Paint & Wallpaper

I have always loved wallpaper and a good paint job. Every decorator knows that a quality paint job is the most inexpensive way to change the dynamics of a room. It's the oldest trick in the book!! I also believe wallpaper adds just as much drama...If you just paper an accent wall and paint the remaining three walls spaces are renewed... Today I'll share a few of my favorite paint and wallpapered rooms with you. We don't live in a beige world, so.....don't be afraid of color.... If you're uncertain about color combinations ... call a decorator, get a color consultation!

Purples and plums

Add bold stripes in colors of bedding or drapes....can't go wrong with color choices that way

A wallpapered accent wall is the perfect way to warm up a chilly bedroom

Chocolate Walls! ... Is there any better way to add intimacy to a dinning room?

If you're no artist...hire one....You're little camper might keep his room tidy.


Wallpaper can be subtle ... OR

Dramatic

The Way It Makes Me Feel

The dusty pink in these rooms is soft and feline...yet, some were designed by men. With a hint of beige, pink doesn't have to be just for the ladies.
This shade of pink has resolution to it. It's calming while still being sophisticated... It feels good.
A London town house from the portfolio of Veere Grenney.







Alexandria Abramian dining room.

Another Veere Grenney
























Sources: House Beautiful, Veere Grenney

Use What You Have

In this time of cutting back and frugal living for many of us, I purposed I would not spend one dime on decorating for an afternoon tea for a few ladies. I would simply...

use what I have.

After all, I know I can really make a room or any event happen with a fairly reasonable budget...but how about no budget? The only funds to be spent would be for food. Isn't that the most important part when a few long time girlfriends get together?

...good food...good company.

I started looking around and found a few items in the living room and transfered them to the buffet. As you can see I'm not a girl that's shy about color so everything works well for the Christmas season and my chili red dining room walls.... now what am I going to do for the food?

Most of these items I've collected over the years and haven't spent a lot of money doing it.

I decided to get daring this summer and paint the walls red

Monterey Sunset

Growing up in northern California, Sunset Magazine became one of my favorite magazines. It still is today. I absolutely love the Sunset Magazine Idea House. It's better than a show house as it not only focuses on the interior design but the entire structure.

You will love Monterey Sunset as I call it:... Three connected buildings that make up the house are set on a hillside overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay. The area is evergreen with magnificent views. The house contains all the green elements you can think of and more. Above all the home takes advantage of its natural setting by bringing the outside in...high ceilings, outdoor living spaces, and plenty of views. If you missed it....catch it here.

This home incorporates leading practices in sustainable construction, including solar electricity, reclaimed lumber for framing and siding, tankless hot water, and a 20,000 gallon-capacity water reclamation system.

Reclaimed redwood is used for the siding on this porch...
The weathered copper lanterns are from Sea Gull Lighting

Wake up to warm floors with radiant heating. Don't you feel outside in this bathroom? Cherry blossom.. tile by Ann Sacks

Kohler’s elegant Serpentine Bronze vessel sink and Purist faucet

Organic pendant lamps add night light to a natural setting... are we outside or are we in?

Don't we all love open air dining, any time of year?

The kitchen combines sapele (an exotic African hardwood) veneers with textured resin inserts and stainless steel appliances.... black granite counter tops complement the wood to create warmth in a contemporary kitchen.

The circular island holds lots of storage space ... it's quartz counter tops are non porous

What a beautiful way to display wine... love the backlit cabinet and the black brushed granite counter

A curved wall, covered with gilded, hand-painted parchment paper makes a great place for a secret lounge

images: Sunset Magazine

Idea House Team:

Architect
Thomas Bateman Hood Architects
831-644-9490
thomasbatemanhood.com
Builder
Travis Construction
831-521-6646
travisconstruction.biz
Interior Designer
Joseph Hittinger Designs
650-855-9898
josephhittingerdesigns.com
La ndscape Architect
Bernard Trainor + Associates
831-655-1414
bernardtrainor.com
charity partner
CASA of Monterey County
831-455-6800
casamonterey.org

More Holiday Style

images: Horchow, Country Living

Holiday Style

I love the idea of decorating for the holidays. I hope these images inspire you to do something a little more stylish this holiday season.... all it takes is a plan.... Sketch it out on paper and then implement. Even in these budget minded times it won't take much to bring flair and glamour to a room.

The monochromatic tones by candle light add a contemporary feel to this otherwise traditional setting. Bring in a mirror from another room, stagger the height of your candles in the same color and finish off the mantel with an evergreen garland.

I would say this room is steep in old world tradition. You can take a walk in the woods to find pine cones, add garlands left from last year and spice it up with red touches of berries.

Add a little Ho, Ho, Ho to your mantel... kids love it!!



I'm dreaming of a white Christmas... simplicity reins.

Photos: House Beautiful

Eco Holidays

The holiday season is upon us. If you're looking for ideas to add an eco element to your celebrations here are a few ideas:

These Haitian recycled glass hand blown hurricane candleholders will be stunning on any fireplace mantle. Find them at Gaiam.com

Try recycled glass votive candle holders in lots of festive colors. See them at Rosanna.

How about serving your favorite merlot in eco chic glasses made of recycled wine bottles? You can find them on greenglass.com

If green is not your color and wine is....then add wine colored recycled etched glasses from NOVICA to your holiday table setting.