A Few Do's and Don'ts for your Home Decor

We have been doing this for several years, so many aspects of home decor come naturally. But when we are working with new clients, I love getting back to basics and reminding myself of the things I’ve learned along the way. Here is a fun little glimpse into that journey, with some do’s and don’ts of decor:

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DO pay attention to proportions: This is one of the most important aspects of design aesthetics. An enormous light fixture will dwarf things in a small space with a short ceiling. If you have a lot of oversized items, make sure you have height and space to accommodate them so that your space doesn’t look even smaller. And if you choose oversized lamps, chairs, etc, be sure to make them the focal point in the room so they get the attention they deserve.

DON’T use cheap, small linens and pillows: I cannot emphasize the difference that great pillows and linens can make when it comes to your bedroom and living space. Look for throw pillows that are substantial, that don’t collapse when you lean on them, and that are nicer fabrics like linen and cotton. I love Pottery Barn for pillows that will hold up for years with proper care and usage, but Target actually has a few really nice quality options that are under $25 each, and still look nice, especially if you have small children who are prone to spills or jumping on your couch! When it comes to bedding, Pottery Barn and West Elm really can’t be beat when it comes to lasting, soft bedding that will make you thrilled to come to bed!

DO include pops of color: Even if you really love a neutral palette, a pretty pop of color here and there can make a beautiful visual impression. The color accents don’t need to be drastic or even permanent; a plant, a bouquet, a gorgeous hardcover…they can all add a little spark of fun to any aesthetic from farmhouse to bohemian. Because I personally love taupe, whites, and cream, I love using greenery to give some colorful personality to my spaces (a fiddle leave fig or olive tree are both subtle options).

DON’T underestimate the power of rugs: A lovely, quality rug can enhance the space you’re in, but be sure to get the proportions and measurements just right. Measure the room you’re putting it in, and consider where your furniture is within the area. Make sure it’s truly large enough for a room like a living or dining room, as many people have trouble when they get a rug home from the store, and realize it’s not as large as it appeared when it was rolled up. When you’re shopping for a new rug, also look for high quality materials and a backing that will hold up for years to come.

If you are looking to refresh your personal space or home, please let us know. We would love to help you arrange and redecorate your home, so that it becomes the oasis you dream of!

New Year, New Start!

When you set out to pursue a dream, it can be a very lonely path. There will be those who don’t believe in you, and many people who want to tear you down along the way. But it doesn't have to be that way, and that’s what my hope is for the new year! I hope we can all recognize potential in one another as we set out in a new year, and find it in our hearts to not let our own insecurities prevent us from supporting and caring about others and their dreams (no matter how big!). As an interior designer in a small-ish town, I can see how one could feel threatened or jealous when it seems the community is small, or that the customer base is similar, but I truly believe we can all benefit from joining together instead of vying for top spot. I love collaborating with others, appreciating their individual strengths, and offering the wisdom that I’ve gained along the way! Here are a few more ways we can all be more intentional this year:

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-Be thoughtful: Look out for ways that you can help others who may be in your community or even in the same field as you. Keep your eye out for young people whom you could mentor or help get started, encourage those who are just getting started, and bring them a coffee or a note of inspiration as they begin their journey.

-Be Kind: Speak life-giving words. If someone in your field or a similar business comes up in conversation, make a point of saying something positive about them or their work. Look for easy ways to connect people like florists, photographers, or stylists, with each other, so they can help grow their business. Review and rate other vendors on Facebook, share their posts, and include them in your blogs, so they can get credit for their hard work and beautiful efforts!

-Be intentional: Set aside time in your week or month to give back to the community from your own business, even if you don’t get any monetary or physical gain from it. Consider donating time to a charity event, helping raise money for a worthy cause, or lending your talents to someone in a time of need, such as at a funeral or a family event where finances are tight. Whether it’s every Tuesday, where you donate an hour or two to someone, or even just once a month, you will find that giving back truly is the best reward.

As people set out on their big dreams and new goals for the year, be sure to find kindness and encouragement for them as they get started. After all, you’d want others in your corner cheering you on, as well! If you do this, I think you will find others will want to support you too. That’s true community.

Surviving the Winter Blues | Color and Inspiration

Are you feeling like the winter blues are setting in? In our little corner of Oregon, it’s been pretty rainy and snowy. The cold and dreary temperatures always make me feel ready to clean and organize everything with light and airy colors. I’ve found the bright and crisp tones help brighten my mood and my family’s space. Here are some of the colors that I love for giving any room a facelift…they are dependable and always fresh!

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Pretty blues and crisp whites are always a beautiful combination that brings a ton of light to any room, whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen or family room. You can weave bright blues and whites into throw blankets, pillows, and towels for even more impact. I also love bringing in clean and pretty storage solutions. There seems to be an influx of “stuff” after the holidays, and it’s so nice to find clever ways to organize and store things to make daily life a little more streamlined. The space below is a little more modern and minimalistic than my personal, typical style, but it’s sure pretty and relaxing!

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This chic, rustic farmhouse hutch is also very pretty and a little more charming. The bright white is tempered with some bright greens, and a little bit of grey. While it’s a little more grounded, it’s just as lovely and holds lots of inspiration for  break from the winter blues! It is also something that is extremely practical, and can hold items like dishes, decor, or extra seasonal florals that you don’t have space for in linen closets!