Inspiring ways to use a neutral palette

It's no secret I'm a fan of grays, whites, and other cool neutrals.  Using neutrals really allows me to experiment with different accent colors via pillows, throws, and accent colors.  That means if I end up not being able to live with a green or purple I loved last month, it's not like I wasted a ton of money on a sofa I no longer like.  However, done right - with layering textures and patterns, neutrals can stand all on their own as a gorgeous palette.

via tumblr

I'm really liking gray and brown lately too, like the gray door and the wooden mirror frame.

via keltainentalorannalla

Drooling over this kitchen.  I don't know if I dust enough to ever have such dark floors, but they are gorgeous when contrasted with the white cabinetry.  And that Moroccan inspired tile? Don't even get me started.

via dustjacket-attic

A bit warmer tones than I normally go for but this is still working for me.

via lovelyclusters

Loving the coffee table.
via Sweet Home Style

via Schuyler Samperton

Inspiration for mixing and matching bedding

I love mix and match bedding, and can't wait to pick out the linens for our bed once our wedding is over and we have time to focus on decorating.

I love unexpected mixes like the leopard pillows with the ikat pillow.
via Pinterest via Heart Deco

via designstories

If you doubt your ability to mix patterns, start off with one color in different patterns, and add one accent pillow in another color. A monochrome palette will be foolproof.

via sarahmdorsey

via elementsofstyle

via Pinterest via  Indulgy
If you have an upholstered headboard in a non-neutral color, you will need to consider it when selecting your bedding.

via  Indulgy

New bedding and linens is probably one of the easier ways to make a big impact if you are looking for a change.

Bright and easy spaces

Here are some rooms I am loving these days. A touch of color, great windows, natural light, and a feeling of ease and comfort that makes you want to stay for a while.

via Crate and Barrel

The foliage in this bright office provides the pop of color.
via Covet Garden

via House Beautiful

via southernliving

via houzz

Lovely Eye Candy

To get you in the mood of falling in love today, here are some rooms I'm falling for these days:

via houzz

via habituallychic

via laurenconrad

via houzz



via godiyrenos

Show Off Your Design: Ann Ueno

Today we are showing off the lovely design from Ann Ueno who blogs at House and Host (not to be missed!). Check out her space and what she has to say about her design process:

Entryway – I LOVE wall galleries and the inspiration for this space was to be inviting, attention-grabbing supported by stories.  This gallery features all of my own personal photography (great way to create cheap art) of places my husband and I have traveled, combined with smaller accent pieces that welcome people into our home.  Our last name initial.  The ‘chateau’ sign from Anthropologie.  Small trio mirror (of course, you always need some mirror in entryway to apply lipstick, right?).

Dining – the next two shots are our dining area.  The main asset here is the table.  I was very inspired by one of my favorite authors, Shauna Neiquist and the importance of hospitality, hosting and feeding friends and family alike.  In order to do that, you have to have enough space and a welcoming space.  So when I saw this amazing farmhouse table, which was relatively inexpensive and plus when I bought it, it was on sale (from Restoration Hardware).  The moments and memories we have had around this table will forever be stamped on my heart.  There already stains and spills and I love it.  It’s the way it’s supposed to be.  Imperfect, with incredible stories shared. (the chairs are Z Gallerie and I always get asked where they are from!!)

Master BR – since becoming married, a challenge I face is trying to make sure our house isn’t TOO girly.  Of course, some areas still are.  But, I really tried to ensure our master bedroom had a balance of masculinity and femininity.  And the inspiration was from a hotel room.  My husband and I are both in the hotel business so that was my vision.  Dark navy walls, personal artwork and photography in the form of a gallery, clean white linens.  It works perfectly for us and I do think it creates a nice balance and a personal touch with our hotel backgrounds. 

Last – just a fun styled shot of our living room coffee table.  I change this often so no big story here, other than taking cues from blogs and Pinterest on how to style a coffee table!

Isn't Ann's space fab? Don't forget to submit your Design to Show Off here on Decorology (See Instructions here)!

Ready for that room - or whole home makeover?

It's easy to dream about the home you'd create if only you'd have the time, and even if you are savvy and a talented decorator, sometime you still need help - or at least to partner with someone to help you keep on track and avoid mistakes that might have been avoided if you'd only had that second set of eyeballs checking dimensions or price tags.  Or, if you don't have the confidence to do it yourself, there are service out there to help you bring you ideas to fruition.

A lot of furniture stores offer complimentary design services, so remember to inquire if you make a purchase.

There are also many companies that will help you with the layout and design of your kitchen like Wren Living. Some of them will even install most of it for you!

There's also places like Wren's Living that will do every step with you. They help you plan, design, custom fit things in your space, install, and even go on to extend your care afterwards in case there are any mishaps. What ever company you go with, be sure to familiarize yourself with their warranty and guarantee information.

So if you aren't comfortable trying to figure out a space on our your own don't hesitate to ask for help! Sometimes having a designer there to walk you through things can make the process a lot smoother, and give you lots of little tips and tricks you wouldn't have thought of on your own.

Adorable, charming kid's rooms

I don't really focus on decor for kids because I don't have any yet, but now that so many of my friends are having little ones, I love seeing what they come up with for the nurseries.  Here are some little person spaces that I just love.

How gorgeous is this space?  

via Adore Home

I feel like people are putting more thought into children's rooms these days. The fun part about decorating a kid's room is you can be unabashedly cute or themed, something we can't really do in the other rooms in our home.

via Kidsomania

Give your little girl a dream hideout where she can read or play house. I would have adored this cubby bed as a little kid!

This beautiful and cozy nursery makes it just as nice for mommy or daddy to spend time in as it does for baby.
via Pinterest via Project Nursery

via fads

If you have a really small room and need to maximize the space as much as possible there are a lot of modular bed/desk/dresser pieces out there.  I found this multipurpose bunk on this website and I love the idea of having a work space, a reading space, and a sleeping space!

Adorable
via Kidsomania

Do you know any little people with super cool rooms?

This post was in partnership with Fads.co.uk

A Necessary Mattress Primer (with a little eye candy to make it more interesting)

So obviously I'm a huge believer in the necessity of a beautiful bedroom, and I could loose hours pouring over inspiring bedroom photos.  Mattresses are something that maybe aren't the most enticing topic of study, but they are a vital one.

So I've done a little bit of research for you so you don't have to...

via Lonny Mag

Pillow top
Most people these days are in love with pillow top mattresses, and I am a recent convert myself.  Their initial comfort and relief of pressure points is above average. As comfortable as they are, there are some things you want to keep in mind. That extra pad of cushion can make you feel like you are floating on a cloud, but they "they are at least two times more likely than non-pillow top mattresses to have durability / longevity problems"- SD 

If you sleep hot you may want to consider forgoing a pillow top. Before making the investment of a mattress, you could always get a pillow top topper for your current mattress to see if it's the mattress type for you.

via aliciabdesigns

Memory Foam
 Memory foam mattresses are also a top seller these days. These are fantastic because they form to your body and most people will say that having one has enhanced their sleep. One con I found again is that they tend to retain heat, so they won't be the best option for hot sleepers, and another is the initial off-gassing and odor complaints seem to be higher than with other mattresses.

The pros are movement isolation (so your tossing partner won't disturb you as much), long life span, and superb pain relier. - via SD

Latex
Latex mattresses are something I've been hearing about for a few years now.  They have many advantages of memory foam mattresses, but not the cons that come with them. The can also be "all natural" which appeals to green consumers.  The cons are that they can be hard to find and therefore hard to test, as well as find reviews for.  Natural Latex mattress tend to be more expensive than other mattresses of the same size, but tend to have longer lifespans.

Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the most popular mattresses.  They are the most widely available which makes them easiest to try out because showrooms always carry them.  Due to the fact that they've been around so long also means you'll have many different variations to try, and many different price points to shop from.  Pros are ease of movement on the bed and that they're good for those who sleep hot.  Cons are that they tend to wear out after 5-7 years, and coils and padding wear down.  They also aren't the best for reducing motion transfer.

via BHG

Pocket Sprung
Pocket sprung mattresses may not be something you've heard of but one of it's great features is that the springs move independently to support your body.  The independently moving springs also helps with not transferring movement from your partner.  Not so great features are that it's a heavy mattress and not great for those with allergies do to all of the filling.

via countryliving

Hopefully this review can help you narrow down one or two types of mattress you'd like to shop for.
Whatever type of mattress you choose, be sure that you've done your research since mattresses aren't a cheap purchase and tend to stick around for a while.

this post is in partnership with zsleeps.co.uk

Bedroom Storage

You all know how much I love light and beautiful bedrooms. Today I wanted to share with you what I think can be a tough obstacle for a bedroom - storage space.

I feel like every time I move, the amount of possessions I have to find space for doubles.  It's important to me that I have a way to tuck some of these things away and hide them so my bedroom can stay clean and serene.

If you're like me, and can't afford built-ins, a clever way to "fake" it is to find a piece of furniture that can mimic a built in.  The white credenza in this room sits under the window and is white, just like a built in would be if it existed in this room.

You can also find a lot of storage solutions that double as decor, like old trunks.
2 above via Covet Garden

One space you never want lacking in storage is the closet! I love built in style closets because they feel so luxe and it makes it really easy to store and find items. Not having enough storage space in a closet results in random boxes on the floor or above where you can't reach them or end up not using the contents because it's such a pain to get to them!

via Finsahome.co.uk via Pinterest

When everything has a spot your less likely to keep things you don't need and it's going to save so much time in your day not having to "find" all those missing things!

via House Beautiful

Keep it simple - sometimes, all you need is a few beautiful baskets to create the storage you need.  A guest room may only need a few extra pillows and blankets and baskets can be a beautiful and functional way to fill that need.

Another options is to a bed with built in storage in it! Something like a double storage bed is a great option if you are having trouble finding space to create storage in your room or you just need that extra space. 

The built in storage under the bed gives it a more flush and clean look - I personally don't like to put things under the bed, so it's a great option if you are like me.. There are plenty of different styles of double storage beds that you can choose from. Some have a similar look to multiple drawers or cubbies you can put fabric bins like under the window seat.
The most important factor is not only that the storage is functional, but that you like it, so sometimes it takes a bit of hunting to find a storage solution you like. You want your bedroom to be relaxing and clutter is the last thing that's going to achieve that! Find a storage solution that doesn't distract your eye or take away from much needed rest!

Beautiful, bright, spaces for Spring decorating inspiration

I know I've been saying it for weeks, but I can't wait for spring and warm weather.  CAN'T WAIT.  I miss the smell that comes with rising temperature and leaves bursting from tree branches!

Here are some spaces that put a smile on my face

so cheerful!

Love the fuchsia!

This room is a tad too busy for me, but I love the use of gold with the pinks and blues.

all images via BHG

Here are some great deals to get the springtime warm and fuzzies a little early this year (though retail therapy alone and some new decor always puts a smile on my face too)  All these items can be found at Joss and Main

What says spring better than green and blue!

How ADORABLE is this fun clock?

Still loving ikat?  I did a double take when I saw that this chair is on sale for only $249!

This mirror is in my shopping cart right now... I'm thinking it can be like my own personal sunshine...

Do you have a go-to trick for making your space more cheerful?