by Andrea Lauren Interiors | Jun 21, 2010 | Colors, Decorating Tips |
A newly married couple may be deeply in love – but hate their partner’s taste! I’ve seen this happen, which is why I offer design consulting and solutions for creating a home environment both can enjoy. It’s possible to combine opposite visions of what makes an ideal home. Really! Let’s start with an example: He loves all things modern and trendy. She loves traditional styles and antiques. He prefers bold colors. She likes a neutral palette. I’d recommend they don’t choose one style over the other. In other words, refrain from insisting on minimalist furniture and deep blue paint (his style). The same goes for wanting nothing less than vintage pieces and all white window treatments (her style). When two design styles clash, it’s best to create a transitional style that combines the two. This is more than randomly selecting pieces and hoping for the best. A transitional style is a complementary look. Diverging styles can be blended – and look like they’re made to be together! For instance, our modernist husband and antique-loving wife might choose upholstered furniture with clean lines, then blend in antiques. They might agree on neutral upholstery and walls, spiced with bold furnishings and accessories along with colorful art. I’d also recommend that couples take an inventory of belongings when they are ready to decorate. It’s likely that each will have pieces the other isn’t crazy about. This is the time to decide what to let go and when to compromise. My advice is to keep the items that are of the highest quality or have the most sentimental value. Items that should be...
by Andrea Lauren Interiors | May 24, 2010 | Colors, Wallpaper |
I’m loving all the new choices in wallpaper! They’ve created a resurgence in the use of wallpaper in interior design and deservedly so. In recent years, there’s been a renaissance in wallpaper design by manufacturers, who now offer quite a diverse range of options. These choices offer rich possibilities – they can bring instant drama and personality into rooms. Wallpaper is all about texture, color and pattern. Papering an entire room is an option, but it’s not always necessary. Most of today’s wallpaper designs are strong enough to stand alone on an accent wall. So here’s the line-up of what’s hot in wallpaper. Much of it is the reinvention of old patterns and techniques that have made them surprisingly contemporary. A good example is embossed wallpaper. Don’t worry – this is neither fussy nor stuffy! Embossed wallpaper is firmly in the 21st century through pattern tweaks and vibrant colors. The same type of revitalization has occurred for grasscloth and cork wall coverings (now available in more vibrant colors than during their last popular appearance in the 1980s). Historic wallpaper patterns, some out of print for decades, also are experiencing a revival. This is good fortune for anyone who loves traditional design. They are wonderfully elegant, and I’m glad they’re now available. Some of the newer options for wallpaper are really imaginative. Companies are making wallpapers shimmer through embedded glass beads and crystals. There is leather wallpaper, real or faux, from ostrich to supple suede. Contemporary design lovers are covered, too. The strong graphics and colors of new modern-design wallpapers add punch and contrast in contemporary rooms. In other words,...
by Andrea Lauren Interiors | May 10, 2010 | Colors, Seasonal |
Blooming Colors of Spring Do you want your home to express that spring is in full bloom? The easiest way to refresh your décor is to bring in accents and colors that reflect the change of season. It’s something you can do at least twice a year, whether you want to start a long-planned decorating project or just change out a few accessories. Of course, this is the time of year when days get sunnier – and warmer! And the 2010 spring color palette is popping with the energy of the season. This year’s popular spring colors seem made for Florida homes. They include many shades of pink. Think of the pink sheen of a conch shell, the pinkish red in a summer sunset, or the dark pink of a prize hibiscus. These are nature’s colors when it’s bright and happy. Another great color this spring is apple green. I’m also loving stylish new color pairings, such as aqua and peacock blues paired with raspberry reds. Here are some ways to add spring freshness to your home: For a big seasonal change, go ahead and paint the walls! Paint is an inexpensive way to transform your living space. For a splash or two of spring decorating, go for changes of accessories like pillows, ceramics, and area rugs. Look for pillows in bright spring shades and toss them on your sofa. Change heavy area rugs – if you have a place to store them for a few months – for an edged sisal or brightly painted canvas rug. Dress the bed in a white summer-weight comforter...
by Andrea Lauren Interiors | Mar 22, 2010 | Colors |
Finding the colors that you love for your home isn’t as complicated or difficult as you might think. Three things will help you choose with confidence: 1. Decide what mood and ambience you want to set in your home. 2. Select color combinations you love, not just like – very important. 3. Leave the color shyness at the door, don’t be afraid to pick colors. Now you are ready to see what color will miraculously do to your home. How do you want to feel when you enter the different rooms in your home? Remember, color evokes an emotional response that is based on color themselves. For instance, sunny colors make us happy, smoky taupes and lavenders calm us, terra cotta takes us to the charm of Tuscany. Are you starting to think about your favorite color schemes? Be careful not to fall in love with colors that are trendy. Be practical, paint is fairly easy to change; keep in mind that your flooring, furniture, and window treatments also play a very important part on your new color scheme. As you put together all your colors make sure to paint a small area of your wall and study it for a couple of days, you will see different colors during the day and you will also get a different feeling during the evening and night. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made accordingly. I also recommend a quarter of the formula for the ceiling, that will also create an elegant and rich look as you look up to the ceiling. Well, I hope this has helped you in this fun and...
Recent Comments