globes - Sheer Illusion

I'm watching The Golden Globes this evening. A lot of sheer fabrics. Here are some of my favorite gowns. These gowns are un-doubtedly beautiful. I feel like pulling out my dressform to recreate one of these numbers! 

 

 

Kerry Washington

 

 



Eva Longoria

Isla Fisher

 

Jennifer Lopez

 

 

 



 

Nicole Richie

Are the big box stores right for you?

 

Most people usually think of big box stores as a place for plumbers and builders. What about those big box furniture stores where most people can't imagine achieving an expensive look? Well, they couldn't be farther from the truth. I did some online shopping and found 2 different looks for a home office. Both rooms are about 12' x 12' in size. One office was purchased with furnishings and accessories strictly from Home Depot Online and the other IKEA. You'll be surprised to know that both rooms had a budget of $1,500.00. All it takes is the right combination of pieces and the correct scale in furnishings.

Not bad considering most of us spend more than this a year for our fancy coffees. I know I do :)

Enjoy,


 

 

 

 

 

Home Depot Online Purchases:  Leather Office Chair, Desk Lamp, Rug, Desk, Sofa, 1 Short Bookcase, 2 Tall Bookcases, 1 Side table and 1 table lamp

 

 

 



 

IKEA Purchases: TV Bookcase, 3 Prints, Red Sofa, Gray Side Table, Rectangular

Red Lamp, Red Reading Lamp, Desk and Wing Chair. The television is not part

of the $1,500.00 budget.



I Love Banquettes

We all lead such busy lives. As we all know, it's so hard to get the family at the dinner table. Let alone get the kids away from anything electronic. Well, here's a fun way to slowly ease them back.

 

Formal dining rooms are just about obsolete. Here is a simple solution and it adds such a beautiful statement to your eating area. Banquettes, are fun and you can either dress them up or make it as casual as you like. It can be very intimate and a fun way to get the kids back to the table.

 

 

 

 

And for the d-i-y folks....this is as simple as ordering a few kitchen cabinets. Anchoring them to the wall and additing cushions. Instant storage! A simple round table if space is limited. A couple chairs and your favorite rug. Presto!

What's Your New Year's Resolution?

Happy New Year! Can you believe it's 2013? It's a new year and everyone has their resolutions set. Some want to lose weight. Others, want to pursue their passion. And then there are those who plan to organize their lives.

 

Did you know that an un-organized home adds on at least 22 extra minutes to the time it takes for you to get out of the house? Whether, you're working on a closet, kitchen pantry, laundry room or craft space, there is an in-expensive solution.

 

Now, you've heard of some of the big name, expensive closet systems. Here, is one that I can first-hand say will change your life for the better. Elfa. Never heard of it? Elfa is a modular drawer and shelving system that will cure all of your storage needs (no matter how big or small your space is). And it doesn't stop there. What good is a shelving system without the right containers for your storage needs? Without the right containers it could look like a store going out of business. You know. That bare shelves look just before a big storm.  Well, with a few finishing products, your space can look just like these rooms. Here are a few rooms.

 

 

Small Laundry Closet

   

Walk-In Closet

     

Small Apartment Closet    

Craft Closet  

All it takes is a couple measurements and elfa will do the rest. If you're interested in having an elfa system installed in your home, all you have to do is check out the nearest Container Store and set up an appointment.

 

Don't have the time? If you live in the NYC/Jersey City area, give Couture Interiors a call and we'll come into your home to take measurements, figure out your organizational needs and design a space suitable to your lifestyle. For a small fee we'll take care of the measurements and and set up installation.

 

Let's get organized and start the New Year off right.