Office Space Beauty

17 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Home

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crafts, Inspiration, interior design, office, organization, work

Whether you work in an office or out of your home, you should be in a space that is inspiring, organized and beautiful. Even cubicles don’t have to be stuffy and boring. Dress them up with things you love like photos of loved ones and trinkets that make you smile and bring in plants to enhance the air. Remember, this is where you are most of your day so why not create a space you love?

Since I work from home, my office is shared with my husband. Even though I take up most of the room, he does have a small space for his desk. My two dogs also have access during the day so you can imagine how hectic it can get with them running around, playing and barking most of the time. It makes me nuts! But I make sure the space itself is organized and designed to help me get stuff done. This is what truly makes a difference.

I created 3 essential zones; my computer desk area where all paperwork and graphics are done, my printing station where I keep all orders as well as files and my craft area where I cut all paper and keep most supplies.

The closet holds all inventory, magazines and other storage we have. Everything is organized into labeled boxes and kept in groups that make sense.

I also developed a system that would make fulfilling orders easy so I can keep track of my progress. I have a board above my desk that lists all current orders with lists of what to do. After each task is done, I check them off the list until the order is finalized. I also have a weekly to do list I update which enables me to see my projects in advance.

As far as design, both my husband and I wanted the office to feel a bit more masculine and by incorporating a darker color palette in the space I think we accomplished that nicely. I wanted it to have a more study feel as apposed to a business feel. So with the navy hue on the walls and darker toned wood pieces, its warm and cozy. We also surrounded ourselves with artwork we love, books and lots of vintage finds that make us happy. I have to say my office is one of my favorite places to be.

Here are some other really great examples of office spaces that are beautiful and organized. They are sure to inspire you to create a room you love too.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Photo Credit: Creative Stream Blog

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Photo Credit: Creative Stream Blog

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Photo Credit: The Inspired Room

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Photo Credit: A Bella Life

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Elegant Dining

16 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Home

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antique, art, classic, comfortable, dining room, eclectic, elegant, fancy, graphic, interior design, modern, monochromatic, neutral, rustic, space, vintage

Having a unique and comfortable dining area is essential for a home. Not only is it the place where your family gathers to eat and share the day’s adventures but its the space where your guests are invited to enjoy your delicious meals. Not to mention, hang out during parties. Like the other rooms in your home, it should reflect your style and be cohesive with the rest of the house.

Not everyone wants the same look and it certainly isn’t expected for you to have a fancy dining room. There are a lot of different ideas for fancy anyway. Having an elegant space is the path you want to go in. When I say elegant, I mean a space that shows you took the time to make it special. There are plenty of things you can do to create this feel. Here are some ideas that will help bring some inspiration your way.

I love how this space is down to earth and nature inspired. It’s not stuffy or too dark and with all the unique elements thrown in the design, its also interesting enough to inspire conversation. The light wood tones and neutrals create a modern setting while the wallpaper adds that perfect touch of elegance to bring it up a notch. The mismatched chairs and small pops of color give the room an eclectic and fun look.

Photo Credit: Ideal Home

This french inspired space is surely elegant. With its antique pieces and neutral color scheme, its a beautiful example of a grand dining room. It’s lush, comfortable and simple as well as light and airy. I love how all the elements blend together, this allows the space to feel more open as well.

Photo Credit: Country Homes & Interiors

For a more casual dining area, keep it simple but cozy. This space showcases a rustic feel through modern aesthetic. Bold lines in the furniture help balance the space while the the textured chairs and floor add interest. To bring a soft touch to the room, the white and creamy color palette play a major role here while the flawy curtains keep the the hard edges of the windows looking a bit more delicate.

Photo Credit: Country Homes & Interiors

Classic and elegant, this room shows off gorgeous pieces and features earthy hues for a more dramatic look. This type of rustic elegance has traditional undertones but is still cozy enough to gather and be comfortable. The dark wood floors help ground the space while the lighter tones in the table and chairs help to bring out their beautiful texture.

Photo Credit: ML Interior Design

For those who don’t have much space for dining or even a room to use as a dining area, getting creative with what you have is key. I love how this small space off the kitchen has both a dining room feel as well as a nook type of style. The built in benches really help to save space and can sit a lot of people, the table is casual but elegant in its own right and the chairs add a vintage touch. The light that pours into this area is gorgeous as well. With the addition of the industrial lighting and large map, the room appears fun and laid back which is something all your guest will surely love.

Photo Credit: Ideal Home

If you love graphic spaces and monochromatic color schemes, than this space is right up your alley. With black and white being the main characters here, the room is highlighted with graphic touches and traditional elements. Playing with contrast is key in a space as bold as this.

Photo Credit: Homes and Gardens

Another way to feature your love for monochromatic palettes but in a more subtle and rich way. Earthy tones and elaborate details bring this space to life. Texture surrounds the room from the wallpaper to the curtains and the chairs show off a beautiful pattern to bring in some more interest.

Photo Credit: Woman and Home

Mixing traditional pieces like this dining table with a casual feel is easy when you surround the main attraction with more laid back and comfortable items. The armchair add a touch of cozy while the bookshelves invite guests to take it down a notch. It’s sort of like combining a living room and dining area in one.

Photo Credit: 25 Beautiful Homes

Show off a gorgeous piece like this farmhouse table by allowing it shine all by itself. Pairing it with chairs that aren’t as heavy keep the room light. The amount of light lets nature be a guest as well. In spaces like this you don’t need much.

Photo Credit: 25 Beautiful Homes

Modern, artsy and smart, this museum inspired space is a good example of mid-century elegance with a gallery like flair. Simple and to the point, the clean lines and no fuss pieces allow the room to feel classy, unique and smart. The cool color palette helps to keep its cool vibe.

Photo Credit: Ideal Home

{For more inspiration check out Real Simple’s article}

American Southwest Inspired Design

14 Monday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Guest Posts, Jim Klossner, The Home

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American Southwest, desert, design, earthy tones, interior design, Native American, pottery, rustic, southwest design, terra cotta, Turquoise

When I think of the Southwest, I think of orange sunsets, turquoise jewelry, and the neutral sandy colors of the desert. The rich colors, textures, and patterns of the American Southwest bring a feeling of warmth and comfort to any space. Here are some of my favorite accent pieces and design touches straight out of Arizona and New Mexico’s most beautiful homes.

Nature-inspired Color Palette
The Southwestern color palette combines earthy tones such as beige, terra cotta, and browns, with bold splashes of color that are evocative of stunning desert sunsets. Think earthy backdrops coupled with pops of bright red bring warmth into your living space.

Photo Credit: Best Interior Designs

Turquoise is another wildly color choice in Southwestern design, and is also highly entwined with the Native American culture of the region. This cabinet is a great accent piece to your space that also provides an attractive and practical storage solution.

Photo Credit: Great SW Furniture

Pottery and artistic designs are another great way to work subtle touches of turquoise into your living space.

Photo Credit: Etsy

Another great idea that I stumbled upon in my search for beautiful designs from the Southwest incorporates terra cotta tile into this kitchen design. The rich color of this tile contrasted with the cool green tone of the cabinets becomes the ultimate classy Southwestern kitchen.

Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy

Rustic Accents
Another unique characteristic of Southwestern style is rustic textures and accents. Distressed wood furniture pieces are often incorporated into spaces to give them a Southwestern flair, like this armoire and table.

Photo Credit: Taos Vacation Homes

If you are looking for a more drastic change for your space, the beams along the ceiling in this living area are a distinct way to get structural supports.

Photo Credit: Zunetop

Aged leather accent pieces provide a rustic feel and comfortable seating for your family and guests.

Photo Credit: Sesshu Design

Who wouldn’t want to curl up in a chair with a good book and a mug of tea, or just take a nap?

Photo Credit: Wild Wings

Bold Patterns
You can also achieve Southwestern style by adding bold patterns to your living area. I loved the subtle use of patterns on the furniture in this room. The understated design fits right in with the rustic style of the space.

Photo Credit: HGTV

Or maybe you love a bolder design. Adding a statement piece such as this patterned rug creates a unique Southwestern feel in this mountain themed living room.

Photo Credit: Mountain Living

If you really want authentic touches in your space, consider purchasing some colorful Talavera pottery to add to your living room or dining room. It will brighten up any space while adding visual interest and acting as a conversation starter.

Photo Credit: San Miguel de Allende Casa

Clay pots or adobe pots with tribal patterns can also be added for a distinct Southwest style.

Photo Credit: Darla Hallmark

A larger and more dramatic version can be achieved with a pottery mural, like this one.

Photo Credit: Etsy

Finally, if you love Native American patterns and aren’t afraid of a healthy pricetag, I recommend checking out these Navajo hanging wall blankets. These are bright, gorgeous, statement pieces.

Photo Credit: Etsy

You don’t have to live in Arizona or New Mexico to bring a bit of region’s flair into your living space. Distressed wooden accent pieces, nature-inspired color choices, and distinct tribal patterns can be incorporated into your home to add a Southwestern feel. The best way to get a Southwestern influence is to think color, natural influences, and don’t be afraid of anything that helps your home look a little lived in!

Jim Klossner is a home repair professional. Many of his designs are inspired by his travels in the American Southwest and beyond. Click here to learn more about his recent accommodation at the Thunderbird Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Creating a Flexible & Adaptable Room Theme

10 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Guest Posts, The Home

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furniture, home, interior design, Lamps, Matt Chappell, OKA Direct, pillows, scatter cushions

If you spend a large amount of your free time in a particular room, there is a chance that at some point you have felt less than enthused about its décor. Becoming bored with one’s surroundings is not uncommon; in fact it is an entirely natural response. There are, however, several easy ways of ensuring your décor remains fresh, exciting and invigorating. These methods do not demand extensive redecoration nor do they possess a hefty price tag. Below is a video that outlines three ways to create different looks in the same room in an easy and affordable way.

Flexibility is about having the ability to provide change without a significant impact on the current situation. This means multiple small alterations instead of a significant reshuffle of a room.

Items such as scatter cushions and small ornaments are ideal for creating adaptability and the ability to create a multi design room. Instead of having a stockpile of different cushions that take up storage space, it pays to have a reserve of different cushion covers that can be used to create several alternative styles. When used in conjunction with similarly styled curtains or throws, one may alternate a room’s theme on a whim.

Photo Credit: West Elm

Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

Lighting is another easy way to increase the interest and function of a room. With the thoughtful implementation of task and accent lighting one can dramatically alter the usability and aesthetic impact of certain areas of a room. This can be achieved, for example, by adding a tall lamp to a dark corner of a room in order to relieve the sense of dreariness as well as provide useful illumination for activities such as reading.

Photo Credit: World Market

Photo Credit: Crate & Barrel

This is not the variety of pursuit that rewards the timid decorator in the sense that one must experiment and make mistakes in order to find what truly works in a particular room. No one room is exactly the same just as no one person’s tastes are alike. In the end, if you feel a sense of reinvigoration when you finish your decorating then you have achieved your goal.

{This article was written on behalf of OKA Direct by Matt Chappell. Matt regularly blogs about interior design and furniture, recently his main interest has been traditional furniture construction techniques.}