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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: interior design

In My Studio

29 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Everyday Design

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

art, coworking, design, freelancers, interior design, office, organization, small business, studio, wework, workspace

A person’s workspace is where they should have the freedom to be creative and let their ideas run wild. I am very organized and cannot work in chaos so my studio has an area for everything. My desk is always clean of clutter and I try to dress it up a bit with cool accessories and plants to brighten up the space. My other work station is where I do all of my paper cutting and shipping. It’s also where my paper and current orders are held, along with the things I need to wrap up an order, etc. I incorporated lots of things I love in this area to make it more fun and interesting.

In My Studio

I have two bookshelves that house tons of books. They are all organized by theme/subject. I filled with the walls with artwork my husband and I have done, plus other prints and art we love. I think its important to be surrounded by art everywhere I am in the house so you will find it in every room.

In My Studio

Then there is the little lounge area where my dogs love to hang out and keep me company all day, as Jenny is demonstrating in the photo. The last space is the closet, which I have reorganized about 5 times since we have been in the house. I keep my shipping materials, order supplies, and everything else my husband and I have kept over the years in this space. I even fit a treadmill in there!

In My Studio

Overall, my studio is a peaceful place to work, but everywhere you look there is tons of inspiration, from books to artwork and beyond. I have created a space that appeals me to me in lots of ways, from the navy wall color to the wood furniture, and has enough workable space so that is never an issue. Even the way the light pours in from the outside is really beautiful, keeping it sunny and bright, which in turn keeps me going all day.

I think the most important aspect of a workspace is that it fits you like a glove.

So if you are stumbling over the layout of furniture or don’t have the necessary items to keep everything in its place, then you will constantly be distracted and not as productive as you should be. Make sure everything is in arms reach and has its own place so you can get more done.

Not everyone has a home office or studio to work from. In cases like this, you would consider renting out a space or doing work in another location like a coffee shop or library. Its definitely not the same as having your own personal area to so what you please, but it’s better than nothing.

Wework is a co-working company that provides cool and inspiring spaces for creatives to work and connect with other freelancers and entrepreneurs. Plus, they offer other benefits for being a member. Its a great way for small businesses and designers to network and surely can help them succeed in the field. They have locations all over the world so check them out if you could use this service.

I hope a little peek into my studio has inspired you to create a workspace that you love. If you use the tips I shared, I am sure you will be productive in no time!

Designer Insights on Terry’s Blinds

21 Tuesday Oct 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Featured In, News

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

art, ben conservato, coral and tusk, design, designer insights, gray star design, interior design, Linda Kovtoun, minted, terry's blinds

I am excited to share I am featured in Designer Insights, an online publication created by UK shop Terry’s Blinds. They carry a vast amount of window treatment options as well as special fabrics. Their blog showcases tons of ideas for interior design as well as many designers through this unique Designer Insights publication. I am thankful to be included among other great talent and look forward to possibly contributing again in the future.

In the feature, you will find my 5 picks for this season as well as a small interview. Enjoy!

Designer Insights - Melissa O'Connor 2

Renovation Recap

09 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Home

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

before and after, design, diy, graystardesign, homeowner, interior design, renovation

Recently, I featured before and after photos on Instagram of all the renovation/redesign projects my husband and I have done since we lived here in the house. I thought it would be a cool way to look through all we accomplished in one shot, and people seemed to like it. So I figured I would share a post on the subject as well, since I have written about them in the past. Think of this as an outline to all we’ve done. I hope it inspires you to diy and have fun in the process. Enjoy!

Entryway
Renovation Recap - Entryway

Half Bath
Renovation Recap - Half Bath

Kitchen
Renovation Recap - Kitchen

Living Room
Renovation Recap - Living Room

Dining Room
Renovation Recap - Dining Room

Office
Renovation Recap - Office

Stairwell
Renovation Recap - Stairwell

Master Bath
Renovation Recap - Master Bath

Master Bedroom
Renovation Recap - Master Bedroom

A Little Ones Sanctuary

29 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Home

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

animals, art, baby, carnival, children, childrens room, classic, color, crafts, decor, design, Industrial, interior design, kids, kids room, sports, themes, toys, vintage

A Little Ones Sanctuary

I have always loved the idea of designing a children’s room. There is something special about creating a space for a little one to grow, develop, and draw inspiration from. Besides these few must have ingredients, I feel the child should feel warm, cozy, comfortable, and free as well. This is the space they will call their own and most likely be the place they will spend most of their time as they get older.

My husband and I are planning to start trying for our first child and you can bet I have already thought of how to design the baby’s room. I have to admit, I have been thinking about it for years now so it’s no surprise I am super excited to actually make it happen. I think being prepared and always being ahead of the game is the best policy. Plus, with something so important as this task, you should take all the time you need. Hence, starting early!

Personally, I love an androgynous space for a child. One that is not too girly or boyish, a nice mix of feminine and masculine. And anything that looks “baby” is pretty much out. I prefer a space a child can grow up in, not one that has to be redesigned every few years because they grow out of the decor. So a sense of maturity is essential. And adding small touches of childlike features here and there are easy to do. I plan to showcase vintage elements, art & handmade items, and books – three things that will truly feature the style of the space and bring a cohesive look to the room.

I also do not like themed rooms. When I mean theme, I am talking about sports, animals, carnival, zoo, stuff like this that can really go overboard, which I see all the time. Instead of making the whole room look like a football field, placing a few quality inspired pieces throughout the space. The same thing with an animal theme. A child shouldn’t feel like they are in a zoo. It can get a little hectic with wall decals, lamps that matchy-matchy with bedding, and accessories that take over the space. And most of the time all these designs/items are created for baby, so the overall look is a bit dated and overdone. Here are few examples of how to successfully incorporate a theme:

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: The Boo and the Boy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Noosh Kids

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Kids Decorating Ideas

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Cozy Cottage Cute

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: HGTV

Color is an important element to think about. How do you want your child to feel in the space. I am a big believer in neutrals, they are used throughout our whole house. These  hues allow for relaxation, inspiration, calm, and stability in the space and are the perfect fit for a baby and young child. Sorry, but a bright red and blue room just isn’t a great choice. You want your kids to feel grounded, especially babies. Too much stimulation can really affect their overall being.

So, here are more spaces designed for children that work. They may clearly show a theme, but that theme isn’t kitschy, its a style. And that is what you want to go for. Creating a specialized look and feel should be the priority, while considering your little one’s needs and wants. It is their space after all. Enjoy!

A Little Ones Sanctuary

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: The Boo and the Boy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: The Boo and the Boy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Smile and Wave

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: The Boo and the Boy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: The Boo and the Boy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Zyrafy Z Szafy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Orsa Maggiore Vintage

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Barn and Bo

A Little Ones Sanctuary

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: nietylkodzieciaki

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Blessed Wild Apple Girl

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Your Home Only Better

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