Tips To The Perfect Art Collection

Here's this weeks post for Roomations!

Flipping through pages of magazines and drooling over your dream home? Believe it or not, it’s often the details and styling choices that can complete a design. So those bare walls can take a hike because after following these simple tips, the space of your choice will be transformed into an in-home art gallery!  

Pick A Theme 

The truth is beautiful art is everywhere and it’s easy to fall in love with all different kinds. But the best advice, and the advice I give myself everyday, is to remain cohesive. One of best ways to begin your art wall is to choose a theme. Architecture, nautical, abstract, and nature are a couple ideas to get the ball roiling. Now, once you pick a subject matter, don’t stray. For example, if you choose to work with a nautical theme keep your eye out for artwork with anchors, boats, oceans, and other sea life.

Match Your Frames

If you’re working with existing art in your home or want to work in some of your favorite pieces, tie the look together by matching your frames. Trust me: this consistency will keep your collection looking organized and clutter-free. Don’t worry so much about changing up matte sizes and colors, but stick to using all gold, all silver, or all black frames. Do feel free to use different styled and textured frames, this might even add some needed detail.

Choose a Color Combo

Palettes can be tricky so let’s make this real easy and stick to working with just a few colors. Keep in mind you have already selected a theme and monochromatic frames. Now it’s time to narrow it down and choose artwork with, for example, black and white, warm tones such as orange and red, or neutral tones involving browns and greens.

Go Eclectic

Another route is going “au-eclectic.” Have some fun and don’t sweat the small stuff! Hit the flea markets and pick up some antique frames and vintage artwork. Mix up the sizes, shapes, and colors. Sometimes throwing these things together is the best way to do it. You’d be surprised when the odd shaped pieces strangely have a way of fitting together at the end of the day.

Now, what are you waiting for? Get started on your own interior design spread!

How to Mix Patterns

Another blog featured on Roomations' blog! Check it out! 

We see it in fashion, graphic design, and interiors. The art of mixing patterns has reached its peak and has become a huge trend in 2013. If you aren’t familiar with combining patterns then this blog post will prep you for your dive into an optical adventure.  

Vary the scale
When mixing patterns, alternate between small, medium and large shaped prints. If the eye isn’t able to wander naturally through a space, the design can be misinterpreted as cluttered. Be sure to throw in solid colors or white accents to break up the patterns. This will help give the illusion of space.

Working with Color
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, concentrate on a simple palette. But remember: don’t combine competing colors! Find a pattern you’re really drawn to and pull one of its featured colors. Begin bringing in other patterns, try wallpaper for example, but stick to the same color family. Or, if you feel ready, balance your look with a complementary color. 

Don’t Forget Contrast

Each pattern used should be different from the next. Don’t be afraid to mix geometric prints with organic ones. Go ahead and intersperse horizontal line work with vertical polka dots. Keep an eye out for stripes, floral, chevron, damask, embroidery, animal prints and tribal patterns. And textures count too! As long as color has been researched, velvet, canvas, grasscloth, and even leather can work well together. 

Ways of Bringing in Pattern
The easiest way of mixing prints in your home is through pillows. Stick with a solid couch, a simple area rug, and layer on those pillows.  Have some fun and stray from the basic 18” square. Bring in a couple rectangular pillows and even some circular cushions. West Elm is a great place to shop or collect inspiration. Their pillows are often organized by color, which includes those with pattern. You can get a sense of what looks good together and find combinations that work well.

So, go big or go home—I dare you to be bold and beautiful!

Roomations:The Art of Accessorizing the Kitchen

This week I have a featured blog post on Roomations' blog: Crib Sheets. Roomations is a website that connects homeowners with freelance interior designers, seeking to make personalized interior design convenient and accessible to anyone improving their home one room at a time. 

Oh the kitchen. This room has got to be one of the hardest rooms to style. Many people either over-accessorize or steer away from adding any creative touches. But as the heart of the home, this space needs to be special. 

Keep it Simple

One point to keep in mind is that less is more. No one likes clutter, especially not in the kitchen where traffic can get heavy and someone’s always cooking. So don’t over think it; you can use things you already have. Make space on an open shelf and stack some dishes. Or how about unwrapping that set of glasses you were saving for a special occasion? Place them on a lacquered tray and done! Not only is this an example of aesthetically functional décor, but now you might actually use those glasses! 

Color Outside the Lines

Don’t shy away from color. Most kitchens involve a monochromatic design or a neutral color scheme. Think of this as an opportunity to splash some colorful accessories into the mix and update your palette.  Encourage yourself to cook more by purchasing some cookbooks with bright bindings. Try leaning some books on a shelf in the kitchen or, if you have glass cabinets, you can make a neat visible stack in there. And hey—go au naturel and fill a decorative bowl with fresh, colorful fruits. Finish it off by adding Anthropologie’s citrine Capri candle in Mandarin Mango —your kitchen will not only look great, but smell delicious too!

Always Have Flowers

I can’t reiterate enough the importance of having aesthetic functionalism in design. Another example is plants, which are known for providing clean air and improving air quality. So remember those fresh flowers you picked up at the farmers market the other day? Fill a vase and place them by that favorite window above the kitchen sink. Flowers are a classic styling choice and never go out of style. Not only will they add a shade of elegance to the room, but will soften the space and break up the harshness of stainless steel.

For more tips check out my kitchen board and styling board on Pinterest!