Classic with a Twist

Useable Spaces out of Unusual Places

For anyone that has ever had that "awkward" area, or "dead-space" corner... THIS post is for you!

We LOVE to create unique, functional spaces out of the "difficult" spaces in your house.

Let us help you turn your unusual places into useable spaces!

Check out these tricky spaces and solutions!

1. Snug spaces - Banquettes are great for using space wisely, just hope you like everyone you get to sit next to in the cozy area ;)

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2. Have an unused closet? Create a work space that you can close off from view when you need to hide it!

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3. Under-stair areas are always difficult. Yet again, by the use of the banquette sofa, you create lots of new seating while not taking any walk space away from your line of travel.

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4. A new approach to window seats...beautiful way to bring a cozy seating group inside.

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5. Add a "sofa" seating to the bay window through a window seat.

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6. Bunk Beds -- the world's best space saver. When done correctly, these systems are gorgeous!

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7. Window Bed - Free up the rest of your room by letting your bed be the "window" seat.

8. This was done at the top of a staircase landing....by adding a curtain rod and drapery panels, you now have a separate room with a built in sofa and bookshelf.

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8. Hideaway Bath - Tight quarters but very unique hide-a-bath ;)

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There's always a solution to a tiny space or "little nest"!

Thursday, August 2, 2012 Comments: 0

New Build Construction Excitement!!

We are knee deep in new builds, projects, tile, and fabric over here...and loving it!!

Last week we spent a full day doing site visits at 2 of our construction projects right now. This home is being built in Lucas and it will be absolutely gorgeous when it is complete!

A double staircase greets you as you enter the home.

The catwalk from upstairs looks down onto the to-be living room.

The kitchen cabinetry reflects a shaker style that will be beautiful when completed.

We are working on the furniture arrangement right now for this living room that will be open, inviting and functional!!

And believe it or not, this gorgeous room is the master bedroom!

Our working concept for this space to pull a splash of turquoise in with the natural creams, beige, and taupes throughout the living and dining room.

These new builds are a chance to express lots of creativity and personality! We love our clients and can't wait to show you the finished product!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Comments: 1

Layered Rugs - Tips!

Rugs, Rugs, Rugs!

We've been sourcing and purchasing rugs like crazy around here! Adding a rug to a room can spice up any space quickly. It adds color, texture and pattern to a room without having to add more fabrics.

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We just purchased this Global Views Arabesque Rug for a client today, and can't wait to see it installed! ;)

Fill in the BLANK.
This "new" idea is something I love!

When you have a "big" area of hard flooring, it is nice to be able to split it up,

create contrast, and spotlight certain areas by the layering of rugs.

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It also makes the room seem more plush, comfortable and inviting.

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Start with Sisal: The best "base" rug, in my opinion, is a natural sisal or jute rug.

These rugs come in a variety of sizes and still give a soft hand to your feet,

but aren't overwhelming in color.

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Choose a neutral base: Sisal rugs also come in lots of different tones of colors.

Find one perfect for your room.

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Make it Yours - Protect: It's great to form a pattern and style perfect for your room.

But once you do that, you want to maintain it. That is another GREAT thing about layering.

Rugs are easily replaceable and the smallest rugs is a great protector for the larger rug,

or wall to wall carpet.

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Go with Hide - Create Contrast: A big fad is to layer the natural rug with a hide rug.
Finding the perfect hide rug can be tricky, but once you do...very rewarding!
This also gives a great contrast in color from just a basic neutral rug in the room.

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Spotlight something Special - Sheepskin: Use smaller rugs to set underneath the
"spotlights" in the room that you want to feature. Sheepskin may not be my favorite
aspect of this layering, but it definitely softens the room nicely.

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Pick a Pair: Find two that you love and pair them!

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Mix and Match: It is just great to mix and match patterns and colors.

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Has anyone else done this in their home?? I love to see new ideas using this "new" technique!

Until Next Time,

Tuesday, July 24, 2012 Comments: 3

Decorating with Woven Shades

We have jumped on the "woven wood shade" bandwagon!!

We do this SO often in clients homes and are looking to use this on a

new kitchen renovation we are working on at the moment!

Another "old' new trend that is up and coming! I love woven shades. They are casual, sophisticated and comfortable all at the same time!

But I have grown to love/realize that they can easily make a room much more comfortable without adding another pattern or color to the room!

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Decorating with woven wood shades will add warmth and rich dimension to your living area. Their appearance is relaxing and inviting, adding sophistication to your home. - Ace of Shades

Woven wood blinds, also called bamboo blinds are made of natural materials. They can be made of one or a mix of the following materials:

Bamboos

Grasses

Matchsticks / Reeds

Wood

Shades can be ordered with optional edge banding or privacy lining for complete light control and an added decorative touch. - I love layering them with drapery panels.

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How to Measure for Shades:

For inside mount: To figure width, measure across the inside of the window frame at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the narrowest width. Find the height by measuring from the inside surface at the top of the window to the windowsill.

For outside mount: Measure the outside width of the window frame. Add 3 inches for overlap. Determine where you'd like the shade mounted above the window. Measure from that point to the bottom of the window. Hint: Add extra inches to mount shades higher and give the illusion of taller windows. Caring for your shades Natural shades will last for years. Periodically vacuum them with the brush attachment to keep them looking their best. Also, beware of using shades in damp areas such as a screened porch or bath, as they can easily mildew.

Very natural, and "green"/eco friendly!

Give us a call to let us help you find the perfect place in your home for a woven shade!!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012 Comments: 2

Oversized Pendants

What are we loving at the moment?? Pendants!

We spend an entire day at the Dallas World Trade Center with our amazing client Fonda' Ronda on the hunt for some fabulous lighting for her new home!

We found some wonderful options!