Creating vignettes.

Creating vignettes isn't as hard as you may think. As a decorator and home stager, I often see my clients creating this decorating mistake I call, "ducks-in-a-row". You know, when you go to the county fair, and they have the game that lines, "ducks-in-a-row" where you shoot and win a prize? Yes that one!! I often will see that style of decorating in a client's home.  But vignettes are more about grouping then single lines! There are guidelines you can use, to help you get started.

1. Assemble. Go corral  items you want to display. See what jumps out at you.

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2. Anchor.  It's the first thing you see and it sets the tone. Anchor objects tend to be larger in scale. They can be a painting, a sculpture or even a lamp.  In this case it's the Juju hat.

3. Scale & shape. Use odd numbers when creating vignettes. Why? Because they are more harmonious and pleasing to the eye. Also, make sure all your pieces aren't the same height. So if one of you items is 2", pair it with another item that is 1". This creates variation in height, which create symmetry.  Notice the two flower arrangements? One half the size of the other.

4. Create a theme. Some of the most striking and interesting vignettes have some sort of theme through them. Themes can be color, elements - like wood or metal, or collections - like nautical. The key word here is assortment. Just remember when using collection, ex..elephants, don't use ALL you elephant pieces together. Why? Because you don't want it to look like you're in a zoo gift shop!!

5. Create depth. Place your items from back to front, instead of a straight line. Remember ducks-in-a-row? This create dimension and interest.

6. Vary the texture. Mix rough with smooth, shiny with dull, wood with iron. This will offer an array of texture.

7. Edit and admire. Take a step back and look at your work. Is it "working" for you? Something not quite right? Edit it until you feel it, "works" for you. Have fun and enjoy the process!!

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No more boring lampshades!!

No more boring lampshades. How many times did you buy a lamp, but weren't in love with the shade?  Next time, before you think of purchasing another shade, think about decorating the old shade. There are so many ways to decorate a shade.

Add flowers!

Use self adhesive cut outs!

Embellish it!

Decorate with ribbons!

Add fabric!

Add an old sweater!

Use an old map!

Cover it with tulle and roses!!

Add jute!

Stencil it!!

Have you child create art!!

As a decorator, I will often suggest decorating the shade to give it a unique and personal look. Check out Pinterest, they have a lot of ideas you can implement. Whatever you choose to do, have fun and be creative!!

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Wall paper is it making a comeback?

Is wallpaper making a comeback? Wall paper was very popular in the early 1900's but since then it has hit hard times. Just recently in the past, wallpaper was synonymous with chintz-loving grandma or high-end designers. But with the internet, homeowners are re-discovering wallpaper once again.Wallpaper can dress up a room or hide imperfections on walls. As a decorator, I love using wallpaper. And as a home stager, I have at times, recommend using paint-able wallpaper to hide the flaws on the walls. So what should you know before you go out and buy wallpaper?

• What are the cost? Retails brand can run from $25 to $250 a roll. Designers can cost up to $500 a roll.

• Should you hire a professional or do-it-yourself?  If your walls aren't plumb or the paper is high-end, you may want to consider hiring a professional. Professional charge anywhere from $30-60 a roll. Not counting the cost of the roll or the removal of old wallpaper.

Once the decision to wallpaper your room is made, the next decision is, what type of wallpaper should you use? Plain paper? Vinyl? Metallic? Non-woven? Embossed? Or Grasscloth?

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• Paper- Can be coated or non-coated. Non-coated makes stripping more difficult to remove.Usually coated with thin vinyl or acrylic film for better stain removal.

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• Vinyl- Durable sheets of rubbery plastic, laminated to paper or nonwoven backing. Stands up to scrubbing, scrapes and splashes.

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• Metallic-Metallized films and foils are laminated to either paper or nonwoven backing. Metallic can add sheen and piazza to any space but they tend to highlight flaws so be careful!

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• Embossed-Raised patterns pressed into vinyl or paper. Great at hiding flaws in the walls. Some may even be paint-able!

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  Grasscloth-This is wallpaper made of strips of real grass woven into sheets. Backed by either paper, fabric or nonwoven materials. It gives a natural element into any room. Delicate, best used in low traffic areas.

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• Non-woven- Easy to hang and strip. Made of synthetic and paper fibers glued and pressed together.

Which wallpaer can be used where?

• Kitchen- Vinyls stand up to the grease and moisture. Great for easy clean-ups.
• Bathrooms- Nonwovens and vinyls. An ideal room to use bold prints, since the room tends to be smaller it won't overwhelm the room.
• Entry Hall- Embossed vinyls, hides bumps and scuffs. And nonwoven, which are easy to remove should the wallpaper became damaged.
• Dining Room- You can use just about any wallpaper here. Use the wallpaper above a chair rail.
• Bedroom- Grasscloth is perfect for the bedroom since it is a low-traffic area. Plus it gives it a serene effect.

Now that you are armed with all this information, go out and explore the world of wallpaper and see what you can do to a room!!  And if you're not sure how to proceed, you can always hire a decorator!!

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