accessory
Guess what? It's totally design forward to mix metals in your finishes if you mix the right ones. Designer's tip: If you can afford to update some but not all of your dated light fixtures, faucets and cabinet pulls, know that: • Brushed nickel and chrome look great paired with iron and black finishes. • Gold and brass look great paired with an oil-rubbed-bronze finish. Mix away!
This white ceiling fan is far from boring — it's a great choice for someone looking for a fan that's basic yet modern and stylish
Minka Aire Gauguin Ceiling Fan - $399.95 » This beautiful fan is great for coastal or tropical porches. The nature-inspired design looks like it could be a part of the landscape.
2. Drapery can add that magic touch. Chalmers loves the way the drapes in this hallway suggest a division of space. "The drapery looks good even if it's just hanging there, rather than physically doing a job or partitioning," she says. It gives the space color and pattern, linking with the tones of the artwork on the wall." The curtain is two sided, giving the opportunity to add a very different geometric pattern on the other side. "Hallways can often be overlooked, but they are just as important as any other space in the home," she says, "so use every inch — and design opportunity — you have."
3. Use vignettes to add visual interest. Carefully arranged groupings add interest to any surface, be it a kitchen window ledge, a mantelpiece, a sideboard or even the top of a bathroom cabinet. Not one to take composition lightly, Chalmers suggests putting a lot of thought into item groupings. Rather than trying to put everything you love on display, choose a display corner and carefully edit various selections to decorate your home. Chalmers is exuberant over this homeowner's sideboard collection. "Notice the different heights of the objects and the color splash in turquoise. The lamp is lovely and tall and has a great texture. Also, note here the addition of a dainty holly berry brooch to the lampshade, which gives a quirky finishing touch; it's so simple but very effective," she says.
Bauhaus Stripe Duvet Cover - $79.00 » I love this cheerful print! It is warm and happy without being overwhelming.
3. Add trim. If you live in a "plain white box" with no decorative moldings, consider adding a bit of interest with DIY add-ons from the hardware store. Dress up the front door, embellish plain columns or add crown moldings to the living room. Any of these options will add a sense of history to a newer home or flat
4. Add definition with a painted border. As an alternative to moldings, painting a stripe of contrasting color around your walls can add crisp definition for very little cost. Thinner lines (1 to 3 inches) will give a subtly crisp look, while thicker lines (5 to 8 inches) are a decorative element in their own righ
5. Create coziness with a painted ceiling. For some reason, most of us don't give much thought to color on the ceiling, opting for basic white or matching the wall color. But a rich, contrasting hue on the ceiling can add a sense of depth and warmth in a wonderfully subtle way, perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.
6. Transform your room with an amazing pendant light. Simply swapping out the standard-issue ceiling light with a stylish pendant takes a perfectly nice but rather plain white or neutral room and makes it feel intentionally designed. Don't be afraid to invest in lighting, even if you rent — you can always take it with you when you move.
Name: Zettle'z Ceiling Lamp Designer: Ingo Maurer Year designed: 1997 Material of note: Paper with scribbled notes on it Where to use it: Part mobile, part light source, this chandelier works just about anywhere. I never would have thought of using it over a bathtub before I saw this picture, but it fills that space so well. The scribbled paper notes that replace typical chandelier crystals create quite an impression in an entryway or in an office as well. Or, because the notes can be romantic, consider hanging one over your bed.
Name: Oh Mei Ma Kabir Designer: Ingo Maurer and team Year designed: 1997 Material of note: Sheets of aluminum Where to use it: You'll want to be sure it's in a place where you can experience it in different ways. Looking at it from an angle and a higher elevation gives a totally different perspective than looking up at it from directly below.
Endurance Precision Pierced Tool Caddy - $21.95 » This compartmentalized caddy will couple well with stainless steel appliances.
Wood Silverware Caddy by Sawdusted - $59.95 » Bring a certain je ne sais quoi to your kitchen with a French bistro caddy.
Nuance White Kitchen Tool Holder/Sorter - $32.50 » Sleek and unobtrusive, this modest caddy will keep a kitchen honest.
7. Add wall sconces. Sconces are a darling of decorators everywhere, and with good reason. Their petite size allows them to be placed in tight spots like on bookcases, beside art or in the bathroom, and their soft light casts a flattering glow. Renters can purchase cord covers to go with the sconces, giving the crisp look of built-ins while still allowing the sconces to be plugged into the wall.
15. Turn down the lights. The general idea is to use more sources of light but with lower-wattage bulbs in each lamp. In rooms with overhead lighting, installing dimmers is a must. Also, pay attention to the corners in every room; dark corners can make a room feel smaller. Proper lighting makes all the difference in the world.
What originated in Japan hundreds of years ago, the kusari doi, or "chain gutter," is a simple way to carry rain to the ground in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The Japanese have used these chains on temples and homes over the years with the sole purpose of embracing the beauty of a rain-filled day.
Only over the last couple decades have we begun to use these beautiful chains throughout the rest of the world, but it seems to be a progression that is quickly catching on. It is common to see actual chains rather than decorative cups on taller homes, since a simple chain is less expensive than a long stack of cups.
A pair of rain chains is a nice addition to the front of this home and will surely catch the eye of anyone who visits.
When it's sunny, a strand of ornamental copper vessels enhances the beauty and warmth of this outdoor cooking space. When it's rainy, it takes on a welcoming, song-like trickle.
If you're going to go through the trouble of removing your downspouts to replace them with a rain chain, you might as well take it to the next level and enhance the area where the rain settles. Some stacked rocks or a ceramic pot with a hole drilled through the bottom looks great and helps the rain make its way into the ground.
Although a metal chain hanging from the roof has potential to look rather industrial, this exterior seems to embrace the rugged feel quite well with the help of the various metals used in throughout the architecture.
Being able to admire the rain from the warmth and comfort of your home is a nice thought and something to keep in mind if you choose to add rain chains to your house.
A column that hangs into a yard rather than off to the side of the house seems less out of place with the use of a defined area to catch the water.
Although not present in this photo, a rain barrel would be a nice addition at the bottom of a chain, especially in a heavily planted area like this one.
Another rain chain to greet the homeowner each time they come home, the front of a house seems like the perfect place for such a simple yet delightful element.
You can add extra punch to your yard if you have two or more chains, especially if they reach into a small basin like this.
An icon in lighting design, the Lindsey Adelman chandelier is at once organic and graphic, and for that reason it suits any style of room — so long as it's gutsy! More about Lindsey Adelman's fixtures
Dip Dye Salad Bowls - $56.00 » Bring two trends together at once: a pop of neon and a dash of dip-dye. Add these dipped bowls to a tablescape of whites and neutrals to stand out from the crowd.
Midas Collection - $50.00 » Prefer the Midas touch when it comes to accessories? Add some decadence to every meal with a gold-dipped vase gracing your table. Keep it from going over the top by filling it with a simple arrangement of wild flowers or daisies. More ways to use gold in your home
1. Do something amazing with your best vacation photo of the year. Instead of letting those gorgeous shots languish in a drawer (or on your hard drive, more likely), have one supersized and framed or printed onto canvas.
2. Driftwood and succulents spell summer in California. Even if you don't live in the Golden State, you can evoke the laid-back vibe of coastal Big Sur with this effortless pairing. Try decor made from driftwood, or simply use pieces salvaged from the shore. Sculptural succulents look best in sleek, mod pots.
9. Make a simple summery "tablescape." Fill clear glass vessels with sand (top with tea lights if you wish) and line them up down the center of your dining room table. Fill in the gaps between the vessels with pretty shells and smooth stones.
Taj Boudoirs - $30.00 » 13. Swap out pillows on your bed for a fresh look on a budget. If you keep your sheets and coverlet neutral, it's easy (and cheap) to change the whole look just by changing the pillow covers. I am partial to fun, colorful patterns in the summer, like these monkey print boudoir pillows from Rikshaw Design.
Casablanca Lanterns - $7.95 » 19. Light the way ... indoors and out! Is a space in your home missing something, but you can't put your finger on what it is? Try adding a lantern or three — they can be tucked in just about anywhere, adding a romantic glow in the evenings, and look cool and sculptural even when unlit.
Instead of applying a straight sheet of mirror into a nook inset or backsplash, consider creating a design using individual tiles. This enhances the mirror’s aesthetic by providing a sense of texture.
Or, instead of mixing hanging mirrors, juxtapose a hanging mirror with mirrored furniture. This look feels even more layered because there are different dimensions of reflection.
If you're more comfortable with only one mirror, try to find something that feels cohesive with the furniture nearby. The result will feel like a unified vignette.
Or use a mirror that doubles as an artistic piece for a compelling look.
This copper twist weaving through the mirror creates an impact. Talk about a statement!
Feel free to work this idea into your aesthetic in smaller doses, such as focusing only on drawers or the inside panels of a cabinet.
You can also get creative with your frames. This window frame tricks the eye into thinking it’s looking outdoors at first glance.
Tired of the clutter caused by AC adapters clogging up all available wall outlets? The genius U-Socket AC Receptacle with built-in USB ports solves the problem of too many chargers and not enough wall outlets.
Smith + Noble Custom Window Blinds » Custom window coverings can be a big investment in your home, but that doesn't mean they have to be neutral. Here, decorative tapes add a touch of color to classic white 2-inch faux wood blinds and a black-and-white kitchen.
Restoration Hardware - Traditional Green Glass Knobs - $9.00 » Hardware is a fabulous way to add color to a neutral space. I love the way glass knobs do it richly and subtly. I like these for a small master or powder room, where I don't need a slew of them — just some gentle pops.
Chloe Mirror in Bright Green - $635.00 » If your bathroom just needs a color refresher, a fun mirror can kick it up a notch. This is a great way to add the trendy shade you love in a small way that still speaks large.
Gas fireplace framed by contemporary craftsman cherry woodwork. Wrap around shelving and mantel. Window seat next to entry cabinets. Slate, granite, and glass tile surround, hearth, and foyer floor. Pic by Foto Imagery.
This suspension lamp is called Big Bang, and in red it definitely lives up to its name in this white room. I have the Big Bang in my own entryway, but I have dark gray walls, so I chose the white version. It has such an interesting arrangement of angles and planes that it needs to be in simple surroundings.
The area rug alone provides plenty of color and pattern in this room. Keeping the other furnishings neutral allows the rug to take center stage.
Michelle Hinckley transformed an old mirror into the bulletin board shown here. Get the how-to on her blog, Three Men and a Lady.
Wine corks hold a wealth of possibilities after the bottle is long gone. Houzz user Monica Ewing repurposed hers into a crafty bath mat, and you can too by following her helpful tutorial.
Linen offers a lovely way to add a classic touch to crafts and projects. Fine linen can be expensive, but you can also find less expensive linen that works very well for many home projects. It is very durable and able to wick moisture, but it's also a material that easily wrinkles. Try linen on your bed for a soft and inviting duvet cover. Its natural fibers make it a healthy and comfortable fabric choice.
Upholster a headboard or cover part of a wall with linen to revamp a bedroom with an elegant focal point. A few upholstery brads refines the look.
Muslin Fashion designers usually cut their garments out of muslin as a test drive before they sew their final pieces. Muslin is inexpensive and often gets discarded. But there is beauty in this cheap fabric — the natural color gives it a vintage quality without the vintage price. It dyes very well and is soft and comfortable, lightweight, easy to stitch and incredibly versatile. As seen with this ruffled shower curtain, muslin is ideal for all kinds of home DIY projects. It is a neutral base that can be enhanced with paint, dye, stitched details or rubber stamping.
Drop Cloth Drop cloth is similar in color and texture to muslin and is also very inexpensive. Muslin can be found at any fabric store, while drop cloth can be purchased at a home improvement or paint store. It is much thicker and stiffer than muslin, so it's not the best choice for projects with small details. But it's water resistant, and its durability is a safeguard against rips and tears. Use it outside for garden and patio DIY projects, like this draped shade on a gazebo .
Don't replace all your brass. Shiny brass can make a home look dated, but often there are so many doorknobs, fixtures and hinges that replacing them all is cost prohibitive. Antiqued or satin-finish brass is beginning to trend and looks more expensive than the brushed nickel many people use to update their brass. You can inexpensively purchase a product to "age" or slightly debrass your hardware. If you don't have time to get to all of it, just focus on the bathroom fixtures
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