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Inspired Room: The Domestic Transformer by Gary Chang

May 13, 2010

This is the ultimate example of smart space usage! In just 330 square feet, architect Gary Chang can turn his Hong Kong apartment in 24 configurations, complete with space for guests and a screening room with a hammock. Watch and be inspired…

Okay, so you're not an architect but you still have to deal with the challenges of a small space? I can help! Space planning and maximizing square footage are important components of my eDecor Plans. —Diane

TAGS: gary chang architect domestic transformer small space living video hong kong china studio apartment multiple configurations sliding wall system

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Inspired Question: How do I mix whites?

May 12, 2010

Kat recently sent this Inspired Question:

I am redesigning my vaulted family room with white, going for a bright, soft, airy look. I Because I have little kids, I am going to make the fresh white work with light and dark brown upholstered furniture. I have picked a white: West Highland White SW7566 by Sherwin Williams. My question is, how do I mix whites? I have heard that one should paint trim a different shade of white. The trim, two built-in bookcases flanking a brick fireplace, and an iron banister will all be white. Should I use one white or two shades (or more)? In the future I will be adding some white end tables and other pieces. How can you tell if whites "match"?
Thank you for your help,
Kat

How to Decorate with Multiple Shades of White

Hi, Kat.

Sounds like you've heard a few decorating "rules." Generally, rules can make the decorating process simpler, but the results may not be as personal and creative as they might have been without. It's a good idea to make choices that work for you and express your style, but if you don't have a natural eye for design, that can be tricky.

In your case, because you want to really make a statement with white and you'll be applying it to so many pieces and surfaces, I'd recommend a multi-layered approach using several shades of white. This will make the process easier for you because you won't have to find perfect matches, and it will result in a room that feels assembled rather than matched. It will have depth that you wouldn't see in a matched white space.

Start with the color you've already chosen for the walls, SW West Highland White. Determining whether it's a warm or a cool white will send you in the right direction for your other shades. This is a warm white with slightly yellowish undertones. For a balanced look you should avoid whites that have bluish undertones. Choose a warm white that's a bit lighter for the ceiling, and lighter yet for the trim. Use the same principle for furniture and accessories, choosing neutral or warm whites. And don't be afraid to mix in a little pale beige or taupe to create a "colro bridge" of sorts with your brown upholstery.

Texture and sheen variations are very important in monochromatic rooms. Introduce texture with wood, fabrics, rugs, accessories. Use a satin finish for the wall paint juxtaposed with a semi-gloss or gloss on the trim and built-ins. The brick will automatically give you texture. If you are painting it, use a gloss to bring out the textural variations.

Contrast in small doses can give the room interest and a focal point. The brown upholstery will really become a focal point when it's surrounded by white, so make sure you love it. Consider introducing another color in artwork.

So, the good news is, you don't have to worry about matching. If you need help choosing specific colors to fill out your palette, consider my eDecor Color Consultation. For the cost of a couple of gallons of paint, you know you'll get it right the first time!

Thanks for your question, Kat. —Diane

Here are a few inspirational photos of white rooms that use this multi-layered technique with white. And check out my Color Love blog post, The Return of White Walls, for more inspiration.

This gorgeous living room by designer Brooke Gianetti has plenty of texture: wood paneling, sheer drapes, a plastered finish covering a dated lava-rock hearth, crisp linen, and accessories with personality. Photo: Velvet & Linen.

This room has one shade of white on walls, ceiling, and trim, but variations show up in the furniture. Art creates contrast. Photo: decorpad.

I think I can count at least 6 different shades of white in this airy room. Pale accents like celadon and light grey stand out much more than they would with other "color competition." Photo: decorpad.

White can be interpreted loosely. Pale green-grey walls with bright white trim and toasty white ceilings are a harmonious combination in this modern living room. The natural seagrass rug, wood-plank table, and textural pillow fabric contrast with the ultra-smooth upholstery fabric. Photo: Natural Home Magazine.

Want a little design advice? If you have a single, succinct design question, send it to me with a photo. I'll answer it here on the blog! Your first question is free. Additional questions are $25 each. Just email me. —Diane

TAGS: how to decorate an all white room shades of white monochromatic decor living room sherwin williams sw west highland white 7566 color decorating advice consultation

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Transformed: Thrift-Store Side Table

May 11, 2010

Things are pretty busy here at Dwelement! No time for a blog post today, so I'm going to share a nifty before-and-after post from a brilliant French blogger-acquaintance of mine. Marianne has a great eye for finding thrifted furniture and turning it into beautiful, affordable pieces for her home. She's expecting her first baby soon, and this table transformation for her nursery caught my eye. Read the full post for details on how she did it here on her baby blog. Also check out her home-decor blog for creative decor ideas and some amazing cut-paper craft inspiration: Noces de Coton. Enjoy! —Diane

BEFORE

AFTER

TAGS: thrifted furniture thrift store transformation before and after pictures chalkboard paint nursery ideas

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Style Steal: Industrial Mod Barstool

May 07, 2010

{Short & Sweet Friday}

Does your kitchen need a little sass? Or maybe you've been sitting on that tired old office chair far too long. Here's a perfect Dwelement Style Steal: a barstool that's functional, beautiful, made with solid materials, and has a price that real people can handle. Solid wood seat swivels over a height-adjustable iron hairpin base. It would look great in a rustic modern kitchen or a sedate home office that needs a little touch of whimsy.

Check out this wood-and-iron beauty for only $109! Grab it while it lasts at Signals. Then cozy it up to your counter or desk and let it inspire a whole room makeover.

I offer Mini-Makeovers for any room in the house for just $95. Or get yourself a comprehensive custom design plan with 3D renderings, space plan, color plan, furniture and accessory spread with live shopping links, and a To-Do list for $400-500. And it doesn't matter where you live! Send me a few photos and a rough floorplan, fill out my detailed style questionnaire, and within 7-10 days you'll have a vision and a plan for a room that's all about you. Email me for more info, or just order your plan here. —Diane

TAGS: style steal signals industrial barstool stool bar stool counter stool deal bargain rustic modern farmhouse mod

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Announcing the Winner of the Mini-Makeover Giveaway

May 05, 2010

Some very worthy entries showed up in my in-box this past week (actually, most of them just yesterday!) but the winner chosen by random.org based on order of entry is:

Linda O. of Traverse City!

Here's Linda's living room, before. She has big plans for an addition above the garage that will hold all of the kid stuff. (And there's plenty of that, with four in the house!) She thinks it's time to declutter and get this most visible room in the house looking good. Linda will complete my online style survey and then I'll put together a Dwelement Mini-Makeover to help her make the most of the stuff she already has. She'll get a custom color plan and space plan, plus a list of recommended improvements that won't break the budget. Congratulations, Linda! I'll be in touch.

Thank you to everyone who entered! Watch the blog next week for the unveiling of Linda's plan, and stay in touch on my Facebook page to be notified of future giveaways and discounts from Dwelement. Have a friend who might like my blog posts and budget decorating tips? Please recommend my Facebook fan page to them. —Diane

TAGS: room design blog giveaway contest freebie mini makeover edecorating e-decorating edecor e-decor redesign room using only what you have budget decor space planning color plan affordable decorating advice

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