Add a Splash of Color, Splash Away!

"Sunset is still my favorite color, and rainbow is second."Mattie Stepanek - American Poet, 1990 - 2004 Add a Splash of Color, Splash Away!

 With the first colorful buds of spring, I find myself longing for something fresh and new! We would never consider going out in a shirt with frayed cuffs and permanent stains down the front, yet how closely do we look at the walls and trim in our homes. Is your trim scuffed and chipped? Are the walls soiled with little tiny hand or paw prints? Perhaps it's time for an infusion of color.  Like the clean feeling of a freshly scrubbed face, a freshly painted room can make your entire home feel fresh and bright, clean and new again! 

It can be overwhelming when you open a fan deck with it's 1500 or more paint colors. In our experience, Celeste Jackson Interiors, Ltd. attributes this to why many people simply default to white when selecting paint for their homes. Yet color is the element that can take a room from ordinary to extraordinary and enrich your daily life.  The first step is to understand how important color is and how it affects us.  In general, the warm yellow, orange and red colors stimulate our energy levels, while the cool blue, green and violet colors calm and sooth us. Considering the function of a room and the type of activity in a space can help direct color selections. The kitchen, family room, play room or office may crave the warmth and stimulation provided a warmer color palette while bedrooms and bathrooms require the soothing tranquility of the cooler colors. The second step in the selection process is to identify an inspiration piece that contains colors you are drawn to personally. Artwork, area rugs, furniture or fabrics are an excellent place to start. Whatever it is, it should be something that makes you feel good. Utilize your inspiration piece to start selecting colors. The more colors an item contains, the more colors you will have to work with. The third step is to tape two or three large paint samples of each color on different walls. Watch how the color changes as the light changes throughout the day. Compare how the color looks at night under lamp light with how it looks during the day in natural light. This step will help you to confidently narrow down your selections. Everyone who walks into the room will have an opinion but remember, color affects everyone differently and this is your inspiration! Several years ago, I was working with a couple who wanted to redecorate the main level of their home. In the living room was a beautiful piece of art they had purchased prior to my being hired. Working from this inspiration piece, I selected a rich eggplant color for the living room walls. On the day the room was being painted, I telephoned to find out how things were progressing. The husband, who worked from home, answered and asked me if I could come over. When I asked him if he was unhappy with the color I had chosen, he informed me the painter thought the color was too dark and had suggested a brighter shade of purple. Since his wife was at work, the husband had approved the suggested brighter purple. I asked him what he thought of the color, to which he replied, "It looks like it belongs in a teenage girl's room. What should I do?" My advice was that he call the painter to come back the next morning and repaint the room in the color I had originally selected then, start cooking his wife a very nice dinner. When the room was finished, it was stunning! When your room is being painted do not start second guessing your selection. Once everything is back in place, your focus will be on the room as a whole and not just on the walls. If you have taken all the proper steps, you will be pleased with the results.

Cultivating Individuality in Your Unique Home

Celeste Jackson 

From Traditional to Contemporary "Transitional" Bridges the Gap

Transitional - relating to or characteristic of a process or period of transition: "a transitional government was appointed"

Synonyms: changeover · interim · changing · fluid

Just as spring is the seasonal transition from the chill of winter to the sizzle of summer, the transitional style of interior design is the perfect blending of the soft traditional lines with minimal adornment and a clean contemporary look. Below is a recently completed project by Celeste Jackson Interiors which exemplifies this poplar trend in home design.

Master Bedroom and Bath,  Before The originally traditional style of this master bedroom and bath was derived from the shapes of the furniture, the fabric patterns and the window treatment design.  The homeowner wanted to freshen and update the space yet keep much of the furniture she loved. As with the bedroom, the master bath had a number of traditional elements. The challenge was to create a fresh new look without a complete renovation. The combination of  new neutral colors, elegant fabrics for bedding and window treatments, fresh light fixtures and accessories create the "WOW" in this luxurious new space!

Master Bedroom and Bath,  After The combination of  new neutral colors, elegant fabrics on bedding and window treatments and shiny new light fixtures and accessories create the "WOW" in this luxurious new space! Sheen and texture with a geometric accent pattern add a contemporary twist to the traditional bed and nightstands. In the sitting area, by replacing the sofa, chair and large ottoman with a two chaise sectional and one smaller round ottoman all in one fabric creates a spacious, uncluttered feeling while providing the same amount of seating. There are two great features of the master bath; the vaulted ceiling and the enticing soaking bathtub. Installing a glamorous chandelier draws the eye up and highlights the high ceiling. Longer mirrors installed behind the light fixtures above the sinks and mounting the stylish window treatment at the ceiling create a window and vanities proportionate to the scale of the bathtub. Notice how the chandelier is simultaneously traditional and contemporary; the traditional shape and shades are matched with polished metal. The mirrors are framed with a stone tile to coordinate with and update the existing stone on the vanities, tub surround and floor.  The transitional style is the most flexible and versatile design solution. It can be formal or casual, combine the old with the new and continue to transition as your own personal style and tastes change.    Cultivating Individuality in Your Unique Home Celeste Jackson

Looking Up!

Looking Up!

What makes a room is the combination of both vertical and horizontal surfaces. And while the floor is covered with beautiful flooring, rugs and furniture and the walls are painted of wallpapered and a windows are adorned with rich draperies, all too often the ceiling is left unadorned and white. Below are just a few creative ways to add color, interest and character to the largest surface in any room. Look here, then call Celeste Jackson Interiors. We'd love to get you LOOKING UP!

Framed with trim, adding a decorative painting to the ceiling creates an artistic focal point for your room and art for your ceiling.

Something as simple as a contrasting color will add drama to heights, add grandeur to small spaces and highlight architectural features as it does with the cove ceiling in this foyer.

Upon entering the dining room, the custom designed faux iron piece above the dining table draws the eye up and makes a stunning statement. To view more rich design ideas, click the button below to be directed to our website! Cultivating Individuality in Your Unique Home! Celeste Jackson

Visit Our Website

Kitchen Design Lite

"I have a kitchen . . . it came with the house"  - unknown -

When I read the quote above on a gift shop tea towel, I laughed out loud. Whether you love to cook or not, the kitchen is still "the heart of the home" and therefore should be a cheerful, comfortable place where you and your family spend time together.  Below, I've shared some easy suggestions to make your kitchen a happy place.

Kitchen Design Lite Remove Clutter - Lack of clutter brings a sense of serenity to every room. Keep only appliance which are used daily on the counters. All others, put away.      Kitchens often double as home office or homework center and accumulate lots of papers. Contain papers by keeping them in one in box, file folder or basket. Free the frig by using a cork boards inside cupboard or pantry doors for notes and take out menus. Color Your World - Kitchens take a beating and a fresh coat of paint to walls or cabinets is an easy remedy for a bright, clean look.   Lighten Up - Update the style of your kitchen with new light fixtures.  Changing out dated fixtures or adding light to existing fixtures will make day to day tasks easier and more enjoyable. Window Dressings - Because kitchens can be so "functional", many people skip window treatments. But in a room without upholstered furniture, window treatments are doubly important. They add color to brighten, add privacy and light control, as well as, finish the look and style of the kitchen.   Feeling Ambitious - If you want to do a bit more than paint, replace your countertops. New counters can be installed over existing cabinets. It's a cost effective way to update your kitchen without a complete re-do. The same thing can be said about adding a new tile backsplash. It will add interest, texture and color!   Details, Details - Add strategically placed pops of color with a beautiful bowl for fruit, a favorite tea pot, a vase of flowers or art work. Don't forget to get new linens. Dish towels and cloths lose their luster after years of repeated washing and drying. Splurge! If it's been awhile, indulge yourself with some fresh linens. Cultivating Individuality in Your Unique Home Celeste Jackson

VISIT US TODAY

CELESTE JACKSON INTERIORS, LTD when polished to a mirrored finish. "  -  Tod Williams, Architect

Cultivating Individuality in Your Unique Home Celeste Jackson The new year is a great time to plan for your next home project. From refreshing a room to new construction, the better you plan at the onset, the smoother and less stressful your project will be. Here are a some things to consider before you get started. Planning Ahead Space - Have a clear idea of how you'd like your space to feel and function when complete. Ask yourself, who and how many will be using this space and for what purpose. Budget - Start with a budget. Allow a little extra for hidden expenses which may present after your project is under way. This is especially true in older homes which may require updating or repairs. Time and Timing - Important celebrations and life events are frequently the motivation for beginning new projects. The size and complexity of your project will determine how much time it will take to complete. Allowing ample time will make your project less stressful and make sure it's complete in plenty of time for your celebration.  Plan your project around the seasons. A small project, such as refreshing a guest room, can begin and end anytime of the year. A large project where walls are opened or windows replaced as with room additions or kitchen remodels, are better worked on during milder months. Furniture, window treatments and cabinets can take 8-12 weeks from order to arrival. Keep this in mind so these items will be here when your room is ready for them. Consult a Professional - Celeste Jackson Interiors knows what it takes to complete projects. We know if your budget and time frame realistically match your plans for your space and can offer suggestions to help you avoid mistakes and successfully complete your project.  For new construction, we recommend a preliminary furniture plan prior starting. You will see how furniture will be placed, how you'll move around it and if anything needs to be modified. It's easier and less costly to add electrical outlets, shorten or lengthen walls or reverse door swings on paper than once your project is in full swing.  Small to large, we've done it.  So don't wait, call us today to get your project started.

Open Heart, Open Home

When we think of getting ready for Christmas, images come to mind of trimming the tree, hanging the lights, wrapping presents; but if you have out of town guests, is your guest room ready for their arrival?  Here are a few ideas to make your guests feel welcome and at home and you look like a superstar host! Read on, you may be inspired . . .

Open Heart, Open Home As I anticipate the holidays, I think of the friends and family who'll visit. While trimming my home with festive and cheerful seasonal decorations, I'm planning the delicious meals I'll serve to them. Even though most of my loved ones are within commuting distance of my home, I'll often have overnight guests. Whether they've traveled from out of state or it's just too late to safely drive home, I want my guests to feel welcome and comfortable in my home as I'm sure you do as well. Here are some suggestions on making your home a 5 star retreat for your guests.    Creating a 5 Star Guest Room If you want your overnight guests to feel welcome, the first step is to make them to feel that you're prepared for their visit. Whether large or small, a guest room in a soothing color palette that feels as luxurious as a 5 star hotel room yet as comfortable as being at home is a guest room that says "Welcome, we've been waiting for you". All too often, "guest rooms" are a mere step above storage rooms; a hodge-podge of mismatched furniture from by gone eras. But a beautifully decorated room with pleasant amenities will give your guests a welcome they won't soon forget. Fresh linens are just a start to having a room at the ready. Begin with a comfortable bed. Have you spent a night in your own guest room? Try it, it maybe quite enlightening. A comfortable mattress with a pretty bed or headboard is a great place to start. Out with the old and in with newly purchased, high-thread count bedding and add extra pillows of differing firmness and thickness for back, side and stomach sleepers. Put extra blankets in the room because everyone has a different feel for what is  "warm and cozy". The same is true for warmer nights so, if possible, have a ceiling fan to cool the room for guests with high personal thermostats. Nightstands provide guests with a place for eyeglasses, a glass of water or a place to set a book all without having to get out of bed. Have a bedside lamp for the same reason, to access light without having to get out of bed and stumble around in the dark. Room darkening window treatments allow your guests to decide whether they want to be an early riser or sleep in. Have strategically placed lighting. Having a lamp or light switch close to the door makes it easy for guests to find their way into an unfamiliar bedroom. A light within easy reach of the bed makes bedtime reading more enjoyable and safer for those middle of the night trips to the bathroom. Clear the clutter. While beautiful décor is desirable, having a lot of knick knacks is not. In addition to scenic artwork, here are a few suggestions for things that serve a practical purpose while beautifying your guest room. Have a decorative tray on a dresser or plate on a nightstand to provide your guests with a clear surface to empty pockets while protecting your furniture. Make sure there's easy access to outlets for recharging cell phones and other electronics. Have a trash can, easy to read and set alarm clock and pretty dresser or full length mirrors. All of these can be decorative yet functional and very much appreciated by guests. Have a chair or bench so guest will have a place to sit to put on shoes or set extra belongings. Clear the closet, dresser drawers or have a luggage stand so your guests will have a place for their clothes. If you have a private guest bathroom terrific. You're guests will appreciate the privacy but if they're sharing the hall bath, make sure they know clearly which towels are theirs. Consider adding over the door hooks for their bath robes and towels during their stay. The hooks aren't permanent so they can be removed until the next time they're needed. Going The Extra Mile                    Once you have the foundational pieces in place, try adding some little niceties. Think of the things that most likely to be forgotten and have a little basket of items so guest won't feel like they're imposing on you. Include Kleenex, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, nicely scented lotion, soap, shampoo and conditioner. You can add a few extras like a travel sewing kit to repair a loose button or a mini first aid kit with pain reliever, band aids, Tums, etc. Have a diverse collection of reading materials, such as, mystery, fiction, biography and magazines. Having local guide books may give your guests some fun ideas on what to see and do. If your guest are arriving late, having a basket of individually wrapped snacks, bottled water, soda or juice boxes in their room will give them the option of a late night snack without feeling like they're putting you out. Fruits such as bananas, clementines (a.k.a. "Cuties") and apples are an easy to eat healthy snacks which do not require refrigeration.  A similarly fashioned breakfast version of this snack basket with a mix of granola bars, muffins, biscotti and fruit will relieve a little pressure on the host or hostess.  Set it out along side coffee cups and spoons and a pre-programed coffee maker. Add an assortment of sweeteners, a note that the creamer and orange juice are in the refrigerator and your earlier riser guests  will enjoy the freedom to get up and move about without feeling like they're disturbing the rest of the household.    Cultivating Individuality in Your Unique Home Celeste Jackson

Preparing for the Feast

Preparing for the Feast A Thanksgiving Table to Remember There is so much thought and preparation that goes into the Thanksgiving celebration. Often the menu and guest list requires most of our time and attention leaving the setting of the table to the last minute. Today I have compiled for you some easy and inexpensive yet beautiful ideas to make your table live up to the feast you set upon it! Centerpieces Centerpiece with Pumpkins A variety of mini pumpkins, gourds, fall fruits and vegetables colorfully mixed in a beautiful bowl create an eye catching cornucopia of vibrant fall colors. Fill in the gaps by tucking real or artificial fall leaves to really add some pop!    For a more formal setting, use an arrangement of traditional fall flowers then strategically add a few mini pumpkins or gourds for that extra touch of fall. Formal Centerpiece By mixing in photographs, you can bring to mind those who can't join you or remember past Thanksgiving celebrations. Also remember that even on the sunniest of days, candles on your table will provide your guests  with feelings of warmth, intimacy and add a sense of occasion to your feast!  Photo Centerpiece

While the place cards can be either handwritten or computer printed, you can add elegance or whimsy depending on how you choose to place the cards at each setting. Some suggestions for a creative presentation are to pin the place cards to a gourd or piece of fruit, such as a pear or an apple, use a gold or silver paint pen to write each name on a silk fall leaf or if you have a crowded table, tie the card to the stem of a wine glass. Another idea which I have used is to place a pumpkin muffin wrapped in cellophane at each place and tie the place card with the same ribbon used to secure the cellophane.     Leaf Place Card Flatware When all the family gathers around the table it is a joyous time filled with laughter and conversation but it also means we are required to sit elbow to elbow and it is hard to tell where one place setting ends and the other begins. Is this your glass or mine? To save space on the table and jazz it up a bit, place your flatware in a less conventional way like crossed on top of the plate or above the plate horizontally.    Crossed Flatware Setting

The Dove This is a good fold for beginners. The end result will hold its shape more easily if you use a heavy cotton napkin. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Celeste Jackson Interiors, Ltd Cultivating Individuality in Your Unique Home