Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Got Milk

I was so excited to find some milk glass at G.W. the other day on one of my hunts. It was 1/2 off too...even better!! Of course, it had to find a spot in my home quickly.





How Do You Work?

I'm inspired by desks lately as I work on remodeling my office nook...which you can see soon! For now, enjoy the view!





{Pictures by Pottery Barn}

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Redesigned Office Nook

A cleaner look for springtime coming.





{Various picture frames, which I already had, painted a glossy white and emptied of their insides. Equals free, modern art. Desk remodel coming soon...}

Thursday, January 21, 2010

The Chair

I painted the chair frame in the accent green of my family room, because this chair will live with my desk, in the family room. I painted the color and then I painted a sealer. Letting it dry is the hardest part. Then, I used an old twin-size bed sheet (1/2 off at G.W.) to reupholster the seat; it's a charcoal gray pinstripe.



Reminder of Before:



I'm linking it to:

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

More Mantel Inspiration


{West Elm}


{Country Living}


{Country Living}


{Country Living}


{Country Living}

Mantels in the New Year

My Family Room Mantel
{Pairing same colored items in a layered fashion}



{Enjoy using the top of a shelf, or entertainment center, for a mantel-like design}



My Living Room Mantel
{It can be tricky to design a corner mantel. Check to make sure that there is varied height throughout the piece and same-colored items to visually weight key spots.}

Remodel Flashback

Bathroom Before:



Bathroom After:

Project Flashback

Growth Chart...

{Old fence board}



{Paint with chalkboard paint, numbers and dash marks, and poka dots}



Sophie's Corner...

{Paint and Monogram, L for Letters, a metal planter}


{Paint piece of sheet metal with chalkboard paint and frame it with an old frame, for a magnetic chalkboard.}


{Set up a learning corner for your child}



Monogrammed Rug...

{Before}


{After}



Typewriter Keys...

{Paint plywood to look like Pottery Barn}


{Hang on wall and be very happy about saving money}

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

DIY



The reveal of this lovely lady's makeover is coming soon...

Make the Necessary Beautiful



{Try a alternative storage option for common things like laundry soap}

Monday, January 18, 2010

Portfolio #1: Kintigh Home

I will begin by showcasing (paint selection, furniture choices/arrangement, decor ideas, etc.) our home, room by room. My husband and I have gutted, remodeled, and decorated our entire home together. While construction is not on the service list :-), you can see how I have designed our home, following each remodel. Each room will have a design point, that will hopefully help you as you apply these suggestions into your home situation.

Living Room:
Point: Pick a main color and coordinating colors. Although, I have decorated with red, there are also many elements in browns and yellows that coordinate. Patterns can be used to add visual interest, if done carefully and in small doses. Decor can become a "set" when paired together in color or size groupings. Groupings should be odd numbers (i.e. 3 or 5 items). There should be space, when walking into a room, to enter without scooting around large items. Area rugs add color and help to warm up a space.



Dining Room:
Point: When choosing a table for your room, give enough space to walk around the table. Decorate with simplicity as you will always be bringing a variety of natural elements in, with your meals. If using candles to add ambiance, choose ones that are fragrance free as to no fight with your food scents.


Kitchen:
Point: Wall color can add excitement into a space without taking up precious prep space. Using warm and similar-blend colors for elements such a counter, tile, and cabinetry will visually give you more room. If you want to update your kitchen without replacing cabinets, hardware is an inexpensive and quick way to change the look. Use a contrasting dark color on your flooring to your cabinets in order to draw your eye upward into the main space. Carry the wall color through your spaces, when connected, to allow your eye to travel while preventing a chopped space.



Master Bedroom:
Point: Colors such as greens or blues are suggested to bring a calming effect to your places of rest. While accenting colors with your decor will add interest and depth to the space. Curtains will frame your windows adding softness to the space. When choosing things, such as pillows, select odd numbers and similar (not the same) patterns to create symmetry. Keeping a cleaned off dresser will give yourself breathing room to maximize the feel of the space. When choosing decor, especially in a bedroom, go for items that add beauty to practicality. If you know you need a watch or wallet on your dresser, place them on a fancy tray or in a basket. Matting a special picture will add an artistic element.



Child's Room:
Point: Tone on tone strips will add interest without causing a distraction. Decorating with things you already have will add sentiment while working with a budget. In order to add a unique element, find childlike storage in a baby stroller or trunk rather than a typical basket or drawer.


Nursery:
Point: When trying to minimize what goes on the wall, use a bold print in your curtain to act as draperies and art. Frame coordinating fabric for inexpensive art. Design smart...a rocking chair is a cozy element that can be removed as the baby grows for more space and a regular dresser can act as a changing table without another piece of furniture taking up precious space. Use elements that will grow with the baby.


Toy Room/Family Room:
Point: You don't have to have a youthful space just because you need to have toys present. Matching baskets or a storage ottoman can provide functional storage while still being attractive. Pairing same-colored items on a shelf can contribute to design and warm up a space. Using cotton curtains in a darker color will allow you to not stress if child finger's find them...they hide use and are washable. Make your space pretty and functional so you can enjoy it along with your child. If flooring is carpet, choose a speckled design or a stain-fighting fiber blend that will tolerate high traffic.


Bathrooms:
Point: When working with a small space, such as a bathroom, enjoy a vibrant color with deep contrasting cabinets/counters. Framing mirrors will allow for an artistic take on something that must be in the space. Decorating with items that you need (such as washcloths on a decorative tray) will decrease clutter and help keep the space visually clean. As much as possible, stay with the same finish on your faucets, shower hooks, knobs, etc. Feel free to use spray paint to update a look without having a greater expense.


Backyard:
Point: What is indoors can be carried outdoors to your living space. Things such as furniture, lighting, rugs, etc. will allow you to warm up a space and make it attractive. Decorate with fresh flowers or vases of fruit and water.


Main Point: There are inexpensive and quick ways to update and enjoy your home in a new way. Sometimes a room just needs a quick de-clutter and rearrangement! Beyond that, it is easy to rotate decor or switch its placement in your home. Paint and curtains will transform a room in an afternoon.

Rule #1...Pair things in odd numbers

3 works well...

Like 3 Red items.



Or 3 pillows.

A Fresh Beginning...

This is a new blog for me, apart from our family's site, to record my design endeavors. Yes, I am a mommy. I am also a design girl who loves sophisticated design in real living. This blog is the beginning of a design business, I hope. I want to inspire you, assist you, and love you while you learn to love and live in your home.

The name: Bananas and Damask Interiors.

Bananas are the "real living" while Damask is "sophistication"
Real living in Sophisticated Settings.

Come away with me and learn to breathe again.

Anna