Its all in the mix...

Design Dilemma...updating a room full of "Old World" style.

Recently, a friend and I were out shopping for clients (and ourselves) at Home Goods and addressed this design dilemma.

While we were browsing through the Art/Mirrors aisles looking at the rows and stacks of options (my apologies - again - to the lady that I almost injured when the entire stack of large paintings fell forward and almost knocked her over...so embarrassing!)

A nearby fellow shopper overheard us (hard to miss due to the above commotion!) and asked for advice on how to update her home. She told us her house is currently decorated entirely in "Old World" style with mostly earth tones and neutral colors and she is desperately trying to update and add some life without redecorating the whole room, and spending a fortune.

Our advice..."Add some Contemporary Art to the walls". 

This will instantly update the space by adding new colors and an interesting new element to all of the old world furnishings.

Its all in the mix...

I envisioned her room may look something like this

and maybe this...

images via houzz

Two nice looking rooms with some beautiful furnishings...albeit very neutral, not alot of color or interesting art.

Just look at the difference adding a piece of contemporary art to an otherwise traditionally furnished space can make...

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In this room I would suggest pulling out the blue and green tones in the painting and add pillows and a throw in those colors. You can also add some colored glass vases and pottery to the bookshelves to infuse some more color into the room.

Here is another excellent use of a bright contemporary painting hanging above the stone fireplace in this living room. Notice the addition of yellow accents taking its cue from the colors in the artwork.



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In the room below...the traditional style couch and other furniture are upholstered in neutral fabric. Painting the walls a rich dark color, adding the contemporary art along with pillows in bright colors and prints instantly udates this room.



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There are many sources avaialbe to find great looking and affordable contemporary art. As mentioned above, check out your local stores like Home Goods and T.J. Maxx. As always, this is a "hit or miss" option...you never know what you may find so its best to check in often when looking for just the right piece.

Ballard Designs has some of my favorite contemporary art prints...and Overstock.com and Art.com offer so many, its hard to decide!

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So shop around and have fun mixing it up...find a piece with colors that you like and add it to your traditional room. 

If you love it...thats whats most important!  

images via Houzz

The color for fall...Teal?

While browsing the web, design/decor sources, and fashion magazines, I have spotted a dominant color emerging for the upcoming season...Teal.

Tempo Teal SW6947

Bolder than blue...and perhaps a little more unexpected than turquoise, there are some beautiful spaces using this vibrant shade.

This room with multiple layers of neutral shades and textures is enhanced by the addition of teal pillows that add a pop of color.

This dining room with teal painted walls is unexpectedly paired with canary yellow upholstered dining room chairs.

This teal couch is a bold addition in this room with white walls and bright red lamps.

Again, teal and red work well in this childrens room with painted bunkbeds.



Teal drapes add just the right amount of color in this dramatic dining room with irridescent wallpaper. Note the large glass table top placed on the smaller farmhouse style dining table...interesting.



The combination of purple walls and teal chair work well in this playful space.



Have you used Teal in your decor?
Maybe a few new pillows are just the right touch to add this fall...



or maybe a new outfit will satisfy the Teal urge...

via polyvore.com

Oohh...jeans + boots + sweaters = love! Bring on Fall

images via Houzz

Fleet Week Inspiration...

If you read yesterday's post about San Francisco Fleet Week {here}, you will see why I was inspired to create this Roomscape using San Francisco and vintage airplanes as my focal point.

I have been thinking about the incredible airshow for days so decided to put those thoughts into this fun and a little bit funky mood board.
Check it out...

Source information upon request.

Have a great weekend!

San Francisco Fleet Week 2011

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the amazing air show during Fleet Week over the San Francisco Bay.

We met our group at the Emery Cove Yacht Harbor on a beautiful blue sky morning.

Looking down the pier at all of the pleasure boats, fishing boats, and yachts is so picturesque...

our ride for the day...

It has been many years since I last attended the Fleet Week airshow and I was very excited to board and head out to the bay. On our way out of the harbor I was reminded of this valuable virtue...

Heading out to the bay...

The fog clung to the Golden Gate bridge for most of the morning...

Then the airshow began. I wish I had a better camera to capture the incredible air stunts that were performed, but we were so close, and the planes were so fast, by the time I snapped a photo they were already gone!

Looks like a flock of birds in the sky. How do they fly in such a tight formation?...amazing!

The MOST beautiful backdrop. I don't usually get to see the city from this view...

A wonderful day spent with friends and family. If you ever have a chance to attend Fleet Week...take it! Especially out on a boat in the San Francisco Bay...lovely!

Coming tomorrow...my San Francisco/Vintage Airplane inspired Roomscape!

Wisteria...the store

On a recent weekend we (as in "Girls Only") headed to the California coast for some R, R, & S  -  that stands for Rest, Relaxation, and Shopping!

We booked a 2 room condo at the Seascape Resort in Aptos. A most beautiful spot to hang out with friends and family for the weekend.

We enjoyed the breathtaking views and the sights, sounds, and salt water breezes of the Pacific Ocean.

Saturday was our shopping day. We spent the day hitting several of the local boutiques and antique shops.

The favorite of the day had to be Wisteria Antiques & Design - located in Soquel, Ca.

This is not just an antique store...they have lush grounds filled with plants and flowers too! Visit their website here.
Walkway into the yard and store...


It is located on a beautiful piece of property with the original home still there. They have turned the house into the store...filling every room with amazing antiques and accessories. Take a look...



The rooms seem to go on forever! With some of the most inspiring vignettes...

I love this antique french dresser with the oversized distressed mirror above. They make the real boxwood wreaths onsite and sell them in their nursery. I see a possible DIY in my future!

Cute french inspired marionette wooden dolls displayed with white china and ceramic accessories.
They even had some outdoor rooms to display and sell the lush ferns, ivy, and flowers.




...and some truly unique outdoor art and birdhouses...

So, when you plan your next trip to the beautiful northern California coast, dont miss the opportunity to visit this amazing place.

The Girls

note: several images via MyRomaticHome