Is Wallpaper In or Out?

I often have clients' ask "Is wallpaper in or out?" I believe that wallpaper is always in when it is used appropriately. I do think it has been overdone in the past especially during the Waverly era of the late 80's, too many mini prints and large florals gave wallpaper a bad rap. Foil and flocked wallpapers also stir up awful memories as well. The key is to carefully consider your selection and the application.

Bathrooms and powder rooms are usually a great place to hang wallpaper for a couple of reasons. There usually isn't a lot of wall space in these rooms so you don't overdue a good thing yet it's an opportunity to add something decorative without having to force artwork that could feel overbearing in the space. Foyers are also a good place for wallpaper; consider something tone on tone and classic like a damask pattern. By using wallpaper kids rooms can be playful and fun and a laundry room can look more inviting.

The key is to break it up by interspersing it with solid walls. If your home is very large adding faux finishes into the mix is a great way to keep it interesting. I think the most beautiful homes are a mix of all three.

“Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.”
Cecil Beaton quotes (English Photographer and Fashion designer, 1904-1980)

Cultivate Individuality,

Celeste Jackson

Somethings Old Can Be New Again

Many times my clients' have artwork that was purchased when they were younger and stored away in their basement. They will ask me to look at it and decide whether it can be incorporated in one of their rooms. I think the most important thing to consider with these types of pieces is "Do you still like it?" Regardless if it looks dated to someone else if it makes you feel good when you see it and it stirs up good memories then it is worth working into a room or sometimes building a room around it.

In the projects shown in the photo's my client wanted to create a space that would be multi-functional. She wanted it to be her knitting room, home office and a place where guests could sleep. She also asked if we could incorporate her 70's/80's pictures by Patrick Nagel. It was a bit of a challenge since she wanted a "Zen" feeling in this room, Asian art could have worked better. Nagels' work is Art Deco with a modern flair but in the end all that mattered was that she felt good spending time in the room.

She was thrilled with the end result and spends more time in there than she imagined.

"Art gives voice to that which has not been spoken." Unknown

Celeste Jackson

Cultivating Individuality

Working With An Interior Designer

Working with an Interior Designer need not be intimidating or costly. In fact, working with an Interior Designer is a great cost-effective way to transform your home into the living space you have always wanted. No project is too big or too small when it comes to building trust. That is, trust that you will obtain the end results you desire within a realistic budget for your needs.


If you have fears about working with an Interior Designer try a consultation first. Small changes may reveal big impacts in ambience or functionality. Here are some ideas:

Changing paint, lighting, or furniture layout can drastically transform a space.
Adding accessories or accent pieces, such as pillows, candles, mirrors, artwork, vases or floral arrangements also create impact.
Window treatments can drastically change a room as can decorative molding.
De-cluttering or organize.

If you are ready for something more try phasing projects or start one room at a time. An Interior Designer has the knowledge to efficiently handle small consultations, run large scale renovations or anything in between.

A good Interior Designer will help you discover or refine your particular tastes and lifestyle preferences. In addition, Interior Designers can save you from costly mistakes often made from inexperienced choices and selections. An Interior Designer can also save you time, point you in the direction of reputable contractors, manufacturers, and crafts people as well as furniture, accessories and materials from hardware to flooring not generally available to the public.

"Invest in your home by making it your own." Lisa Christians

Celeste Jackson

Purchasing Art When You Are Traveling

Many of you will be taking vacations this summer even if it is driving across the state line. Part of the fun of taking those trips is shopping. Art is always a fun and exciting purchase to make when you are traveling, in fact many times a room design can be inspired by a piece of art or a beautiful hand made rug. But, before you make an expensive purchase there are some things to consider.

I wish I had a nickel for every time a client has dragged a piece of art or rug out of the closet to show me so I can figure out where it should go. Sometimes these purchases have been in their closets for years. So the first thing to do is look around your home before you head out of town to see where you need objects, rugs or artwork and measure the space so you don't have to guess if it will work or not. Better yet...take a picture of the space as well.

Be sure you are aware of what you like. Now that seems like a no brainer, after all if you like the way a piece looks and it inspires you that should be a good enough reason to purchase it. But, it is easy to get caught up in the moment. Everyone around you is buying one so you feel the excitement of the moment and make a hasty decision. Years ago I was working with a client furnishing and accessorizing their entire home. Most of the time my clients' have some artwork that I can play off of but in this case everything was being selected by me. After showing them many pieces of art that they rejected it finally dawned on me that they did not like people in their artwork. Whereas, I prefer artwork with people. Once I figured that out I found several pieces that excited them. Recently, I had another client that did not like pictures of landscapes or floral but she did like pictures of people.

Most of the time you have another person to please, like your spouse so talk it over before you even start looking. That way your purchase will be well thought out and will be treasured as an heirloom to pass on instead of being sold at a garage sale in 5 years.

"A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires." Hedy Lamarr

Celeste Jackson

The Work Triangle

Since most people tend to do more outdoor grilling in the summer than cooking indoors it makes it a great time to update your kitchen. When planning your new kitchen keep this in mind.

Besides storage and counter space, is it easy to work in your kitchen? That is, can you easily get water from your sink to the stove or, access your refrigerator? Although you might not be aware, most likely the major work or access areas of your kitchen are set up in a triangle. This is referred to as the ‘work triangle’. If you plan to redesign your kitchen, it is important to understand or at least be aware of the basic concept.

The work triangle concept is meant to increase the efficiency of the kitchen especially between three major work sites; the sink, cooking surface and refrigerator. Each of these areas is a ‘point’ on the triangle. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association… “the sum of the three traveled distances should total no more than 26’ with no single leg of the triangle measuring less than 4’ nor more than 9’.” There should be no obstacles to the legs of the triangles.


"Pay attention to every detail!" Celeste Jackson

Celeste Jackson

Finding Paint Colors You Can Truly Live With

Ever feel like you want to step out of the box when it comes to color in your home? Taking the plunge from white or pleasantly neutral can feel overwhelming given all the paint choices. Choosing the “proper” color can also feel intimidating.

Although there are some basic rules to color as well various color trends, finding a color scheme that truly suits you is what is ultimately important. Often, the rules can be broken and the outcome will still be surprisingly pleasant if not striking. Therefore, here are some tips to finding colors that suite you personally.

A Color Journal

It is helpful to keep a color journal. The journal may include photos, magazine clippings, art or artifacts, paint or fabric swatches and even flowers, marbles, glass etc.

Look at a Color Palette or Color Swatches

Simply, what color or colors grab your attention or jump out at you. Keep or obtain some samples.

Environments

Pay attention to your surroundings such as restaurants, furniture stores, places you have traveled and friend’s homes. How do the colors make you feel? Do you like a warmer environment, brighter or lighter? Do you prefer elegant and simple spaces or more rustic? Do you enjoy patterns and textures or monochromatic (varying shades of one color) and elegant?

The Existing

Do you already love the colors in a rug, a pillow or a piece or art? Use that for inspiration. Do you like a fabric and pattern? Start with what you have and build around it. A colorful inspiration piece allows you to choose warm and cool tones to balance the room and create a pallete to work from in surrounding rooms.

The more you pay attention to some of these simple things, the more you will find you are probably attracted to one or a few of the same colors. Once you have the color or colors, then you can apply some color knowledge such as determining the tones you prefer (varying levels or light or dark, muted or bright) as well as the schemes you prefer such as monochromatic (various shades of the same color), contrasting or complimentary (going from light to dark or colors across from each other on the color wheel) etc. You may even build up naturally off of one piece of inspiration such as that rug or pillow.

If you still feel your a bit unsure, a quick consultation with an Interior Designer, Color Specialist or even your local paint store can help you take the final plunge.


Playing with color; try these websites:

http://www.roomvues.com/

http://www.sherwin.com/

Better Homes and Gardens – Color-A-Room

"White is a non-decision." Celeste Jackson

Celeste

Does Your Master Bedroom Make You Feel Good?

The master bedroom is one of the most important rooms in our home, yet it is often the last one to be decorated. While we spend many of our waking hours in the family room or kitchen we still spend the most time in the bedroom. This is the room to unwind, connect with our loved one and rejuvenate our spirit. If the room is filled with clutter, beat up mismatched furnishings and accessories it will definitely have a negative affect on the way we feel.

The bed should be accessible from both sides with a night stand on each side for good feng shui. Also, if possible avoid having the head of your bed up against a window, otherwise have a good heavy head board to prevent your energy from being drained.

The lighting should have multiple layers as well as dimmers to adjust the level of light for the right mood. Overhead lighting, floor lamps and table lamps should all be incorporated to provide these layers. Sconces are a beautiful way to accent a wall. Candles are great, but be sure they do not contain toxins that will pollute the air. Place candles on a stone or glass surface and be sure there is nothing flammable directly above them.

The windows should be dressed with shades or draperies that can block out all the light for the best night sleep. When you select shading systems be sure you ask whether they are room darkening or blackout. Room darkening shades still allow some light to filter in so if you are light sensitive it might not be enough. A bed crown can add drama and depth to the head of the bed. Just like a window there are many variations on how the head of the bed can be treated. This is best left to the professionals for a desired look.

The color in the master bedroom should be soft and serene. Neutral tones and cool tones work best to create an environment to unwind.

The accessories should be meaningful to you...such as a piece of art you selected when you were traveling. Anything that invokes good memories will bring positive energy into the room. Although family photo's are important to have in your home limit the photo's in your master bedroom to your significant other or someone that will comfort you. Avoid placing a mirror directly across from the bed, it is said in feng shui that this brings the energy of another person into the space.

Keep this room clutter free. Clutter traps the positive energy and prevents it from flowing. If you like to read in bed don't overwhelm yourself with a stack of books and magazines that will take you a year to read. Just have the books you are reading now or the ones you want to refer to on a regular basis.

"If you fall in love with something that's all that matters." Billy Baldwin, Interior Designer

Celeste Jackson