What is e-design?
Are you a candidate for virtual interior design? E-design streamlines the design process which equals time and cost savings for the client.
If there is one good thing to come from this pandemic(and there are actually several), it has to be that it finally forced me to start offering E-Design services. I have decorated homes in-person for years but never really had the time to acquire the tech skills needed to convert my designs digitally until this past year. Now that I have, it has opened a whole new world! I am now able to not only help local clients but also help clients from all over the country by designing in this way. For example, an old friend and college room-mate whom I have not seen in years recently reached out to me on social media about designing her living room. In the past, that would have involved a trip to her home to measure, a hand rendering sketch of the room, followed by many days of shopping in-person. The whole process generally took months. Now, I am able to do this process in as little as two weeks!
You may be wondering if E-Design, the interior design of a space done entirely online, is for you. I will say it is not for everybody, but if you are able to take a picture, email, take basic measurements and are somewhat of a do-it-yourselfer you are the perfect candidate for it. It really is for the do-it-yourselfer that just needs ideas and guidance. For example, my friend had recently inherited her grandmother’s sofa and that initiated her wanting to re-do her living / family room. She had already begun by taking everything out of the room and painting. She just did not know what to do next. She needed help with what furniture to keep and what to replace. She also was not sure of where she should place the furniture in the room. After a quick e-mail chat to discuss measurements and photos, I was able to draft an aerial furniture layout and a design board for her room. From there, she could purchase the items I suggested and finish the room herself at her own pace.
Below is an example of what I include in an E-design: a custom concept design board, a shopping resource page and an aerial layout of the room to show furniture placement.
Resources:
Art: Large Abstract Painting 59" wide x 39" h, Etsy, print $360. Caroline Cromer Abstract Face, Original painting, Etsy 18" w x 24" h, $15. Gold bamboo frame, Mandalay, Framebridge.
Rug: Blue and Red Oriental, 7'10" x 10' 10" $399
Sofa: Century Camelback Parlor Sofa from High End Used Furniture $649.99
Skirted Arm Chairs: Larkin Swivel Glider, Iberia Yellow, Ballard Designs $1364.32. Fabric to cover existing chairs: Iberia Yellow, Ballard Designs, $12.99/yard
Ottoman Coffee Table: Velvet Tufted Ottoman, dark teal, Target $168.99
Accent Table: Octagonal Plantation table, Tommy Bahama 28" x 23" x 25" h $701.10 or Samuelle reclaimed fir wood, Uttermost $437.80
Accent stools: Tulum Woven Garden Stool, Ballard Designs $143.20
Pillows: Pair on Sofa 22" x 22" ,$81 and Leopard Lumbar 14" x 36" $80, Etsy
Drapery: Linen Panels, natural 96" , French Return Rod Set, gold, Target , Quatrefoil Drapery Rings, gold, Ballard Designs
Lamps: Floor lamp: Addison and Lane, Nordstrom Rack $104.97, Table lamp: Ceramic Safavieh 32", Overstock.com $155.24
Ceiling light fixture: Suzanne Kasler Leslie, semi-flush, 20.75" diameter, $869 or Drum Pendant Selamat Designs, Perigold 24", $245
Firescreen: Wrought Iron Geometric, gold, $59.99
Accessories: round seagrass tray, stack of books, blue and white ceramic jars, green moss balls
To see other E-Designs we have created and inquire about our services, tap HERE.
I hope this answers some of your questions about E-Design and whether it is right for you. The bottom line is that it really streamlines the design process which equals time and cost savings for the client. If you have further questions or think this is something you are interested in doing, feel free to email me through the contact form below. I would love to work with you!
If you love the room design above, feel free to shop the links that are underlined. Some, not all, vendors I use may offer a very small commission to me at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Lounge Spots for mom to take a minute
We all need a space to catch our breath and relax when the days grow hectic. From teacher, chef, activity coordinator, fashion advisor, counselor, boo-boo doctor, cheerleader to chauffeur, Moms wear many hats. Bravo to all of you getting it done on the daily! Give yourself a pat on the back and take a minute for yourself. Create a retreat of your own where you can go to re-charge and relax right at home. Below is a list of resources I have curated to help you set up the perfect outdoor spot. Whether it’s a spot to sip your coffee in the morning, or a retreat to sunbathe and read or maybe even partake in an afternoon cocktail; any of these chic spaces would feel like a vacation. And we all know we could use that!
Chinoiserie Chic Mom - Outdoor Wicker Daybed / Wayfair; Coral Pagoda Umbrella / Horchow, Outoor Pillow / Annie Selke, Blue & White Chinese Garden Stool / Walmart, Moroccan Outdoor Rug / One Kings Lane
Boho Mom - Adirondack Chair / Walmart, Umbrella / Better Homes & Gardens, Aqua Outdoor Pillow / Overstock.com, Orange Pineapple Outdoor Pillow / Etsy, Wicker Garden Stool / World Market
Classic Cool Mom - Chaise Lounger / Walmart, Umbrella / Amazon, Aqua Trellis Pillow / Houzz.com, Coral Zebra Pillow / Society 6, Aqua Garden Stool / Wayfair, Coral Rattan Accent Stool / Wayfair, Black & White Stripe Outdoor Rug / Walmart
Palm Beach Chic Mom - Round Outdoor Daybed / Kathy Kuo Home, Pink & White Stripe Umbrella / Wayfair, Palm Leaf Pillow / Etsy, Pink Garden Stool / One Kings Lane, Gray & White Indoor/Outdoor Rug / Serena & Lily
Retro-Modern Mom - Resin Rattan Chaise Lounger / Overstock.com, Turquoise Umbrella / Target, Orange dot Pillow / Annie Selke, Orange Geometric Garden Stool / Anthropologie, Bright Stripe Outdoor Rug / Annie Selke
To shop your look, simply click the underlined description. Some are affiliate links.
Decorating with baskets
Baskets may be the unsung hero of decorating. Not only do they serve so many purposes but they also add texture and an earthy aesthetic to a room. From rattan to seagrass to water hyacinth to wood, there are so many materials available that all add their own unique warmth to a room. Baskets can be incorporated into almost any decorating style and they can be used in so many ways. Below I’ve shown some ways that I have used them in my own home.
One of the most inexpensive ways to incorporate baskets into your home is to use them as decorative containers for house plants. I keep a variety of sizes on hand like the ones below and just hide my plant container inside. I remove the plant before watering but you can add clear liners to the bottom if you want to water them in the basket. These particular ones are handwoven from natural seagrass which is one of my favorite materials. It lends a casual coastal vibe that works with most every style.
Baskets can be hung on the wall for art. Here I’ve shown the use of a large tobacco basket hung above a sofa as the large art piece in the room. The look works well here in this eclectic casual family room but also looks great with the whole urban farmhouse trend. The one in the photo is no longer available but I found a similar color and size from Ballard Designs shown below. It is 37”square and to hang above a sofa, you need one that large. You could also do a grouping of 3 different sizes like this set (18.5”, 20” and a 23”square) from Amazon for a more affordable option. Both of these are in a warm brown color family. If you prefer more of the gray wash color, I also found this great option from Amazon for less than $50.
In this family room, you can see another use of the tobacco basket(see, it looks great in both styles) but I also want to point out the coffee table basket. Properly proportioned coffee table baskets are perfect for displaying a collection of related objects and/or for hiding clutter. I use this large one in our family room to organize books and magazines AND to hide the ugly remote controls;) People ask me ALL THE TIME about where they can find one of these baskets. I actually got lucky and found this at a TJ Maxx years ago and I have not been able to find another one just like it in this size until just recently. After much searching, I found the medium Crawford Basket from Ballard Designs to be the closest size to mine. (It is 26” long whereas mine is 30”). It is made of handwoven rattan(actually sturdier) instead of seagrass but should substitute perfectly. It is linked below. If you have a smaller coffee table, this Water Hyacinth serving tray(19.5” x 14”) from Pottery Barn would work beautifully as well. A round tray is another good option if you are doing a grouping of things. Something about grouping things in a tray gives order and tidies up a space.
Like I mentioned earlier, baskets are great for hiding ugly plastic plant containers. Here I used a large round basket to display a fiddle-leaf fern. This combination is quite popular right now and can be done very affordably. I bought this smaller fiddle-leaf from Lowe’s for around $20 and the basket was around $20 too. You will need to add a plastic liner to the inside bottom of the basket for watering. You can find those at any garden store or on Amazon. Below are a few similar baskets that work wonderfully for this.
With the huge Home Edit craze I think everybody is suddenly organizing all of their closets. I started a little organizing myself but it is still a work in progress. Those clear acrylic containers can really add up and don’t hold as much as I need for all of my clutter. I found that these baskets from Michael’s do the trick for me. They add texture, hide clutter and are under $8 each.
Don’t forget about colored baskets! They are great for displaying in groupings as wall art. I found the one below while traveling. I bought several with plans to hang them as art. For now, I am using this one for a pop of color in the living room and to display our current shell collection.
Something in my Amazon cart now are these tissue baskets. I was thrilled to find these and at such an affordable price! I don’t know about you, but in addition to hating remotes scattered about a room, I hate seeing ugly tissue boxes. I think I’ll order one for every bathroom and the family room to fix that problem. There were some great options in square and rectangular sizes. I’ve linked them below.
As you can see, there are so many decorating options with baskets. Even basket wraps for your Christmas Tree stand! I am currently loving the basket lighting pendants I’m seeing in so many designer kitchens and you can never go wrong with a Moses basket in a nursery. A few more uses that I didn’t mention above are baskets for toy, toiletry storage and laundry storage. At our last house, we had cubbies in the laundry room and I bought four matching baskets from West Elm to display. They served as functional laundry baskets but they were pretty enough to put on display. I found so many unique options available while writing this post. I’ve linked several below for inspiration.
What’s your favorite use for a basket?
Note: If you buy something through one of my links, I may earn a small affiliate commission at NO additional cost to you. I only share and recommend products that I genuinely love and/or use. This enables me to continue running the site and engaging with you:) Thank you for your support!
Witches and Jack-O-Lanterns
Halloween Decor
If you know me, you know by now that I LOVE FALL! It’s something about the crisp air, the falling leaves and pumpkins that makes me get a little pep in my step. It’s no coincidence that our wedding anniversary and our son’s birthday are both in October:). You also know by now that I love to decorate for holidays so it’s only logical that I would explode with Halloween decor as soon as the first day of fall came in September. Sometimes I wait until October but this year I just could not wait any longer! 2020 has me looking for any reason to lift the spirits and celebrate right now. How about you?
All of our holiday decorations are a collection I’ve gathered here and there over time. Each year I like to move things around and add a little something new to the mix. If you are just starting your collection, start with Joann’s or Michael’s. I was just in there last week and they both had a great selection plus they almost always have a sale. Then over time you can add unique and sentimental pieces to this base collection. If you need a little inspiration to get started on your Halloween decorating, keep reading below.
The foyer is a good place to start since it is the first thing your guests see when they enter your home. I like to change out the items on this antique table in our entry to reflect the season or holiday.
Resources:
Felt Jack-o-Lantern Garland, Felt Jack-o-Lantern and Art - TJ Maxx
Paper Mache Jack-o-Lantern candy holder - Pottery Barn
Witch Legs - Wreath Shop
The next area that I usually decorate is the mantle. This family room is where we spend most of our time so I usually put the things that the kids love the most in there. This black cat is my daughter’s favorite and the witch nutcracker is my son’s favorite so they always make their annual appearance. This year I added extra pumpkins and witch brooms to the mix. I am loving this teal one and am planning to grab one more of those. The white and orange ones I may leave as-is or the kids and I might get crafty and paint those. A plus is that they are not carved so we can re-use them for Thanksgiving decor!
Resources:
Paper Mache Black Cat - Pottery Barn Kids (a few years ago)
Large Jack-o-Lantern, Teal Pumpkin & Striped Small Pumpkins($3 bin) - Target
Medium J-O-L, Candy Corn Felt Garland and Nutcracker Witch - TJ Maxx (last year)
Orange and White Pumpkins, Black Branches(last year but here are two others: here’s a similar one & this one is super cute), and Witch Brooms - Michael’s (I bought mine in the store this year. Here’s another one from Joann’s that would work as well.)
The next area I decorate is the dining room. Mine currently looks like a bomb exploded Halloween but I will add photos as soon as I get that cleaned up:). And finally, the last area that I will decorate is outside. I’ll be sharing these projects over the next few days as I finish them so keep checking back. That’s all for tonight. Happy Friday friends! Happy decorating!
Halloween Decorating Part 2 - 10/2/2020
My favorite month is finally here!!! Happy October my friends! I finally got around to decorating the dining room and the front porch this week! I used the outdoor trees(a TJ Maxx find) from last year on the buffet this year. The kiddos made spider crafts this year that I used for ornaments:). The jack-0-lantern and witch hat made their appearance as well. His wicked grin always sets the mood! The garland (it took 2) is new from Michael’s this year.
I started the outside decorations with the front porch. We will add a few more things closer to Halloween but at least the entry is inviting. I’m most excited about this garland I made for the ceiling this year. I tied strips of black tulle and paper jack-o-lanterns to a string of Halloween lights and zig-zagged them across the porch ceiling. It is so fun to walk under! (I also considered hanging these black witch hats that would make an equally cute garland; next time!). The wooden skeletons are from Michael’s and I just added a little ribbon for a detail. I also found the witch brooms that I stuck in my planter from Michael’s. The pumpkins are a collection from various stores. The two giant ones are from Target. Here’s a list of current resources if you would like to do a version of your own:
Resources:
Black Tulle - Joann’s (I used 20 yards)
Jumbo Pumpkins - Target (these are similar from Amazon)
Stay tuned as I have grand plans of hanging 50 pumpkin pails from the oak trees in our front yard! I just haven’t convinced my husband yet - lol! All in all, it’s getting spooky over here! Cheers to October and happy decorating!
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Wallpaper Love
I get wallpaper sourcing questions all the time. While many of our favorite designs are only available to the trade, I am currently seeing more and more sources becoming available online and easily accessible to everyone. For example, did you know that Anthropologie sells wallpaper online through their home section? I have always gone to Anthro for some of my favorite fashions but when I discovered that they had fabulous wallpaper too, I was ecstatic-happy dance! You can see all the fabulous new patterns available here. You will be surprised how nicely priced they are too;)
I went through all the designs right away and have way too many in my cart to purchase-help me! I hand-picked my top 15 favorites for you below.
Canopy Creature - Wallpaper @ Anthropologie - Made in the UK.
This is my #1 pick!!! Why? Well, it has a monkey and there is green so it grabbed me from the start. Seriously though, the colors, the animals, the botanicals- they are all perfect and embody everything I want from a wallpaper. I see this in a foyer or a powder bath but it could also work well in a dining room if used sparingly. It is a statement paper so think small doses.
What’s not to like about these chic golden pineapples and they mean “Welcome” so they are kind of perfect for an entry, guest bath or kitchen.
So classic and so elegant. This nature botanical would be exquisite in an entry, a powder bath or dining room.
Colorful, classy and chic for a foyer. Love it!
Farrow & Ball Amime Wallpaper -
Available in 5 colors. This can be used most anywhere because it will read more like a texture than a pattern. It is a small scale pattern though which also allows it to be used in smaller applications; think back of bookshelves, kitchen back-splash, etc.
Anthropologie Abstract Wallpaper - If you love color and a modern feel, this one is for you. I can see this in a modern foyer or powder but also it would be great for a playroom:)
Wiggle Room Wallpaper - Modern and whimsical. I see this in a playroom, entry or on an accent wall.
Orange Grove Wallpaper - It’s vibrant but with a vintage look.
Serpentine Wallpaper - A Genevieve Gorder design for Anthropologie -
So chic and will read as a neutral. It is a removable paper(think peel, stick and easily remove).
If you want a subtle wallpaper that is classy without being bold, this is it! This color is my favorite version of it.
So beautiful and so Florida. 3 colors available.
Wading Flamingos Wallpaper - Cole & Son
These graceful ladies would be gorgeous in a girls nursery. The colors are so soft and peaceful.
Like a beautiful watercolor painting. I love this for a girl’s bedroom or bath. It is available in a removable option and starts at only $48/roll.
Rifle Paper Co. Garden Party Wallpaper -
A Florida-based designer. So colorful, so whimsical and so happy! Use this in an entry or powder room or as an accent wall in an office or bedroom.
So, what do you think? Which one is your favorite? I can’t wait to use one of these! Wallpaper can be fabulous and fresh and chic; you just have to know how to use it. You have to consider the room, the pattern repeat and scale but it is so worth the effort. If you are considering paper and need guidance with your selections, feel free to contact me for a quick consult. We can make your wallpaper dreams come true!
Note: If you buy something through one of my links, I may earn a small affiliate commission at NO additional cost to you. I only share and recommend products that I genuinely love and/or use. This enables me to continue running the site and engaging with you:) Thank you for your support!
Formal Living Rooms - Yea or nay?
Call me old fashioned, southern or whatever but I still love a formal living room.
We are between homes at the time but both our first home and this home have a family room AND a formal living room. Call me old fashioned, southern or whatever but I still like having a formal living room. For one, this is my quiet space where I can retreat for a comforting cup of tea or coffee while I pause and ponder(when I can find the time). Second, I love the fact that this room remains tidy and untouched by daily life clutter(tidy from lack of use my husband would argue). Third, it is a nice transition room to welcome guests. It gives a glimpse of your personality(the ideal polished side appropriate for first impressions). And finally, I love that it has not been overtaken by toys, remotes and electronics.
On behalf of my argument, I present our current living room(for resources, see end of post). Here is a glimpse as you first enter the house from the foyer. The console table along the back of the sofa always features this carefully selected pair of lamps and a centerpiece that changes with the seasons. Framing the sliding glass doors are my most coveted draperies that I had custom made at my shop years ago. They are my favorite color teal and are crewel embroidered with various shades of chartreuse. They have been repurposed from the dining room to the living room and I still never tire of them.
The next photos show the pair of antique chairs that I found for a steal at an antique shop years ago. I had them reupholstered in teal velvet and added some eclectic pillows for a touch of whimsy. Between the two chairs is a round table covered in round table cloths. On it I like to feature a few of my favorite things. I change the objects out from time to time but I like how the collection reveals little things unique to our family. For example, the silhouettes of my children from their toddler days, a painting I found while on vacation in Seaside, a gifted Limoges lion(I’m a Leo), a handmade cross from a trip to Honduras, some funky pottery art from the local farmer’s market here and a special photo of my family are all sentimental to me. (All of which would likely be broken if displayed in a high traffic area like a family room.)
Here is the front view of my sofa that I love. With its curvy profile, comfortable length and single seat cushion, it is both comfortable and elegant. I also love how it offers a blank canvas that goes with anything. Everyone thought I was crazy buying a white sofa with children but it is slip-covered and honestly I have only had to wash it a couple times. I change the accent pillows out periodically but here I am showing two square Suzani patterned pillows with a custom size lumbar pillow in the center. The tapestry over the lumbar is a textile find from Thailand that just speaks to me. Grounding the furniture is a floral kilim style rug.
The coffee table(which would not be ideal in a casual family room) shows a rotating collection of my latest musings. My daughter and I are obsessed with seashells right now so we like displaying some of our treasures on this wooden tray. On my coffee table, you can always find a book stack and a candle or small plant. The decoupage bowl usually holds some sort of decorative balls and the cross is representative of my faith.
With my argument presented, what is your stance on the formal living room vs. family great room? My husband is trying to convince me that we only need one big family room in the next house. I am on the fence about it. While I love the idea of not wasting space and the idea of an open living concept, I fret over not having a retreat I can call my own. How do you live in your home? Are you able to live peacefully together in one grand living room? How do you prevent the toys and screens from taking over? Help me with this dilemma. Leave your suggestions below.
Resources
Interior Design by Tiffany Taylor Echols
Console table by Gabby Home
Gold accent lamps by Elaine Gleason NOLA (available here through Lucas + McKearn)
Sofa by Lee Industries
Draperies and pillows, custom
Kilim rug found at Scott Antique Markets
Silhouette art by Clay Rice
Follow ALONG.
