The Accent Wall Debate: Painted Vs. Wallpapered

Posted By Emily-Dallas | Wednesday, September 01, 2010

I’ve never been a big fan of the painted accent wall and oddly enough, that’s usually the number one question that I get asked at an initial consultation…”What are your thoughts on doing an accent wall in here”?

In most instances, I choose to stay away from the painted accent wall.  It reminds me of a bad home decorating show where they paint a random wall a god-awful color, just so they can say they did something “creative”.  Another reason I have nightmares about accent walls is that I myself painted an accent wall in every apartment I lived in, in college- yikes!

In my personal opinion, I would ONLY recommend doing a painted accent wall if it makes sense in your room and if you have a focal point that is screaming to be highlighted (like a fireplace wall, the backs of bookcases, a ceiling, wall nook, etc).  Make sure you stay far far away from doing an accent wall on a random side wall!  There is nothing worse than an accent wall that makes absolutely no sense!

However, painted walls aren’t the only accent walls out there.  I actually LOVE a fabulous wallpapered accent wall.  The key to one of these is to have the side walls’ paint color relate in some way to the wallpaper and always choose the wall that is more of a focal point in the room.

{Elle Decor}

Not to mention, you can use that more expensive wallpaper that you’ve always coveted since you only need one wall’s worth of paper!

{Nicky Hilton’s LA home- via Alkemie}

{via Little Green Notebook}

{via Design Strategies}

{Domino Mag}

{Megan’s dining room of Beach Bungalow 8}

{via Apartment Therapy}

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What’s Old Is New

Posted By Julia-Chicago | Wednesday, September 01, 2010

One of my recently completed projects is currently featured on the cover of this month’s “Renovation Style” magazine! So exciting!

The Historic Victorian home is located on a gorgeous tree lined street on Chicago’s North Shore- very close to the beaches of Lake Michigan. The Southern raised, incredible to work with home owners were accustomed to more traditional furnishings and decor, so the challenge was how best to  honor the tradition’s of both the home itself and the client’s taste- all the while infusing it with a more colorful and whimsical aura.  After much love, enthusiasm and dedication to detail from the owners, this project is one of my most treasured accomplishment’s!  Look and see below images of an historic home with a”happy” spin- well suited for a modern family.

All images courtesy of Buckingham ID and photographed by the uber talented Eric Hausman except for the cover shot by  master photographer Werner Straube for Renovation Style and Meredith Publications.

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Adler In the Office

Posted By Julia-Chicago | Tuesday, August 31, 2010

{Zig Zag Sticky Notes, $8.95}

I was browsing Paper Source the other day and came across the display of Jonathan Adler Office Collection.  In true Jonathan Adler fashion, the notepads, pens and calendars (along with a variety of other items) are bold, bright and colorful.  These well priced goodies would make a great gift for any occassion….teacher’s present, stocking stuffer, party favor…you name it!  Check out some of the hot items from the Jonathan Adler Office Collection.

{Calendar, $19.95}

{Calendar Detail}

{Multi Chevron Thermal Mug, $15.95}

{Multicolor iPhone Case, $19.95}

{Greek Key Pocket Papers, $5.95}

{Multi Chevron Memo Cube, $13.95}

{Multi Colored Highlighters, $11.95 for set of 5}

{Multicolor Laptop Sleeve, $29.95}

{Acapulco Mini Spiral Notebook, $10.95}

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Kristen and Matt’s Laundry Room Reveal!

Posted By Emily-Dallas | Sunday, August 29, 2010

Back in June, I went out to Baton Rouge to complete the Wisk Detergent laundry room makeover design for winner’s Kristen and Matt Maurel.  EJ Interiors partnered up with Wisk laundry detergent, Whirlpool, Star Exhibits and Environments, and TV’s Designing Spaces to give Kristen and Matt the laundry room of their dreams!

The design will be revealed on Designing Spaces Monday, August 30th at 8:30 am CT and Friday, September 10th at 8:30 AM CT on the We Network.  You can also watch the episode HERE.

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iVillage

Posted By Jill-LA | Saturday, August 28, 2010

A client of mine happens to be a sales director for iVillage (an NBC Universal Company) and they have recently launched their new Home & Garden Channel – totally worth checking out! It’s full of inspiration galleries, how to videos, house tours, gardening advice, blogs, and more!

The inspiration galleries are organized by section which makes it easy to find inspiration per room, such as: Nurseries, Window Treatments, Playrooms, Mudrooms, Dining Rooms, Wall Treatments, Backyards, Porches, Decks, Girls’ Bedrooms, etc.

A playroom featured in the inspiration gallery.

A modern bedroom featured in the Bedrooms section.

Another bedroom (the feature list sources as too, like this zebra print pillow from Target!).

Love the House Tours section too:

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Harbor Cruise

Posted By Jill-LA | Friday, August 27, 2010

I thought I would share a tour of the waterfront homes of Newport Harbor, in Newport Beach by way of a “harbor cruise” – photos I took while cruising around Newport Harbor.  Last year, I wrote a blog post on “Houses Of Balboa Island” – homes on the Newport Harbor waterfront located on Little Balboa Island in Newport Beach. This time, I thought I would actually get in the water and take pictures from the bay!

Our trip begins where the purple pin is as we cruise past Linda Island, Harbor Island, thru Beacon Bay and around Balboa Island and out to the Peninsula.

Directly across from where we keep our boat is Linda Island.  This house dominates the view and at night is beautifully lit up with the reflection of lights twinkling in the water.

Boat slips line the homes off Linda Isle.

A tradtional style Linda Island waterfront home.

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mirror, mirror, where are you?

Posted By Rebecca-NY | Thursday, August 26, 2010

Does anyone know where this mirror comes from?  I’m trying to locate the original source!  If anyone has seen it or knows the source, I’d love some info!  I’m trying to locate it for a client of mine!

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Introducing Eziba.com which launched today and features exclusive sales on the latest home decor products from many leading brands.  The site works the same way that Gilt, One Kings Lane, Ideeli, etc. work (daily sales that last between 48-72 hours)… yet here’s the best part – shipping on ALL orders is $2.95 (excluding AK, HI).  I’ve just come from visiting the sites sales and already found a ton of things I want.  If you’re already an existing Overstock.com member just sign in using your current username and password and start shopping!

Calypso rug $439.99

Hand Tufted rug $299.99

Set of Two (2) swirl pillows $19.99

Teak Bench $179.99

Iron Swivel Stool $129.99

Kitchen Aid mixer $129.99

Set of Six (6) microcotton towels $34.99

Reclaimed Teak Table $939.99

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My Sweet Little Distraction

Posted By Lauren-Houston | Friday, August 20, 2010

So I may be a little preoccupied as of late.  Sure clients, moving, and my husband changing jobs is a lot to keep someone busy, but the most important distraction has been the anticipation of my sweet baby girl.  My husband and I are gearing up for a new change in life and I couldn’t be more excited, scared, nervous, overwhelmed, or overjoyed!

I could not wait, I HAD to know the sex of the baby. I just couldn’t do a unisex nursery.  Since I was just certain I was having a boy, I had my color scheme and vision all figured out.  I just wouldn’t allow myself to fancy the thought of being blessed with a little girl.  When the radiologist said, “girl,” you could have knocked me over with a feather!  The rest of the afternoon was spent in and out of baby boutiques and me trying to come up with how I would outfit the nursery.

To my surprise, I loved the all white linen bedding with crazy-full bedskirts but knew I didn’t want the room to go too shabby chic.  I realized this would be the perfect place to use the color scheme I’ve been dying to try out in my own home…Lilac, silver, charcoal, gold & white. 

The room is pretty small considering I’m going to squeeze a crib, dresser/changing table, full sized bed, and glider all in the space. 

The bedding will be custom, but this is an idea of the look I was immediately drawn to.  I’m going to add big lilac satin bows to the bumper and a matching monogram. 

The walls will pick up on the color of the bedding accents.  This is, “Hydrangea” by Serena & Lily. 

The vintage bow-front dresser we already have will be re-painted in a chalky soft dove gray with a little rottenstone in the crevices.   

Ivory silk taffeta curtains will flank the one window in the room.  I may end up adding a valance or cornice…

Obviously, I have to throw in a gold accent.  Dreaming of this chandelier from Pieces. 

White Linen Slipcovered Glider from Lee for ME.  Very excited about this.

 

The guest bed will be dressed in simple white linens with a long leopard print pillow. 

I’m still working on my walls…I love the paper maiche zebra from Anthropologie. 

Other misc. things I’m liking…

So there you have it, the start of the nursery!

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Rock of Love

Posted By Lauren-Houston | Wednesday, July 28, 2010

 

New Jersey Housewife Teresa Guidice might have been gifted a humongous yellow diamond for her 10 yr Anniversary as seen on the show Monday night, but any of these beautiful rocks on lucite would make the Geo-Geek in me’s heart pitter-patter.  Artist Brenda Houston’s pieces are available today on One King’s Lane.

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