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 18, 2010 | Decorating Tips, Organization |
When you clear the clutter, your home gets an instant design boost. But it’s no surprise this can be easier said than done. It’s easy to accumulate a mountain of “stuff” that eventually turns into clutter. Consequently, it’s also easy to lose track of all that clutter. Instead of dreaming about a completely organized home – and then being overwhelmed by how much you’ll have to do – take on clutter-clearing one step at a time. You’ll need a purpose and a plan. But don’t worry. You can do this. Considering it’s spring (and nearly summer), this is a good time for a spruce-up. When your environment is organized and relatively clutter-free, it’s easier to keep rooms tidy and clean. Your home becomes your haven. Let’s get started! First, think about how your living space is used. Say, there is a pile of books on your bedside table, along with a stack of magazines, not to mention the clock radio, water glass, tissues, and papers. You need some serenity in your bedroom, and this is anything but serene. Find a place for all those things, according to how you use them. Get an attractive basket to store the books and magazines and keep it near the bed. (And remember to cull, cull, cull. A good rule of thumb is to keep only the current issue of magazines and clip any articles you’ll need). Put the tissues in a drawer – they’ll be there when you need them. The water glass can stay on the bedside table, especially if it’s pretty. But put it on a small decorative tray. Suddenly,...
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 | May 4, 2010 | Bedrooms, Themed Decor |
What happens when the little girl who loved pink and canopy beds becomes a teenager? Her bedroom, once perfect for an eight-year-old, will need updating. Interior design firm Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors recommends that parents and teens work as a team when remodeling teen bedrooms. It can be a fun project they’ll look back on for years to come. Priscilla Castellano, an interior designer and owner of Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors in South Tampa, FL, has a long list of specialties including luxury interior designing, home restorations, and decorating bedrooms for baby nurseries to teenagers. She believes summer is prime time for teen-bedroom decorating projects. “Especially for teens entering high school next fall, now’s the time to get started on updating a teen bedroom,” said Castellano. “Well-designed bedrooms can help teens be more successful, both socially and academically.” Likely, a teenage girl will want a bedroom to reflect that she’s more mature, which means that frilly canopy and girly-girl pink is likely history. Sons may not be as particular about their rooms, but chances are they don’t want that dinosaur wallpaper from second grade. The bedroom also needs to be multipurpose, where the teen can study, entertain friends, and store an avalanche of stuff. Here are more tips from Castellano: • Encourage studying by including a desk, shelving, good lighting, and room for the computer. Teens are able to concentrate in a well-equipped space. • Allow plenty of room for self-expression, but be prepared to modify some over-the-top ideas. For instance, instead of deep teal or black paint, pick a lighter shade in the same color family. • Think about seating for when...
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