Accessorizing 101: Fireplace Mantel

I had a request from one of my readers, (shout out to Angie!) to post something on how to successfully decorate a fireplace mantel, display family photos, and decorate a wall with high ceilings.  These are really common questions.  One thing I can say about accessorizing is that it takes practice to get it right.  There really isn't a right or wrong way when it comes to design, but there are some guidelines to achieve that look that you see in the magazines.

I thought I would do a series of three posts, starting with the Fireplace Mantel.  First, decide if you are trying to create a look that is formal or casual.  If your mantel is in a sitting room that is rarely used, perhaps you want to go with something that is a little more formal-looking.  If your fireplace is located in the family room, where the kids and guests regularly congregate, you can do something a little more casual.

When I think of formal fireplace arrangements, I think of symmetry.  For example a large statement piece in the center such as a mirror or a large piece of artwork, flanked with candles or  topiaries. I love this fireplace example from Martha Stewart.  It's simple and elegant, and the greenery gives it a touch of asymmetry to an otherwise symmetrical display.

Here are a couple of examples of asymmetrical fireplace mantels from REAL Simple.  I love how unfussy the look becomes.  Both are interesting, and the selection of objects is really artistic.  If you are going for this look, be sure that your accessories have some whimsy to keep it from being too serious.

I used to place everything symmetrical because I wasn't confident in creating an asymmetrical look that worked.  If you practice, you will eventually be able to create a look you love without over-thinking it.  Here are some general guidelines for creating a juxtaposition, or a grouping of objects.

• Group Similar Objects:  When grouping objects, choose items that share the same color, shape, theme.  This will create a more unified look so that it doesn't appear as clutter.  
• Rule of Three: There is a theory that three is the magic number when creating a small group of objects.  Things tend to look better in odd numbers - for example, a single stand alone item such as a large framed artwork, or a grouping of three candles or ceramics.
• Vary the Height of Objects: You can create more interest if you group objects with different heights.  Pairs of objects at the same height can appear monotonous.  If you have smaller objects, try to raise them on a pedestal or stand so they don't get lost.
• Create Depth: Placing objects in a straight line looks static.  I like to place three objects in a triangle, or place one single object next to two staggered items.
• Choose a Focal Point: Try to arrange everything around one main object such as a mirror, or artwork.  This will pull everything together.  If you find that you have too many items, you can take away while maintaining a focal point.
• Edit, Edit, Edit!: You may have to add and subtract several times before you get it right.  Be selective with your accessories, and you will pull together a pleasing arrangement without looking cluttered.

Oh, and one more tip, mirrors are always a popular above a fireplace mantel.  A mirror is a great way to bring more light to a room, and they come in endless sizes and shapes.  If you have high chimney with tall ceilings, you can play up the architecture with a large mirror.  

When displaying a mirror, make sure that the reflection is a pleasing one - you don't want a mirror reflecting a bare wall.  Position a mirror to reflect a gorgeous chandelier, a view to the outdoors, or a pretty floral arrangement. 

My advice is to page through magazines, and books for inspiration and try some of the ideas out on your own.  Here are a couple more that inspire me:

Decorating with Feng Sui

I am dedicating this blog post to my good friend, Lauren.  Today I asked her, "if you were to go on a design blog, what would you be looking for?"  She answered, "furniture layout - how to make the best use of a space, and promote positive energy."  This leads to the discussion of Feng Shui (pronounced Fung-Shway), and we both decided we need to Feng Shui our homes... and our lives...for that matter.

Most people are vaguely familiar with this ancient Chinese study.  But I wanted a dummied-down version, without all the technical jargon.  I went to Barnes & Noble and purchased Feng Shui for Dummies, so I could brush up on my principles, and share with everyone the basic guidelines for decorating with Feng Shui.  It doesn't get much simpler than this, folks!

Before I get to decorating tips, I have to touch on the the fundamental concepts of Feng Shui: yin and yang, and the Three Realms of Influence.  The ancient Chinese determined that the universe was composed of complementary energy principles - yin and yang.  You probably recognize the yin-yang symbol - it looks like two fishes - one black and one white, that interconnect to form a circle.

The yang is the white fish, and it represents the active side of nature - characteristics such as bright, hard, loud.  In contrast, the black fish or yin, represents passivity, silence, receptiveness, darkness and inwardness.  All things contain relative amounts of yin and yang energy.  The ultimate goal is to achieve a balance of yin and yang energy resulting in peace and harmony.

Chinese philosophers assigned three categories into which the yin and yang flowed - heaven, Earth and Human. These are recognized as the Three Realms of Influence. The philosophers studied many generations to discover how the categories could be manipulated to improve fortune, destiny and personal relationships.

These principles are the essence of Feng Shui.  You can achieve a harmonious environment by considering these principles when selecting the layout, color scheme and furniture for you home.

Many facets of interior decorating implore the ancient philosophy of Feng Shui.  You have to know the rules before you can break them!

Here are some basic tips for enhancing your home with Feng Shui principles.

• In the interior of your home, the position of the bed is the most important aspect.  Create a commanding position in your bedroom by facing the bed as far away from the door as possible.  This asserts control over your space and your life.
• The position of your master bed should allow the sleeper the largest view possible, as a diminished line of sight can reduce the sleeper's purpose and life vision.
• You should be able to clearly see the bedroom door from your sleeping position; if you are lying on your back, you should be able to open your eyes, and immediately see the door without repositioning you body. Blocking the view to the door can leave the sleeper on edge.
• Give careful thought to the quality of your bed, as it is the single most important piece of furniture in your home.  A new bed supports positive energy and vitality.  A used bed (from a previous owner), can create a lack of energy or lead to illness.
• Seating positions in areas that are primarily used for socializing, such as the living room, should be conducive to conversation.  Try to create seating arrangements that allow groups of two to five people to converse in one area.
• Avoid placing a major piece of furniture with the back facing the doorway.  Allowing guests a clear view of the doorway will make everyone feel safe and comfortable.  
• In a home office, the position of the desk is critical.  Create a commanding position with your desk by making sure it is as far from the door as possible.  This gives you more control over your space, and conveys confidence.
• Do not place the desk in the direct path of the doorway, and do not to have your back against a wall of windows if possible.  This can create some vulnerability, but is still acceptable.
• Throughout your home, avoid furniture that dominates the space.  This can make less room for you and your energy to flow; it can hold you down and can be depressing.  Downsize large, heavy furniture for space saving solutions.
• And lastly, cleanliness is next to godliness - a clean home provides you with clean energy to stay happy and healthy.

If you have a challenging floor plan, there are many remedies to the Feng Shui principles listed that can help reverse the negative energy in your home.  I recommend bringing Feng Shui principles to every room you inhabit.  The result is a home that feels as good as it looks. 

Debut: Jamie Figari Design Custom Floral

I am excited to share a few of my custom floral arrangements.  I started making arrangements on a fluke.  I have always loved orchids, but am always disappointed by the arrangements at the department stores.  Not only are they usually very artificial looking, they are severely overpriced.  I  would love to fill my house every week with real flower bunches, but it becomes very expensive.

The first arrangement I created was a three-stem orchid planter.  I found the beautiful brass bowl at a vintage store in Austin while shopping with mom.  I fell in love with the bowl right away, and knew exactly what I would do with it when I got it home.  The arrangement turned out so well that I started making a few more, until soon after, my house was full of flowers!  

I love the creative process of making floral arrangements.  I can start out with one idea, but when I start putting something together, it often takes on a new direction.

I have hand-selected each flower to ensure each stem is as realistic as possible. I want people to look two or three times at the flowers to see if they are real. Another aspect that makes my arrangements truly unique is the container.  I scour thrift stores and vintage shops looking for one-of-a-kind vases that can be upcycled into planters for my flowers.  This orchid is perfect example of a thrift store find that has been transformed into a pretty flower pot.

This is a tulip arrangement that I created for a more contemporary look.  I wanted to do something a little different than what you normally would see in a store.  I think this would look lovely on a nightstand in a bedroom, or up against a mirror in an entryway.  The curly willow and the gray pebbles give it a fresh and modern look.  

Please contact me if you are interested in having a custom arrangement made for your home or office, or if you are interested in an item featured in this blog.  Both the single orchid and the tulip arrangement are available, and I can ship anywhere in the U.S. I can create a custom arrangement to suit any decor ranging from traditional to contemporary.  

This is just the beginning.  I am constantly creating new pieces each week, and can't wait to share them with you! 

Understanding Color and Using Paint to Bring Life to Your Space

Painting is one of the easiest ways to transform the look of your home on a budget.  Working with a professional designer to help you select colors is one way to ensure that you won't have to paint over a mistake.  If you have painted before, you understand that the prep work is one of the most tedious - albeit most important - tasks of painting.  If you are on a budget, than DIY may be the way to go, but keep in mind the cost of additional materials that are needed to get the job done, such as extension rods, drop clothes, brushes and rollers.  Factor these items in to the total cost of the room.  In many cases, it is more cost-effective to hire a professional painter who can provide his own materials, and save you time in the process. 

To choose paint colors successfully, it is important to understand a few things about the basic color wheel.  One of the wheel's primary functions is to illustrate the relationship between cool colors and warm colors.  Cool colors such as blues, greens and violets are found on one side of the color wheel, and represent natural elements such as air and water.  In contrast, warm colors such as yellows, oranges and reds, signify the connection between the earth, sun and fire.  Using the color wheel can help to create harmonious palettes by pairing different shades.   Keep in mind, all of these colors are greatly affected by lighting and the proximity of surrounding hues.

Complementary colors - such as orange and blue - lie directly opposite one another on the color wheel.  When paired with one another, each color is intensified.  For the most successful use of complementary colors, it is best to use the colors in unequal proportions.  For example, a steel blue room receives a needed burst of warmth when paired with bright orange accents.

Analogous colors lie adjacent on the color wheel - yellow and orange, for example, or blue and purple.  These colors work in harmony with one another to create a low-contrast, soothing and serene color palette.   Baby blue accents will recede into the background when used to accent a violet room, while adding visual interest.  

Monochromatic colors are different shades of the same color.  Layering different shades of green in a room from light to dark will help to create a calm and peaceful setting.  When used with bold accessories, you can create a surprisingly dramatic room with just a single color. 

Since black and white are technically not colors - black is the absence of all color, while white is the presence of all color - they are not found on the color wheel.  But that does not diminish their importance, particularly in interior design.  Adding black and white to any palette is crucial to adding drama, definition and contrast.  Use black and white as an accent or as the foundation to some of the most stylish palettes.  

Now that you have passed Color 101.  It is time decide what color scheme you want for your room.  Here are a few helpful hints to consider from our friends at Benjamin Moore.

• Where do you live?  To pull together a look that is consistent with your surroundings, take your cues from your environment.  A beachy theme will seem out of place in the middle of the desert, just as a Southwest theme may look inappropriate nestled in the heart of city skyscrapers.  This can help you determine whether to use more saturated hues or a more muted palette.
• What is the look that you are trying to convey?  Are you going for a formal room or a casual retreat?  Deep bronze or copper can lend a formal feel while soothing greens and yellows can offer a casual and serene environment.  Of course, every color can work in a variety of contexts.  The look you convey will ultimately depend on your choice of furniture and accessories.
• How will the color help to create a mood for the space?  It is proven that color has a direct physical impact.  For example, consider green for your office as it helps to boost concentration.  Blue is a popular choice for bedrooms as it lowers the heart rate and decreases blood pressure.  Red can be appropriate choice for a kitchen for its appetite-boosting properties.  Consider the function of the space and how the color will help to enhance it.
• What is the architectural style of your home?  Pay close attention to the architecture of your space.  It can really speak as to which colors are most appropriate.  An open air-loft, downtown loft may yearn for the industrial look of muted grays or contemporary white.  In contrast, a period home may cry for a classic palette.  The historical colors offered by many paint dealers are a great option for period homes.
• Would you like the color to draw attention to or detract from a particular flaw or architectural detail?  Theoretically, warm colors advance - thus dark colors pull the walls closer - while cool colors recede, making the space appear larger.  Painting a low ceiling a light color will give it an extra lift.  But these are guides - not rules.  A small half bathroom with low ceilings may benefit from painting the walls and ceilings in a single deep color.  This is especially true if the space lacks any architectural details such as crown moldings.  Air ducts can appear less conspicuous when camouflaged the same color as the wall.  Pay close attention to these details when choosing your colors.
• What is the orientation of the room? Generally, cooler colors work best in south and west facing rooms.  Warmer colors tend to absorb more heat, making the room uncomfortably warm in the afternoon sun.  In contrast, warmer colors can bathe a north-facing room in warmth in the absence of sunlight.
• What is the primary source of lighting in the room?  Fluorescent lighting lacks the warm colors of the spectrum and can make warm colors appear flat.  Incandescent bulbs emit a warm, yellow light so cool colors can appear dull and gray.  Natural lighting is the truest, and most balanced light, so consider selecting your colors in natural light and seeing it transform into the evening when you will most likely use some form of artificial light. 
• What is the function of the space? Rooms primarily used in the evening such as dining rooms are popular choices for warmer tones.  The incandescent lighting, commonly used in dining rooms, emits a warm glow which is flattering to faces.  Likewise, vibrant colors such as bold blues or bright greens are a great choice for a children's playroom, which is used mostly throughout the day. 

Now that you have considered these details, it is time to start selecting.  I recommend purchasing at least three shades of the color in question - one lighter and one darker than the original color you have chosen.  Unless you are enlisting the expertise of a professional, buy the sample bottles of each shade and place the colors side by side on multiple walls of the room.  Yes, most paint stores offer the larger 10 x 10 swatches that can be hung on the wall, but you will never have the true read on the color until you have painted it on the walls.  The $20 extra dollars you will spend on the samples could save you hundreds in the end.  

Try to live with the sample colors for at least a couple days before you make a final selection.  This will allow you to observe the colors in the presence of both natural and artificial lighting.  This is step is critical - you will see how the color will virtually morph into another color when observed at dawn and again at dusk.  

If you are struggling with paint selection, one of the services that I provide through Decorating Den is professional paint selection.  Please give me a call, and together we can determine the most suitable color for your space.  I can bring the paint store directly to you with my professional kit of paint swatches from both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams.   I assure you will not be disappointed, and I can spare you the time and expense of making multiple trips to the paint store. 

Working with a Professional Designer

DOING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

It’s sad but true- cutting corners by deciding not to work with a professional interior decorator can often cost you more time and money in the long run.  Today, more and more homeowners are enlisting the services of interior decorator and designers.

           

Because custom designs are so popular, professional decorators know how to work with your budget, your lifestyle and your design vision in mind.

           

If you are considering using a decorator, there are some basic guidelines you should follow before your project actually begins:

·      Take a tour of your home with the decorator so you both can determine the size of the project.

·      Discuss your family’s lifestyle with your decorator.  How do you want your house to feel? How do you entertain?  Do you have kids and pets in your household?

·      It’s wise to set a realistic timetable for completion, especially with a large project.

·      Establish your decorating priorities.  Which rooms are the most important for you to complete?

·      Determining a budget and sharing it with your decorator is essential.  If you have never decorated before, or have not done so in many years, they can easily give you guidelines to help you determine a budget.

·      This will enable your decorator to find the custom products that best suit your needs.

·      Finally, let your decorator know at the beginning of your project if you have certain items that you want to keep and work around or have any other special requests.

Considering these basic guidelines will allow your decorator to work with you to design a project with your wishes, your lifestyle and your budget in mind, saving you from costly errors and resulting in a room you and your family will enjoy for years to come.