This British-themed selection—from Staffordshire plates to framed Union Jacks—combines traditional decor with a touch of urban opulence. It may inspire you to put on the kettle and bring out the Earl Grey.
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Whatever your taste in decoration, an element of visual contrast is a great way to make your home more interesting and personal. Something oppositional or unexpected awakens the senses. There are many ways to introduce invigorating contrast into a space, and art is one of the best. Here are some examples where modern art breathes life into traditional rooms.
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In the market for a new bookshelf? If you have an old ladder lying around, you might not need to hit the store. In fact, there are countless ways you can turn old objects into amazingly practical solutions for storing, displaying and organizing your stuff. Here are some of my favorites:
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I hate to break it to you, but designers don’t follow a secret rule book. There are no hard and fast laws governing what we do. We are creative types by nature and love to imagine, dream and explore, following our intuition. That said, there are some rough principles that guide us to ensure a great result every time. They are just tried and true things that work. And these aren’t tricks or skills that take years to master. Anyone can do them from day one. Consider this a foundation for developing your own quirky, creative, rule-breaking intuition.
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So many clients with young kids and pets want cool stuff, but they can’t figure out to do it without worrying that they’ll ruin everything. In the case pictured, solutions included upholstering with rustic leather and outdoor fabrics. The results are a balance of rough-hewn and sophisticated styles, a harmonious compromise that pleases both partners.
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I have compiled a list of habits I’ve observed in the decorating and design world. Habits that I believe need to be broken. Many of these may have begun as good intentions — but we all know where that path leads! I’ve assembled 12 of those habits here. I’ve struggled with each and every one of them personally and feel I have come out on the other side a better designer for it. Although each lesson is valuable, in the hierarchy of habits to be broken, there is none more important than No. 12.
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TWIST on Tradition: Freshen up a favorite display—or create a fabulous new focal point—by mixing traditional accents with updated pieces in unexpected colors, materials, and motifs. Fresh, neutral accents add a layer of texture to any space without feeling cluttered, like this pierced, tapered jar with a finial-topped lid.
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Decorating your nursery — especially for your first child — might be the most personal home decor project you take on. You’re building a nest to protect and soothe the little one you’ve been dreaming of, so of course you’ll want to create the coziest, most peaceful environment possible. But you may also want the room to grow along with your child. That’s why I love the idea of a nursery accent wall. It creates a cheerful, soft focal point and provides an anchor wall for a big-kid bed in a few years. And if your little one outgrows the design, you have to change only one wall, which cuts down on project time and expense.
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While this home resembles the kind of Greek revival townhouse that lined the streets of New Orleans 150 years ago, it was actually built in 2004. “I went out of my way to make it as convincing as possible,” says the homeowner. The home’s interior leavens period reverence with contemporary brio, for a look that’s constantly evolving.
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