Turn an Outfit Into a Room: Youthful Sophisticate

This look by Viktor Luna was one of the top designs on last night's Project Runway (season 9), and while it did not win I thought it would make a beautiful room.

The vintage look of this outfit is modernized by the colors used.

These pops of youthful color and sheerness of the top make this outfit a bit playful, while the sophistication of the outfit is created through the selection of the materials, the length of the skirt, and the overall shape created for the woman.

This "geek chic" concept can be translated into the design of a Living Room by using these same guidelines. The use of the materials, the lines of the furniture, and strategic pops of color will create a similar aesthetic full of youthful sophistication.

1. "The Miles Lamp" by Jan Showers

2. "Everett Kantha Chair" by West Elm

3. "Jasper Sofa" by Room and Board

4. "Cotton Canvas Printed Crosshatch Window Panels" by West Elm

5. "Seville Leather Ottoman" by Room and Board

6. "Tweed Rug" by CB2

7. "Orimono Flower Pillow" by Anthropologie

Please don't...

This is my personal plea to everyone out there... please don't karate chop your pillows.

Seriously, it does not make them look better.

Pillows by nature should be soft and comfortable, why would you want to make them look stiff and overly styled?

Please stop. Thank you.

Ellenor

DIY Storage Boxes: Decorative and Functional!

Here's an easy craft that puts the FUN back into functional: Decorative storage boxes! Fact: we all need storage... and we all have things that we need to keep accessible but that we don't necessarily want visible.

For me, this is receipts. In our budget conscious time, my husband and I save our receipts so that we can go through them at the end of the month to make sure we didn't go off track. Rather than keeping a messy stack of receipts or hiding them somewhere that was inconvenient (meaning that my husband's receipts would never make it there), I decided that I needed to create an easy and accessible place to put them when we come in the door.

Spending money on something to camouflage my messy reciepts seemed counter-productive, so I decided to create something from what I had at home! Follow these steps and you too can have pretty little boxes to hide your mess...

1. Find a box to use that will be large enough for whatever your need to hide. I always save old gift boxes for wrapping presents later, so I raided my gift box storage and found a great box with a gold lid. Perfect!

2. Gather your other supplies:

• Material to cover your box (this could be paper or fabric... in my case I used fabric so these instructions will refer to this material),
• Glue that is appropriate for your material (paper glue for paper, or fabric glue for fabric...)
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Mod Podge (If you are using fabric to cover your box you'll need this craft glue because it dries clear and smooth... super for sealing things like fabric edges to keep them from fraying!)
• Brush for applying the above

3. Measure the height of your box. Add 2" to that amount so that you'll have enough to wrap inside the top and over the bottom.

4. Measure the lengths of all 4 sides of your box and add those amounts together. Add at least 1" more to make sure you have enough to wrap around all the sides of the box.

5. Use your measurements above to measure and cut a long strip of fabric that will cover your box. Hold an edge of the fabric up to a corner of the box and wrap it all the way around the sides to make sure you cut enough. Now you're ready to go!

6. Cover one side of the box with your glue and smooth your fabric over the side. Be sure to keep it straight if you are working with a pattern!

*TIP* In my case I used tacky glue, and a little trick about tacky glue is that it is best if you apply it first and then let it sit for about a minute before adhering the other material to it. It actually does get tacky and will hold better if you do this!

7. Continue around each side until you reach the corner you started with. Now your box's sides are all covered!

... Try to line up the pattern of the fabric if you can and cut off the excess fabric, then glue down that edge.

8. Cut slits in your fabric where it sticks up at the box's corners. These slits make it easy for you to fold the fabric over the top edge of the box.

... Glue the fabric down along each of the sides on the inside of the box.

9. Turn the box over and again cut slits in the fabric at each corner so that you can fold the fabric flat along the bottom of the box.

*TIP* The folded fabric can make the bottom corners of the box bulky which can make the finished box sit cockeyed. To avoid this, you can cut the edges of the fabric at an angle to remove excess fabric and make the finished box sit evenly.

10. Brush on your Mod Podge (or another clear drying glue) along the fabric edges on the inside of the box, the fabric edges at the bottom of the box, and the fabric edge along corner of the box where your fabric met itself. This glue will seal the edges of the fabric to keep them from fraying.

Ta-da! A beautiful place to stash my receipts...

Now it's you're turn. Happy crafting!

xoxo,

Ellenor

Mix and Match: Suzanis and Stripes!

Want to know how you can successfully use a suzani pattern in your home? Pair it with a stripe! Geometrics are best to pair with a more organic pattern such as suzanis because the hard lines of the geometric will accent the more fluid lines of the other pattern. In this case, opposites really do attract! Stripes, zig zags, or even a geometric lattice patterns all work great with suzanis because of this. Take a look at these fabulous interiors where suzanis were paired with stripes and other geometrics in the space...

Usually when pairing patterns scale is an important thing to keep in mind. If you have a large or open pattern, whether it be floral or geometric, you want to pair it with a smaller or tighter pattern. However with suzanis and stripes, scale can be forgotten! Both small scale stripes and larger scale stripes will work with a suzani. So pick what you love!

Another great thing about picking a pair for your suzani is that you don't have to worry about the color of your stripe! You can pick something coordinating, neutral, or go for a stand out color to be a bit more daring.

With suzanis representing something old worldly and vintage, you don't have to worry about matching the colors exactly. Piece together the colors that you love and you'll come up with a perfectly "mis-matched" look.

However if you prefer a more put together look, the multiple colors found in suzanis can provide you with enough colors to coordinate with.

And of course, neutral stripes are always an option to pair with your suzani.

Now its time to pick your pair... Until next time,

Ellenor

Feeling Squirrely

My dog can't stand them, but I'm going nuts for squirrels these days! Maybe its because lately there have been some fantastic home accessories featuring these little furry creatures. I think if you are a dog owner, you absolutely must put something squirrely in your home... just for fun with your pup. If you're not a dog owner, you should still invite a squirrel into your home with at least one of these accessories. 

Don't think that you don't have to be a squirrel nut to use one of these accessories. You could even be on your dog's side and despise them... but by adding one unexpected piece in a room, you add a bit of fun and whimsy to the space. You catch your guests a little off guard giving them a quick smile. Have fun with your space, and your guests will too! 

Are you wondering where to place your squirrels? Let them peek out from a bookshelf with a vintage print propped up, or use something squirrely as a bookend. The little planters above would look great in a kitchen, and the pillow would be fantastic on an accent chair in your living room or guest bedroom. Framing a few prints and hanging them in your guest bath or kitchen would also be fun! Place these little guys where they are sure to be seen but not right in your face... you don't want to make a squirrel shrine! Let people discover them as they spend time in your home and you'll work with their playfulness.

Throw a squirrel in your room with this CB2 Squirrely Pillow

Jonathan Adler loves squirrels too! He's created some
adorable Squirrel Ring Box and Squirrel Candle Holders!

These cute little planters created Plylones USA let you know when they
need to be watered by the little squirrel that pops up.
When the squirrel is hiding, time for watering! Available at PerpetualKid.com 

Berkley Illustration has a great array of squirrel
prints. I just love the Black Squirrel... so dapper!

Squirrel away your little treasures with this
vintage trinket box from Fruit Fly Pie on Etsy. 

Vintage Squirrel Bookplate from My Sunshine Vintage on Etsy

Share some love for the little guys!
Squirrel Needlepoint by Kattuna on Etsy.

In this blog what else could S possibly stand for?!
S is for Squirrel Alphabet Print by Holli on Etsy.

Carved Wood Squirrel from Penorus on Etsy would
be a great little accent to add to your shelves.

This is a beautiful and playful shot of a squirrel
titled "Peek" by By The Winter on Etsy. 

 Until next time!
Ellenor

She Said it Best: Furniture Suites

"Don't buy a bedroom suite, but collect your pieces separately - generally cheaper and always the decorator's way of furnishing."

 - Dorothy Draper, Ideas You'd Pay a Decorator For Good Housekeeping

JC Penney Blakely Bedroom Group

I couldn't agree with this quote more! Buying suites of furniture for any room in your home creates a room that is impersonal and makes the statement that you could not be bothered with putting any effort into your design. Suites of furniture are best left in the showroom, and unless the company is paying you to advertise for them, leave the suite there!

It's always best to pick pieces for your room over time and from different places. Mix in old pieces that have been handed down to you or that you've found at garage sales and local thrift shops with a few other new pieces that you've bought. This will give you a room that is uniquely yours and that fits your specific style and needs for the room. 

Elizabeth Martin put together a gorgeous and unique
bedroom that reflects her clients personality.

Select accessories for your room that are special to you by reminding you of places you've been, fun times, and people in your life.... not just because it was shown with the table in the store.

By putting just a little bit of effort and thought into what you select for your room, you'll come up with a space that you not only love but one that reflects you!

Misson Style Furniture Living Room Suite vs....

A living room with personality by Nate Berkus... no contest!

These days the price tag for an entire suite of furniture can be tempting, but just remember that it really is the cheap way out of decorating... Don't you deserve more? I think you do!

Until next time,

Ellenor

Sneak Peek of Ellenor's New Service!

Very soon, Ellenor will launch it's new interior design service Ellenor Postmarked!

Ellenor Postmarked is a virtual interior design service offering a more economical design option that still gives each client the personal attention and guidance that traditional design services provide. After completing a questionnaire and sending measurements/ photos of their space, Ellenor Postmarked will develop a fully integrated design based on their personal needs and style and will guide them through the design process as they complete it at their own pace.

The service includes an inspiration board, floorplan, furniture/lighting/accessory selections, a design analysis explaining everything, budget, shopping list, and a how-to project… all packaged in a beautiful little box and delivered straight to their door! Various packages, including al a carte services, are offered to fit everyone’s needs and budget. So from the beginner who needs assistance designing a room from scratch, to those who simply need a fresh eye in pulling their ideas into a coherent space, Ellenor Postmarked gives everyone the help they need to create a personalized and functional space with a professional’s touch!

By making an affordable option to traditional design services, Ellenor Postmarked can help prevent people from making costly mistakes of buying the wrong things, spending too much time fretting over what to do, or hating the design they come up with. With the service of Ellenor Postmarked everyone can have a room that they are proud of, that is uniquely theirs, and that has a professional's touch.

Ellenor Postmarked provides all the basic tools that you’ll receive with similar services, but our service goes beyond the basics by also providing each client with explanations behind each design selection as well as a “How To” lesson selected specifically for their project. By learning why these design solutions work, we help educate and thoroughly involve the client in their own room design in a way you rarely get with traditional design services.

The new website will be up and running by the end of this month. But until then, you can see more pictures and read more about the service on Ellenor Postmarked's FaceBook Page! Please 'like' the page and share with your friends!

Until next time!

Ellenor