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

Bright Idea

I'm in the market for some new lamps in my living room. When I do lamp shopping, I love to go around to local antique and second-hand shops, and look at sites like Etsy.com and Craigslist. I love to have one-of-a-kind lamps in a space, I think they just add so much character to a room. That being said, I of course have some favorite retail options! Here are just of few of my favorite lamps off the shelf and under $150...

Mack Table Lamps from Crate and Barrel, $89.95

I love how simple these lamps are, they really could fit into any room! The colorful cord can play up the lamp, or the sleek white cord keeps the lamp in the background. Either way, the simplicity of the lamp keeps it from never going out of style!

Malpais Lamp Base from Anthropologie, $128.00

This gorgeous lamp is the perfect balance between earthy and modern. I adore the glazing on this lamp base which makes each one unique and have a vintage, one of kind look! The colors in this glaze are neutral enough but can also be pulled out for more of a pizazz in your room.

Owl Table Lamp from Target, $39.95

This adorable little lamp is a steal at this price and is full of design power!

Contemporary Brown Grooved Table Lamp from Lamps Plus, $49.98

This lamp has an old soul, and that's what I like about it! It may be called a "contemporary" lamp, but I believe that it could work in any room setting. The natural wood base and slightly modern shape is perfectly paired to make for a beautiful lamp.

Industrial Task Lamp from West Elm, $69.00

These task lamps are so beautiful and I absolutely love their vintage look. The colors allow you to pick something more classic like the polished nickel or black or super fun with the colors available. As my "office" selection, these are the best! I love these so much that I have one in my home office.

Shine on!

Ellenor

The Cat's Out of the Bag...

Since I did a post on my favorite dog home decor items, it's only far to show some love to our feline friends...

Berkley Illustration has some of most favorite art! I love the whimsical portraits he does of animals... just look at these fabulous felines!

This perfectly poised Tall Cat by Jonathan Adler would look great in any home! The lines of this sculpture captures the elegance of your cat with a modern aesthetic.

This adorable Cat Mug available at Fishseddy.com has matching drinking glasses and a bowl for your kitty.

And of course, when you can't find just want you want hire someone to do it! Bark Pet Photography can capture your adorable kitty so that you can make your own personal and unique artwork for your home.

Purr,

Ellenor

Who let the Dogs... IN?!

If you're like me, you love your pooch! Well, it seems that we are not alone. Dog decor has been incredibly popular over the last few years and here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate your furry friend into your interiors...

The Hound Pillow Cover and the Appetizer Plates above are both new items from West Elm featuring the art of Scott Lifshutz

Jonathan Adler always has amazing pieces featuring animals. I just LOVE this little Doggy Figurine... so poised and handsome!

Best In Show Wallpaper by Osborne & Little... I can't wait to use this somewhere in my house! The dogs are actually flocked so the paper has an amazing texture and modern look.

Just as the name says, these Buddy Pillows by Serena and Lily are the perfect salute to your loyal friend.

Another great idea is to make your own dog decor! Bark Pet Photography is a great way to do this. They are a wonderful pet photography company that captures the spirit of your pup and then can help you make it into a gorgeous and unique piece of art for your home!

Now, go hug your pooch!

Ellenor

She Said it Best: Collections

"If you are collector, let other people share your pride and joy. Don't sprinkle your collection out of sight in a meaningless jumble. Notice how groups of small objects, when they are well arranged, become important and effective. Remember that repetition is a form of emphasis. Collect what you will, but see to it that you arrange your hobby to its best advantage."

- Dorothy Draper, Good Housekeeping

Happy collecting!

Ellenor

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July everyone!! Lets celebrate our freedom from making a red, white, and blue color scheme scream patriotism. Sometimes its just a beautiful color combo...

Above rooms by designer Toby Fairley for the Richmond Show House

Photo from Coastal Living

A wonderfully modern take on red, white and blue

Enjoy your holiday!

Ellenor