What do I do with that wall?

Have you ever stared at a bare wall and felt overwhelmed by what to do with it?  I have! You know you need to hang something on that wall to make it more interesting but the questions are, what and how?  
I am a huge advocate of “shopping in my own closet first” before I spend elsewhere.  I am not going to lie, I have often been surprised by the “stuff” I have tucked away that has potential to become an interesting wall arrangement.  For example, baskets, picture frames, mirrors and silver serving trays…of varied sizes, shapes and color.


The first step is to "treasure hunt" through your home and see what you have.  Now, place your ’finds’ on a large flat area so it is easy to see everything.  This is when I step back and really look at what I have laid out in front of me.


The second step is what I do for my own home.  Set aside the items which interest you the most.  I really enjoy combining textures…shiny next to something rustic…new next to antique.  I recommend working with odd number arrangements…3,5,7...for some psychological reason, this is supposed to be more pleasing to the eye.  At this point, I determine if I need to add a couple of more pieces.  Some of my favorite places to look are Hobby Lobby and HomeGoods.


The third step is my version of a “technical” procedure!  I measure the wall space that I want to use, then find a place on the floor where I can translate those same measurements.  Let me give you a visual: My wall space measures 4x5, I take string, ribbon or my dogs leash and use it to mark off that amount of space on the floor.  Now my floor represents my wall space, this will make it a lot easier to create your arrangement without several nail holes behind each item.  You can move your items around until you have an arrangement you really like, keep in mind, not everything has to be hung vertical or horizontal…think diagonal to make the space more interesting and dimensional.


Finally, it's time to grab your hammer and nails and start hanging!!  I recommend starting with the item that will be centered on your measured space and move out in both directions from there.  I must be honest here, I don’t measure the space between each item, I “eyeball” it.  This practice does usually lead to 2 or 3 extra holes behind it but then, who is going to see them anyway!!!???  However, if you only want to make the holes needed, there is a simple way.  Start by turning your item over, take a piece of tape (painters or similar type that wont remove the paint from your wall) and measure between the hanging space on the item, then place the piece of tape on the wall and hammer in your nails. Hang your items, stand back and enjoy what you have created!


Please leave a comment if you have any questions. I look forward to helping you create a home...where Design meets your LifeStyle.


Talk to you soon...Laura

How do I choose colors for my home?

Is Beige really Beige?  Is White really White?  The truth is…No!  Just about everyone, when they are choosing colors for their walls, floors, or furniture, will say “I want a neutral color”…frequently meaning beige or off white.  The problem is there are so many different beiges and whites!  Walk into any paint store and count how many different beige and white paint samples are displayed on the wall, they are so similar to each other…but also so different, right?  Right…and the difference is the ‘hue’ or undertone.  Some beiges and whites will have very strong yellow or green (warm) undertones others will have a hint of red or blue (cool) undertones.  All of these beiges and whites are neutral…but with different color undertones.

The challenge is distinguishing the color undertones you want to have in your home.  I know this may sound a little excessive but, my first step in determining the colors I want inside of my own home is knowing what colors I look best wearing.  Sounds like it is all about me?...well in truth, it is!  And, it should be about you when it comes to your own home as well!  For instance, I know that I look like I died 2 days ago if I wear anything with a yellow undertone.  So, why would I surround myself with big walls and furniture colors, that don’t help me look my best?  Just as we dress ourselves to accent our best features, we need to use our homes to flatter us…don’t you want your home to make you look extra fabulous at your next dinner party??

The first step that I would suggest to get you started is to determine what colors look best on you.  These colors will serve as your accent colors (furniture, fabrics, artwork and accessories).  These colors will also help determine your “neutral” color for the walls and floors etc.

For example, the accent colors that I prefer to use in my home are burgundy, sapphire blue and chocolate brown.  Since all of these lean toward the ‘cool’ undertones, my neutral will be a beige or white with blue or red undertones.  I must emphasize that the undertones are very subtle…the beige will look beige, but will enhance my accent colors.

Your second step will be to ALWAYS carry fabric swatches with you when shopping for your paint and flooring selections.  It isn’t a good idea to just guess which is the right green, blue, red or terra cotta in your sofa fabric.  It will save you a lot of time and reduce your stress to be prepared when searching for all the right colors.

I have more suggestions to share with you about choosing the right colors and accent items for your home.

Be sure to check out my weekly posts, so I can help you create a home...where Design meets your LifeStyle.

Talk to you soon…Laura