Accessories: A decorator's perspective

<h4></h4><span style="font-size: x-small;">Part 2 of 5</span><br /><h4>Accessorizing a client's home</h4>I'm often asked what is the most difficult job I do as a decorator.  Truthfully it is to accessorize a home.  Not because I can't create beautiful vignettes or select interesting objects, it's because I have a belief in individual expression in a home, and it is so difficult to feel this, and then try to create a look for someone else. The one thing I have as a decorator is an unbiased eye for someone else's space. That is helpful, and I often see new life in their discarded items.<br /><br /><h4>How I do it </h4>With clients I spend a lot of time chatting and gathering information.  I ask them to pull out all kinds of objects they already have, even ones they think they don't want anymore, and look for things to integrate with newly purchased objects.  Check out this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2013/11/accessories-making-it-all-work.html">post</a> to see one client's vignette.  I find out about their interests, travels, background etc.  I consider if they have children and what their interests are.  It is also worthwhile to look at children's art work for inspiration.  Another telling activity is to look at what is currently in a home and ask questions about its origins, etc.  When I ask how they want people to  feel/think when they come into their home, I usually get guidance for the overall look clients are going for.   Then I  put all the information together to come up with meaningful accessories that work for a particular  family.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhHTU3vNrBltt-KC7kp1KKXPPb4XIYRhLsnYRaadjMYC2xXyNhrZYodLXFmPuJflmMkvI7oBW7Vh02ZwfpidaEEGMbXm5D1Jd46omq8UUnfuB-NpEk-vb1pYfxU1atEk1q71TXgG4Km7O/s1600/OB-organic+accessories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="inspiration board, organic, geometric, spring green" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhHTU3vNrBltt-KC7kp1KKXPPb4XIYRhLsnYRaadjMYC2xXyNhrZYodLXFmPuJflmMkvI7oBW7Vh02ZwfpidaEEGMbXm5D1Jd46omq8UUnfuB-NpEk-vb1pYfxU1atEk1q71TXgG4Km7O/s1600/OB-organic+accessories.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Client inspiration board - organic references </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">This inspiration board was created for clients who were interested in finishing their space with additional accessories to add to objects they purchased during their travels.  When I looked at what they already had, I could see strong contrasts,  elongated textural sculptures</span>, and several vibrant colours.  I chose an earthy green, nature references and rounder shapes to work with the more elongated ones they already had.  I wanted to warm up the predominant " blackness" of their space and play into their obvious interest in geometric motifs and texture.  With the inspiration board in hand the clients chose to shop themselves over time to complete their space.  The flowers of course never happened!  Twigs were more their style.<br /><h4></h4><h4>A long term activity</h4>Adding the final touches to your home can take a long time.  You many have certain things in mind and can't find them; you many have budget restraints after purchasing big ticket items; you may be just plain exhausted doing everything else, and have no energy left to deal with little things. Or you can be bored with what you have and want to start over.   No matter where you are on the accessorizing continuum, you need to have a plan in place to create an interesting, personal space.<br /><div><br /></div><h4>Two ways to do it</h4>Of course the easiest way is to hire a decorator!  An inspiration board like the one above is a very affordable solution, and you can purchase all the objects referenced online, or you can use it to shop your area.  When people want to purchase locally, the inspiration board would contain objects/furniture available in the city.  Most decorators also have rates for personal shopping for clients.<br /><br />If you want to do it all yourself, I suggest the following:<br /><ul><li>Look online (Pinterest, Houzz) and collect inspiration images looking for patterns,  objects, colours, textures that  resonate with you; look at how they are displayed/arranged;</li></ul><br /><div>I keep way too many files on <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/margaretryall">Houzz</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mryall/">Pinterest </a>to use as inspiration and reference when talking to clients about concepts. </div><div><br /></div><ul><li>Make a list of possible items for accessorizing from your inspiration images; have headings (e.g. art, table top vignette, pillow arrangements and styles etc. )</li><li>Remove all the accessories in the space you are working on and put them in another room; </li><li>Check your storage areas  and other rooms to see  if you have things that might have a new life in a different space;</li><li>Look at your collection and choose anything  that you love and think could work in the space;</li><li>Bring them to the room you want to accessorize and place any that work; </li></ul><br /><div>I went to my own storage area to see what extras I didn't have in use. Then I integrated some of them with arrangements I already had in my dining room to show you how many things can work and be changed around.  Obviously I care about these objects or they would have made their way to charity. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSHTCDVJdZyA9ygGqwsn41mlgT02PODnFAYPzyN-3uW9wTC66gZ4FCDcjhwm2q08oetqDcCrWyTr1JjIJX1cVB9SNxcG83wosJWkW2P3iTkNGMl8WV_lxcmEDZxcgLOdUdD8mUz60r7h0/s1600/dining+vignette+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dining room vignette, Boblen vase, accessories, " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSHTCDVJdZyA9ygGqwsn41mlgT02PODnFAYPzyN-3uW9wTC66gZ4FCDcjhwm2q08oetqDcCrWyTr1JjIJX1cVB9SNxcG83wosJWkW2P3iTkNGMl8WV_lxcmEDZxcgLOdUdD8mUz60r7h0/s1600/dining+vignette+1.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="320" /></a></div><br /> These two items on the right get used for all sorts of things.  The top is image shows a Boblen  vase that I wrote about <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-must-have-vase.html">here</a>, and the plate is part of a set of 8 that I use for entertaining.  It also works as a candle holder or propped up on a small plate holder it becomes a graphic piece of art.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzntPNan9WgRPBL1jJOa4XAYxphjkOv5bJYChnINYxdtTSIAZckvcwfDQS91J4mv7nvigTJcgOiqC8XpSqrRijd-HUm4BmQF5DXpKocPoKgyeSfoHgDKlj8mW1LAxTL76fUMwayllF7ND/s1600/buffet+vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wooden vase, black candle holders, fall decorating" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzntPNan9WgRPBL1jJOa4XAYxphjkOv5bJYChnINYxdtTSIAZckvcwfDQS91J4mv7nvigTJcgOiqC8XpSqrRijd-HUm4BmQF5DXpKocPoKgyeSfoHgDKlj8mW1LAxTL76fUMwayllF7ND/s1600/buffet+vignette.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The black mesh square tray was the base for a gift  I received last Christmas.  Black and square are two of my loves, when you add texture how could I let it go?  Anything hand made is alway a keeper especially when it has the beautiful form this vase does.  A few colourful berry branches the colour of the season can change the look completely.  Use your imagination about what additional seasonal objects you place in the basket/tray.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45WrBwyWgkvhcJ54bvc_KsLXi6g94axHvK5g5Mlj1f0A87oMBmp47sPTsRsg_Cj7q6t0by67GassUe6Em2Mhjad7evhj5B6R7CBlbFmrYLdnZ8yji5DJ6mKhDIwqwwQgD8HPGFmw6lAOO/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="stone eggs, accessories, black candle holders, vignette " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45WrBwyWgkvhcJ54bvc_KsLXi6g94axHvK5g5Mlj1f0A87oMBmp47sPTsRsg_Cj7q6t0by67GassUe6Em2Mhjad7evhj5B6R7CBlbFmrYLdnZ8yji5DJ6mKhDIwqwwQgD8HPGFmw6lAOO/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And on to the stone eggs my sister gave me years ago.  This hand crafted white  bowl has a beautiful irregular form and can be filled with all sorts of goodies. </div><div><br /></div><div>You get the idea.  Once you've found homes for the objects you love,  you can...</div><div><br /></div><ul><li>Make a list of what else you will need;</li><li>Record needs and the size/height/colour of objects; </li><li>Take pictures of the areas you want to accessorize;</li><li>Go shopping (with your phone)! Don't forget to look in second hand stores, antique stores, dollar stores, craft studios, and on line second hand sales sites.  </li></ul><br /><div>Oh yes, trade with your friends and/or siblings!</div><br />Check back for Part 3 of my accessories posts where I visit a local home to explore how the owners went about adding the final touches to their new home.<br /><br /><br />

Accessories: A decorator's perspective

Part 2 of 5 Accessorizing a client's home I'm often asked what is the most difficult job I do as a decorator.  Truthfully it is to a...

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Crafts by Courtney

<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yc44VlLtiP-9H9Sa9QNUTdjrwx5Cto3L_7Qz_ODt5rJqZJDifWdAos0EG18GicUTrEAmjS7Lr1xEGxsAJI7dSx1hvn7pe6GC8KyArCcziSJ58KXkqlji_UswuL1NMdBydGw_A0ckq8Y/s1600/fall-home-tour-23.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkoJ8VSNy_r8Kqs8yMWQuE43TY8Pmd7aL1rB6MKRlKNFeC-c6cdUj78chmN_r56I25exPQO_olKUb8Jeik-yz5I6n1eLYfyYsxGN2pCPvQy1fuvu82vpiyMhrDbUfOvZLXzQHIpsiF-w/s1600/fall-home-tour-12.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-A6wxaNhvxWPQOh8tZORqRORcNdQHVbw6MDejFxXAPINi2VJmztstTBLb1bW6ugk6_qOlSXKTVS-xFH47BHIxYSls9SCXf0Mak2op-7P0ubvhxXziK360wHQTTcdnjeNPYPwOM1CGh4/s1600/fall-home-tour-81.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2I3mI889fU8enkcl_YHWfOVc2RnN6SqQWwa3bVY4qG6IZhXEi-BXwZ2Ota7tRDGk6f8FOK_6BEu5WT_Zxft0Ok-dTti_c6lZXksX8oQIQ5cmozpUElZxT1Xlgw_pnSgkHYgL3u5K_LA/s1600/fall-home-tour-39.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGAkZtvcL3DWIvfONNx4mSseZ-48DCKfIW66EOTIu4F3f1-9sOqMvdnDOP1fee3vCj6GK1plqPiDjgNl1p-66Du4da1IRUl0Y9FXhYho3WCSnIimbbj1MKjO3RdCtV6qWSSKv4OHuaq4/s1600/fall-home-tour-38.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMznzRHrCxNX65diZQ4YA-ChtzJXP_6NExDqgflQWpv58xxY8iOosSRtYIsfRWvHBYmdn1dNF-P3EIG7viSyHJ8C5Fa8y2KWaQfieDQNqbAmQ9QY_D-Kbhjvrr-cXAgxUyMNaUnxEdfCQ/s1600/fall-home-tour-32.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAJeHlHpvlrUxVs8DajTpiL2NtsSgWvRIJFFkFjNRt87nP0sDcisd71DAp1mjasLuRYyT2h2bOGqETG-omvYwW_CR4Q1OxIpwFuUFTRCVxwG99Q7-l8UPCYQYEUMFH_E62inEmOlmnwY/s1600/fall-home-tour-13.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wIeFprfWMyUkI5cR9_8Lt_EjW9l3QueUGDLp7hami8qKjbp0NrXEqZBVpqy4uCLnBjBeLBJUjD-VKtlGuZ3xH-x6LjpA0LjkfHzfGJQVbLr3J-ejg3FlKVnfv8wlCwB_pze6G1kYMCI/s1600/fall-home-tour-54.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgrm9ijoc9tEjL5klcc8Hk5DJuHuB1Q1YswXlaALPJscGOZYdjlzxxhLWZY0Uz4x7j4gNUnvdK1SksS0qRMS0j61sHe69cSwrail_e1y__VuZQV8lHtajkr2A5RZxuhfazKDQ-dHcEjU/s1600/fall-home-tour-31.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk5nU9JtXAuL0hkY6yHgUcyfPsechy2SpKLpkHssPficueI2ejW2-qX7nPlggkkTX0YcnObZF-Li93J6AJkdIFLLvPibNyE-wLzPpBPOLh52NMO1zTYiW1PBKGV0GmBXGLHTMzX4yQbo/s1600/fall-home-tour-83.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB41P_B3obY9kPS5FESQaXEnAVsk3a3YSQmPiHxDj2eIH5Q3VAWrHkQzjKGVMJ5S6DQTasF0F_W0PBmezT7r6iwjSUUVz18mJW6RHvcuYZrS3KIZIEL4uZWeXRc550eDTZGvf30QSpTqM/s1600/fall-home-tour-79.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGJSy30_brLeP7y0F2TsuUAkFWtsIGKIqCg9SkT3ws0eCrFoNLv0QdI6gHbIbaPQrNmdmHxlj2yrNDvmUL-e6L2a1ezorh81oBCcEg80tGdO-nsUKz3pzf-UvgCovrqvTx_5vQnMCw1I/s1600/fall-home-tour-42.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD54JDmMQMjISrhI41vTIpkMk-Z-BCi-d7jdF2DZE4z8EciRrGO5ITC537fDYNNJTlQ0evxzp7ifyztFE_q7sQXdGQWRS2qAW_FuK4BoIaVufpVTgJyPVlgHxX_SW0jdQSIRJsIzGNTwQ/s1600/fall-home-tour-55.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea59ZK3k2tBlRscz0FA5vwajLsx7g_9pimqoCRHqlpneNN0XfwmvNgV8pvSO_HbWjLiw2-5vCIW0rt3QVyA5hXpDahKqJQI3rWqRaVdTcbePifB6Th06erjqx4IHm96IKp9VWrt_rTf8/s1600/fall-home-tour-6.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz69WIBRtmVbHeW1XYaVDhV2Ce8AlqgkXv2R7YU755jeCA7IVCU1GNGzeNrENU7vF8mTnOn-_GN-pHyF3tvmYWMo1hvLREoXo4HqfrR4rHNhqQPlL3rk3-_Cnh61083mJp8X4he2PyNuU/s1600/fall-home-tour-8.jpg" /></center><br />Happy Halloween!! I had to share this home tour from <a href="http://www.craftsbycourtney.com/fall-coastal-theme-home-tour/">Crafts by Courtney</a> with you guys, filled with coastal-inspired fall decorations! Normally I'm not into Halloween decorations, orange and black are so not my favorite colors! But <i>this</i> I love! And if I wasn't inspired enough, Courtney DIYed pretty much everything here....including all of the fun pumpkins! Modge podge pumpkins, thumbtack pumpkins, chalk paint pumpkins, Tiffany pumpkins...oh my! There is still a lot left to see, so head <a href="http://www.craftsbycourtney.com/fall-coastal-theme-home-tour/">here</a> to finish the tour and get all the DIY info!<br /><br /><br />I also have to share with you guys the one of the cutest things ever!!<br /><br /><center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Cp6NhpwnLF-U-77Ce8u15suTbZYzqNNc3nERqOGBnewthF_bUGXG32jHTwdvHaDeFyrYm29mR62OMJ5qydWr2D5zPHnyfnH7wV-MvK3ngP5w-RuRADs3_Ax1U57xs8hzlBS_LKtWc_A/s1600/image.jpg" /></center><center><br /></center>Have a fun and safe Halloween everyone! :)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span>

Crafts by Courtney

Happy Halloween!! I had to share this home tour from Crafts by Courtney with you guys, filled with coastal-inspired fall decorations! Norma...

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JS Interiors

<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVWSQFo0AN1bA3TIQipxcUay3Iwwgk6wTO7o6vUkKDtCdm6YxslM639tfpTkw4H1Q58qdilH5ZvnV84LQ3zTokUuB2n_Todxyu7aZliDL35-_G-mrMx59x5fc0yroVDln-lQsPKPpD-o/s1600/backsplash.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzdcHms5UXbb7hcSJr0LEWnbPCsimVZJRBRZlrjtGB_Z2DBsIWh-Ql3jrPzPLPpXseX5FwDaL6Vz-sbcTsElDY4VY26EF_Gq_h_dxbVi_cbHiskJQ8Dm7lJoQvB44lNMQ83Fcr44XQQw/s1600/kitchen.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnDogZfMr9AFvQacN396X2vP0lmVSC4pnN5B0eQnyG0pGvi3aZol_3SlK319hJkZGOLz3_ugj2o9PS0cuMC0_sY0RA9WtG83TFPUUlyy9cYZoADuvryzs0HaEO5VSw_p4zn0Hu9yVZEw/s1600/living+room.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx8XfQ2lrbXy900vmxe2tOENMvv1iP09p7u0p5xIvRDSPGNOkK7nv81Sw7fYQ785HUHN-iJMreMfFxwiu05pzPVec_RECCaNOlKn_mqne_LE4kOivXa_kpeF4V1M2y6VT-kP1O2v9UkY/s1600/dining+room.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJTNQ4JwFS0uDgpt49p1IK1omxJqaaGDaOUqaQLcGbMkrhb0SPw4JvyOY0hQy-7PsJvgICQXS000xvtrvofYX0UyUnA5CjiTdKJKALVdU5do8Ndx0TAq4JEjHBDBLcg1GtiMSO7Y6TOo/s1600/stairway.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TaCOLaSfFmVqQwzccRTLTu4S5XBkr_Fw6AZLPa6A1yxrKRDQfC4jo8hiQcW9Fn4i7FuNDrDBRzoXx3ZAOYP1sJ4_wxbDToJ_80IVjoh16xpsB0kum_pmUMxSJECbd-QhlMkUwIPUyr0/s1600/hallway.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerk1LFaJumNZPJ59hirojGFmnii9JtS3KEpZHzuCshtg6Uiz1JfdXh57A5E1GguKp3iK3RH8lyHrZML4B7BNuOTnXS8zxeGZdulHlufP6-IDsAZgG33UkTj1chxchD1a0eiZji71jioQ/s1600/bedroom.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJzM8aZcDzRA4OhUKl0KKb7u_ow7CoIWU7mreV2faCnqZK1OJnAlw83xIfSGyOVu2oVpi9nInxKHVGVm5qUszQkNzZdTEwTGTYpVKXAqPIaeGeXvn-lf6mRKyqPOgbh5_9ZLw21mIxUU/s1600/bathroom.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSaw1vhYAry-79WHaykoz78PuPibu_7M3dk8U403uYiHCl1Hrz-JGoFJw6I2AcPSKQlKcaFpwQzrQWimSAXmNw6pmJBCAeR9VP-E4FeyruQZZD6YUiSqGpSnpgwPIQQy-VnJlS7aeAhg/s1600/reclaimed+headboard.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0To1KE_ZBo2m3Ql1HtKgg1XaJWeUIgXELMHwOlCDxBpsdSuEizmp3pJCvZms-QNMHC-0THNMLhSStoezWxoIUL1tRcpWvs9R61zlNrCuO5HyQxPKRReb09ldEzjjAMiepVJzFnodXIE/s1600/bedroom+doors.jpg" /></center><br />I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I saw this one! The breathtaking beach home in Kennebunk, Maine was designed by Justene Spaulding of <a href="http://www.jsinteriorsboston.com/" target="_blank">JS Interiors</a> out of South Boston, Massachusetts and captured by photographer <a href="http://www.trentbell.com/" target="_blank">Trent Bell</a>. No doubt the designer took her color cues from the water outside using serene blues and greens all throughout, even on the ceiling! I'm in love with the hardwood flooring and her use of natural textures too! And did I mention the backsplash?!? *sigh* See even more beautiful projects from the talented designer <a href="http://www.jsinteriorsboston.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span><br /><br /><br />

JS Interiors

I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I saw this one! The breathtaking beach home in Kennebunk, Maine was designed by Justene Spaul...

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One Room Challenge - Week 5

<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpXob_T3lIJAnY9qSrCuajBcszUZwHMQXtYngVcT3Zs_2p65enpmw7fwm_Nh0i-DtinWF2DsvPUqYO8fjNCKMXXNW2dzBF6koZBrAGRq7WZG3Kcd-RmXetyWnTCJ3trP-786fvhtMA9I/s1600/ORC-Logo+turquoise.png" /></center><br />I can't believe there is only ONE week left in the One Room Challenge! For the past five weeks I have been decorating a loft area in our son Wesley's room. (To catch up on previous weeks, see <a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2014/10/one-room-challenge-week-1.html" target="_blank">week 1</a>, <a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2014/10/one-room-challenge-week-2.html" target="_blank">week 2</a>, <a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2014/10/one-room-challenge-week-3.html" target="_blank">week 3</a> and <a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2014/10/one-room-challenge-week-4.html" target="_blank">week 4</a>.) This past week had some ups and downs. I'll start with the good news first: our guard railing arrived yesterday!<br /><br />I'll give you the back story on the railing...before Wesley was born I shared this photo from <a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2013/04/k-mathiesen-brown-design.html" target="_blank">K Mathiesen Brown Design</a> as part of a home tour on House of Turquoise:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECkllyicY7gGI46h_yWbIGX-MvtZp6GxnQ3deAc6l1yyiGQ8LRkRw4p_CUAkSdRqexuYlJFZYYSHr2GnxhVqwJGarIH9KUtHnr9bwfF9UzO8BJLg8W1T5SJayNmAPyOKbkdy4Ed2hgQI/s1600/K+Mathiesen+Brown+Design.jpg" /></div><br />It hadn't even crossed our minds to ever change what we had, but seeing that space made us want our loft to be open, with a more modern, sleek railing than what we currently had. (Thanks a lot, Internet!) The area up there is already so dark, the half-wall going up just made it all the worse. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuvJO0uVAmQRkkhMkE4UOCEgHIkWL47eWQmBwzIQuIvOUmr3x4ooa4-2r6jSEX5oJHzcag79YV8ZeQ1YDBGvA9-BDgDuR_jfCKi5eeKFQSTrv-0LVyoXglV_v3n9M__6pBDMNuqWi8BE/s1600/wall+up.jpg" /></div><br />So shortly before Wesley was born we tore down the wall. And there it sat until now! We simply ran out of time before he was born to put up something new and knew we wouldn't be using the space anytime soon. And now, thanks to the ORC, we're finally getting it done! <br /><br />Here in Minnesota there are strict codes about railings, so we knew ours couldn't look like the inspiration photo–mainly it would have to be at least 36" high. We ended up finding another photo that would be more realistic to what we needed:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODM_by-ohndn1jFeVwwFPKxAPq-PR4fWg-ob-M5gg1_dqh61pV0Fb2VuPPYWXiyD6Qt04v0SK5HKF1DOBbF9AXfMxLga6gwi9uKEtKyvH8ylehMb7SPN4rRdTJra-QYHsxR0prUOmds0/s1600/1043-Cutrona-18+Black+Beach-2909.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cataldobuilders.com/PhotoGalleryDetails.asp?cid=1&pg=1043"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></div><br />So we contacted a local company <a href="http://www.accentornamentaliron.com/">Accent Ornamental Iron</a> and had them make us a custom railing. It's still taking some getting used to...we both really liked how open it was without a railing...but as far as railings go, we love it. And it's way better than the wall!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX-klPcYNrAv5lnjylXTTv8R3oJADXWvPBkTmGrzw21dwQy5rkCi6P5tie5bakYs-koVOWKfVmwjf0yhoyG85p4mh_UEmQn534gnywsV2dmK7RsvX1QQH6e25ZcxMYk8KUhKIquz5yX0/s1600/before+railing.jpg" /></div><br />Here's a view from up in the loft. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJPNXgobhptVL-EgQuE64ciP_V2dJbmhGVBhZ7Rky0N9XOICFMvqtF0E1j8x26ImK5B_Fn-xvmjSfW9jDi5wvVkv1g1-jLpy_NQ5y8LkIMXQNMBGboGJNqqzAwpTCoK2V6kl92QmtuA4/s1600/railing.jpg" /></div><br />Our <a href="http://rstyle.me/~2OZ48" target="_blank">Jenny Lind bookcase</a> also arrived this week! Chris mentioned it was the easiest piece of furniture he's ever put together...he needed a break by now, so that was good! Of course he had a little bit of help putting it together....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVQ5HHjOrI0cq6fteKv7VrdSi-Ln5Yq1k5cFtXEc2-TO-pjgTCeNEHjXe-G8Oka9616MKEEvuuB4BX0W665dX0CuQQA-fQn5enS5B2H5PTitD6vNfLoyydkZvWGmup2Hlac8GEwe1HFw/s1600/IMG_1426.jpg" /></div><br />Wesley sure loves his "steps"! Anyway I love the shelf and am happy we have the room for it now without the window.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipy__jOHVmYDGRaf2wSY3xbwUBDopjKXF8PKMsz3z-xKCWkcAS6NupSzfsL2wn51H33gvBtgxivvUBQ6vRqSRZl3SDLILkmVwLulJQja__RQGESBjLnO61YNDLUFdbHWWJsJVO2fYzdnY/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" /></div><br />By the way, I'm sorry about the terrible lighting in these loft photos above...they were taken in broad daylight with the window wide open (granted with my iphone...). Goes to show why we need a skylight. I still can't find anyone to install one anytime soon....but we definitely will be doing that, ORC or not! <br /><br />When we were on the Land of Nod website purchasing the shelf, we came across this <a href="http://rstyle.me/~2VK9S" target="_blank">An Adventure a Day Banner</a> and thought it could be a fun, colorful addition to the space. Chris is all about the adventures, so he was particularly excited I think! ;)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rstyle.me/~2VK9S" target="_blank"><img alt="http://rstyle.me/~2VK9S" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8gsfxfkJUVjLmU0denUQRNcCDJOi6X0u4oMGXHOvK3trIwTyhqrBrfnu03ph8kpqjYlmEvdwwTo84W4Ka1kOZPqRMa3HTXp4KD4FmeTVHOhDr7Zkrzq-ZzPspTNLdGAK38D6DmCCuhE/s1600/an-adventure-a-day-banner.jpg" /></a></div><br />Now on to the lows of the week...<br /><br />We received our light fixture in the mail but were disappointed to see it did not have a switch on it. I know a lot of hardwired fixtures don't but the image looked like it did, and I called customer service and they agreed with me (but admittedly didn't know for sure.) The fixture we received in the mail didn't even look like the photo, there were no knobs on the plate. Not sure what was going on there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gqootQuiOD8oJFgDCm-3Euz_ZC5J56Id32zB3koynTREdLxyJTijhDqaDJJQncBqRXL-dOEc-KiLZ8EHFlblW5Fv_eC2NKYMR0woLKITxK42URU1thA2Qj2MmNZf3A_w-zoO65aQUC8/s1600/20TH+C.+Library+Double+Sconce.jpeg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not a switch</span></div>We returned it and moved on to Plan B, the <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Norwell-Lighting-Aidan-Swing-Arm-Wall-Sconce-NRW1395.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Norwell Lighting Aidan Swing Arm Wall Sconce</a>–which for sure has a switch. Thankfully <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wayfair</a> (one of the ORC sponsors) had plenty in stock and fast shipping, so I quickly ordered one and it will be here at the end of the week! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwDv8FhHEW6HgpipVLiz6n-JtJuBNmvjCcfjJaEN-1srTHh3c57W9sRR9pwiT8fXE78pnoiEB6Wlf1ZurJh9pRyZ4w-Z0l7RAvSLz4aqOXo21A5xxAOblgjjx6bpXCP9QPuFg1svACfs/s1600/Norwell-Lighting-Aidan-Swing-Arm-Wall-Sconce.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Switch!</span></div>The other disappointment for the week was with our lounge furniture. We bought the ottoman to go along with it (it's the Cushy Lounge Sectional from <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/rkktassxw" target="_blank">PB Teen</a>), but there's just not enough space for it with the shelf in there. So that went back. But in good news, we love the furniture...it really is super comfy! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl1p-vNGqI3-qT-JYKYppXHySj8NTfo-WHPp0Ra2LdAxzB_UqGo8albjKNCR5T0DXoFFrs6nOSsZ-TX6bAyqboQQufwrN-EEIE-UUN0L4RW-JesCibnem7FcvUVNDPJg81xR6iDHgmkM/s1600/sofa.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>It looks kind of purple here, but it's definitely navy blue. Can't wait to put the throw pillows on it! <br /><br />There is still much to do before the final reveal next Wednesday:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">-Find knobs for closet door (thank you all for the helpful suggestions!)<br />-Install light fixture<br />-Touch up paint <br />-Find a lamp for the bookshelf <br />-Hang up artwork<br />-Arrange furniture<br />-Fill bookshelf<br />-Accessorize<br />-Continue quest to find someone to install a skylight </blockquote>And with that, time to check in with the other ORC participants! One week left you guys!!! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.abbyminteriorsblog.com/" target="_blank">Abby M. Interiors</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://becauseitsawesome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Because It’s Awesome</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://christinedovey.com/blog/" target="_blank">Bijou & Boheme</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chinoiseriechic.net/" target="_blank">Chinoiserie Chic</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecorista.com/" target="_blank">The Decorista</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mydesignchic.com/" target="_blank">Design Chic</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedesigndaredevil.com/" target="_blank">The Design Daredevil</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mackenziehoran.com/" target="_blank">Design Darling</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://designindulgence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Design Indulgence</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designmanifest.com/blog/" target="_blank">Design Manifest</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://janabek.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jana Bek Design</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jillsorensen.com/livelikeyou/" target="_blank">Jill Sorensen</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.maddiegdesigns.com/blog/" target="_blank">Maddie G. Designs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mimosalaneblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mimosa Lane</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apieceoftoastblog.com/" target="_blank">A Piece of Toast</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/" target="_blank">The Pink Pagoda</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stonetextileathome.com/" target="_blank">Stone Textile</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://waitingonmartha.com/" target="_blank">Waiting on Martha</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thezhush.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Zhush</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trademarked by <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Calling it Home</a></span></div><br /><center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXTtYngYvrs33N2dmE2vR1d3DJt7mr3sgQYjj04VSBVGENC8TqXRFwDiGDtz62P_3bT6MTzE40P8GKtX12qb_CNT-SYZUY8kcTCHP_htdl9OFEw80n7F6l4025mOTqadbhDSCff3Q_bE/s1600/ORC-Participant+Fall+2014+400.jpg" /></center><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span>

One Room Challenge - Week 5

I can't believe there is only ONE week left in the One Room Challenge! For the past five weeks I have been decorating a loft area in our...

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New Old

<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWddB2NHTedoP5EPjsqNZLFSy29bMWDt4Ss_UGyH6DXhd1tJJsFrAPxTlsVy4jF2rOkLkUhG9s3iZl8nwW51_Z1EjAdzQaymn2QUO8xKoQ85e42f6eY0wFAN51S77lZMYcc16GtEgecg/s1600/bathroom.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuqegO7gWstWex8-Nhk6qBgl_o7mfxshEx5pphwRX_6ootpTBTM_OBnllo_l2quZMstJE_exSdmSA0oyPzjHTnmKAtJr5oz9k0iIrYuV54eAwtlqPJ18JUiQyKy6PsNoV_NOMZDMphIA/s1600/bathtub.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJQepa4vPyciO7p55eJRP01vdh8gGw907W8tvOGu3gyNZZWeTr8OEYkJAmTvEcg4eR4EIazZiKRrM0nzpv6t27usFZ1t2m58yilPnWBTdpxJ1-pSmZrVGx4_wkfgr0M3aL0XR82Xb52g/s1600/shower.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkdDkmhoOYquZvz3iFWRW9emgyzPwqS71CweZlrJM6oBjb4rnbJMBNr4xO3Y9OAPGuN4ZzD3StV5x_9SceOoebOZNv1yfcAVUXGmEdVyudHnXdm19tHG5NDvbil22S7sNIZcL22Ff75U/s1600/vanity.jpg" /></center><br />This beautiful bathroom was my favorite space in a farmhouse-inspired home by <a href="http://www.newold.com/" target="_blank">New Old</a>–a Charlotte, North Carolina custom home builder. How great it would be to have a vaulted ceiling, sparkling chandelier, huge windows, two separate vanities plus a makeup vanity! Not to mention gorgeous clawfoot tub! And of course I love the shower tiles and the walls, especially the color...<a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/tranquility" target="_blank">Benjamin Moore Tranquility AF-490</a>! Don't miss out on the rest of the home with even more photos by <a href="http://www.charlottevirtualhometours.com/" target="_blank">Cal Mitchener</a>, head over to <a href="http://www.homebunch.com/farmhouse-inspired-design/" target="_blank">Home Bunch</a> next!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span>

New Old

This beautiful bathroom was my favorite space in a farmhouse-inspired home by New Old –a Charlotte, North Carolina custom home builder. How ...

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The Home

<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5V6SoVxC5rgPsaAja09nC6O7P4Ntuj8F7PlDyGjNu8rjHRRoFC-C2HvxfBD78MVUH8UFNLCpw8U4KUvLu_Pqzyk1A1MYhyphenhyphenVjrfKMQLZ0qliYnKeQE1m9wwI_LEQ-f9PUs1SRKVFaMAg/s1600/living+room.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaRCd5sDhlrCBzwtj86d9SMZJoOlsgkqjaUGYYCttXIARTg3zdzDW4egiGlUMNeKnHYkRCuWbLTdSvlP8BzT-PHpvHXi8xZ90JjFANZE0xCcE9s93E9amLhL6pzZpDaKsqlhQi6JkA4I/s1600/coffee+table.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUARWg7u8CLHMjsg_hDk-KkdHzlZjVCTvGSuPbOzsax8smIRfYOcIKQCGf9drw8C-2Di67zGiRFpTXnkeNn6WyHaBqpMZtez4iRNgYGCa_i7i6PqcSJ7NCttga0IfMYXiKg2X1Ebl8lg/s1600/sofa.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wcyK1tt-Jt9gHe_K9q193xfdd8tr9OkMnUncQ5xcVYfsKordkg02t3K5QOa4xTT6B93WooojZ6fa-QSq0aJ4C4xkpPprl1UmOUyluApFFqUv32abuznHy1XdhZ6EdpCwoJ3hBLakCyk/s1600/bedroom.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNoTftGxH8tyjYnYEW7aHwGimbXm_NEdSSukka5bdiqZtaEJesVk8Rfd7MrrXsx_bH2ig9Me7dVzGw0c9CQMkiP7fw5naNQjhXhlWG1sCAd6K6AzIfp97RR3MiC6i-oLwm3yMn5NWz1g/s1600/kitchen.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpEeaun2wP0U6hAcbm1zE6QGgjrLARCAIgDEoQVOQWX2wrc3Zs6xBRwVNJtsE2Xuc3EROYRU8aHIrubIPM_ZFT3yhr0C7RBA-EFy0FmzY7c_XvocZxML24Gts4BQ883XxW7qRfsmXQho/s1600/kitchen+1.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR-0vuDu5KrFN7wrg-oRvxiNtTV2VU1dtHUPhKmg9z162my4mrSUFv9wCrOUIQL8wJzoMteMqSrfQ0PT22vCIVHGEqeZ-kS8xjzV784WRMM-C3vziUh0oPqRiuHv3rVYvt2CM-YPFy0E/s1600/kitchen+2.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggHXRBF6AyqLLhpJBKZVERxXD8xSJfZmFg9abIyTQa1aN6n68eEtBt6-t_-Ra3FTWr4juVum6Y0tefD30J_2WvI1OMcjpTGoFJY6Rt4pcTV5yhc0nv1hg_8SC8Of8vejcVWqoHsKZjLM/s1600/dining+room.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpLl1v03muueXRfqAmVcYyQ61tP8suoxnsHC1ZBCEqVsK82F8xWcH1YQeNEHsvpcXTJlVcuePVu30evXwemiRRhKSt2shFH8IwuzZt_xqcGvpuXCvA-7kOGXdtwyE1038Gx4bV6ddI0Y/s1600/foyer.jpg" /></center><br />I love the energy color brings to a space! This Sydney, Australia beachside apartment was styled by <a href="http://nestdesigns.com.au/" target="_blank">Emma Blomfield</a> and Marj Silva, and photographed by <a href="http://lisazhu.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Zhu</a> for <a href="http://thehome.com.au/" target="_blank">The Home</a>–a home decor flash sale site in Australia. The living room is my favorite here...breezy and coastal! I just love the turquoise and coral combo paired with the weathered textures. The colorful coffee table is especially fun! Can see more photos of the home right over <a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/752653/beachside-apartment" target="_blank">here</a>! And if you're in Australia, definitely check out <a href="http://thehome.com.au/" target="_blank">The Home</a>, looks like they have some super cool stuff!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span><br /><br />

The Home

I love the energy color brings to a space! This Sydney, Australia beachside apartment was styled by Emma Blomfield and Marj Silva, and phot...

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