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my collage wall

So, about 3 years ago, I started collecting fabric swatches, wallpaper samples and fun wrapping paper pieces in the hopes that I would someday assemble them into a cohesive collage.  I had the intention of filling the small wall outside my bathroom with all these bright color fabrics and canvases.

I am so proud that I finally finished it and am able to share photos!  It makes me happy every time I walk by it!  A lot of people have asked for instructions…unfortunately, I was in such a “zone” when actually completing it, that I didn’t take very many pics of the process.  Here goes:

1.  I spent quite some time trying to decide on the right combination/balance of color & pattern all while mixing the frames with the canvases.  I laid everything out on my dining room floor for 2 days and kept tweaking until I got it the way I wanted it.

2.  I used old wrapping paper and cut out the overall size of each of the pieces and taped them all up on the wall.  I actually couldn’t take a good photo of this because the tape kept falling down.  However, I got one pic which hopefully gives you the idea.

3.  I started with the largest which is the “wish” piece and hung it slightly off center to the wall.  I tweaked each one a bit as I filled out the collage around it.  It is not important to have consistent space in this type of organic collage.  It is actually more appealing to have random spacing between the frames.

I’m very happy with how it turned out…have I mentioned that?

 

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office makeover…part 1 – ideas and organization

So, recently I have fallen out of love with my office space.  I am running out of usable space to work and would love to move to a bigger space but that is not in the cards at the moment.  Add to that, it seems like a ton of designers have recently updated their offices and I am bombarded with beautiful inspiring spaces on a weekly basis.  No sense fretting over it…instead, I will dream up ways to transform my existing space!

P.S. I kind of think that my frustration with my office is because I am super busy with work and it is an unnecessary distraction to daydream about an organized and inspiring space…

First, here are a few spaces which get me inspired and anxious to be creative!

Love the windows & crisp color palette!
I like the eclectic and functional feel of this space.
Multi-functional yet bright and open!

Since my office also doubles as my dining room, I need to consider dining seating.  I love this photo and I already have this table!

Love the floor mirror and the soft blue/grey of the chairs!

I have been scouring Craig’s List and finally came across these super cheap chairs that I will refinish for my office/dining room.  See my colorful inspiration photos below…

Definitely in need of some TLC...

Now, these are my before and in progress shots…

I moved my desk in front of the window, feels more open and kind of like Sex & the City!
I've started to accumulate more stuff that doesn't fit anywhere...
I ordered a matching desk which works as my new credenza! Yeah!
Much more organized but it needs color!

Stay tuned for progress updates!

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Inspiration Collage 101

A key part of making your house a home is developing your signature style.  This is similar to developing a fashion style.  We all see trends come and go but over time we learn which styles flatter our figures and mirror our personalities.

Creating an inspiration collage is something I encourage people to do, even when not working with a designer.  It is important to gather images of rooms, furniture, colors, accessories that you love and edit to help shape your vision.  As you move forward in purchases for your home, this collage will serve as a blueprint for your style.

I have a framed corkboard that I change out periodically to reflect my focus at any given time.  I’m starting fresh in several aspects of my life and this is my inspiration at the moment.

my inspiration collage

 

I rearranged some accessories in my apartment as well as pulled new concept photos for my board.  This is always an easy trick to reinvent bookshelves, coffee tables, etc.  Moving things into different rooms gives your accessories and photos new perspective and saves money!

Here are my inspirations at the moment…

I love flowers: real, fake or in photos.  It is too expensive to get fresh flowers, so I settle for realistic-looking fake versions.  Love these from Pottery Barn!

I love looking at photos of my close friends & family, especially my sister Tabs.  I have lots of framed pictures of the two of us all over my apt.  She’s my best friend; can’t imagine my life without her!

I also adore my Patch NYC butterfly plate from West Elm. It is such a cute shaped platter and the free-hand feel of the butterfly sketch is simply beautiful.

Inspiring poems and quotes are included in my collage along with photos of places I would like to live someday.  Outdoor spaces are especially inspirational to me; I love watching nature.  The photo of the crystal chandeliers over the simple vases of tulips shows creative balance.  The Prada sunglasses ad in the center represents how I would like to be perceived: a juxtaposition of an intense & playful spirit.

As I pass by this space, I feel uplifted and hopeful.  I hope you enjoy making your own inspiration collage!

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My Dream Office

So, it has been a couple of years and I am still obsessed with the color white.  It is the absence of color which has a very clean, soothing effect if executed properly.  The key is to balance the textures and lines of the space to create the warmth normally found in a room with more color.

Here are a few images I pulled together as concepts for my future office space.  I love the lines of the furniture and the crispness of everything.  I can already imagine the uncluttered backdrop to allow me to create beautiful spaces for my clients!  Mixing in weathered wood elements, satin silver finish, natural raffia and classic white marble offset the sleek white lacquer furniture fabulously.  Of course, the room would not be complete without my accent color “du jour” in the form of bright pink area rugs!

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My Dream Kitchen

I admit, I don’t like to cook.  Mainly, because I don’t know how to “whip up” a creation and I don’t like to do things where I don’t excel.  I do, however, know how to “whip up” a creative environment.

Without owning my own home, remodeling my kitchen is not in the immediate future.  But someday in a place far, far away… i will own a kitchen inspired by these elements.  Hopefully, inspiring someone else to cook!

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