living room decorating

More Sofa Inspiration

More Sofa Inspiration

I'm convinced that I NEED this gorgeous four-seater sofa, exactly as it is here. Windsor Smith And probably a little tufted pillow or tw...

2:34 AM

It would be pretty easy to fill a whole book with thoughts about throw pillows and how they are used/placed on a sofa:<br /><br />1. Perfectly symmetrical<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3706675805_573e7d8ed2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Miles Redd</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/NateBerkus2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Nate Berkus</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/6a0111683c7ee2970c011168586c5f970c-.jpg" /></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">Phoebe Howard</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Lounge.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/c1f213eb3825.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/nuevoestilo3.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Nuevo Estilo</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gilschafer4.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Gil Schafer</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/hda1.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/maypeek2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">design*sponge</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/melissarufty4.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Melissa Rufty</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/timothywealon6a00e54fe9de5c88330111.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Timothy Wealon</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/tobiFairley638863914_F79Tc-M.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tobi Fairley</span></div><br />2. Coordinated, but not exactly symmetrical<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3256845067_62cdb32797.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/canhouseandhomeviaalkemielvg-rm-4-0.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Can House and Home</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/summerthornton10.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Summer Thornton</span></div><br />3. Free style<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/house-beautiful-room-coordinated-bu.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">House Beautiful</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/rashidajonesstudio.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Domino</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/windsorsmithlivingroom.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Windsor Smith</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/img_friendsfirst_2.jpg" /></div><br />What school of thought do you subscribe to?<br /><br />It sort of depends on the room for me, but often I like a pair of big matching pillows on the ends and one or two odd ones in the middle. I usually like to keep it to four pillows per couch. Five is the absolute MAX for me.<br /><br />What about you?<br /><br />P.S. Karate chopped, perfectly fluffed, or casually smooshed?

Pillow Talk

It would be pretty easy to fill a whole book with thoughts about throw pillows and how they are used/placed on a sofa: 1. Perfectly symmetri...

2:36 AM

Apartment Inspiration

In between taking care of kids, working and blogging, I like to find time to dream about decorating our next place. As you can imagine, that ends up being about 0.005 seconds per day.<br /><br />I'm starting fresh with our home decor (good for me (and you!), bad for husband). I love to change up the fabrics in our home often (pillows, drapes), so this go-round I'm making all the foundation pieces super neutral - gray, white, black or beige for the rugs, sofas, chairs and tables and many of the case goods (though, I still love me a red credenza or two!).<br /><br />The color will come in with lamps, art, painted mirrors, curtains, pillows, skirted tables, things that are easier (relatively) to switch up when I get bored.<br /><br />Remember Domino Editor in Chief <a href="http://nymag.com/homedesign/spring2007/31805/">Debroah Needleman's apartment</a>? Yeah, sort of like that. But a little more color thrown in, cause, you know, it's still me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture23-1.png" /></div><br />I'm not looking to copy the apartment exactly, but in case you are, here are some ways to achieve the same look:<br /><br />1. Crate and Barrel's <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=931&f=37198">Petrie</a> ($1599) or Custom Sofa Design's <a href="http://customsofadesign.com/styles.php?s=parama">Paramaunt</a> (starting at $599)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture31.png" /></div><br />2. PB's <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/henley-rug-taupe/?pkey=csolid-rugs">Henley rug</a> (on sale now!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/img4l.jpg" /></div><br /><br />3. CB2 <a href="http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=114&f=699">Peekaboo coffee table</a> ($249)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture32.png" /></div><br />4. Pretty Pillows<br /><a href="http://www.johnrobshaw.com/detail.htm?Pillows=Dusty_Cosmic&params=2,5,6">John Robshaw</a> for a splurge (this one's on my list)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture30.png" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.fabricadabra.us/pillows.html">Fabricadabra</a> for affordability<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/yhst-6312588961719_2099_18996562.jpg" /></div><br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Furniture/Chairs/All-Chairs/Louisa%20Bergere%20Chair/p/11287?code=FROG07&CAWELAID=363519402">Bergere chairs</a> (don't forget to check eBay and Craigslist first). I love how these chairs look in velvet.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture29.png" /></div><br /><br />6. <a href="http://www.globaltable.com/products.php?cat=5&page=1">Python tray</a> (12"x19", $38)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture28.png" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">image via MA Belle; originally from Domino</span></span></div><br /><br />7. Don't forget the <a href="http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/fuo/1700910334.html">baby</a> <a href="http://cnj.craigslist.org/fuo/1698274817.html">grand</a> <a href="http://newjersey.craigslist.org/fuo/1674152314.html">piano</a>. Oh, yeah, I would do it. And my neighbors would hate me.

Apartment Inspiration

In between taking care of kids, working and blogging, I like to find time to dream about decorating our next place. As you can imagine, that...

2:40 AM

Stripey

Stripey

Today I'm dreaming of upholstery with stripes on the diagonal. via Neisha Crosland Via Fric and Frac

2:35 AM

WINNER Push the Envelope Give Away

WINNER Push the Envelope Give Away

Congratulations, Cristin ! Please email me with your contact information. Thanks to Push the Envelope for the great give away!

8:15 PM

More Thoughts on Mirrored Walls

I've been thinking more about putting mirror tiles or sheets on walls. Specifically, about how to make it scream 'chic!' and not 'bad 80's tract home!' <br /><br />Some ideas...<br /><br />Antiqued finish on the mirror:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/toddromano2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Todd Romano<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/JanShowersFormalLiving.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jan Showers</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/hobesound5.jpg" /></div><br />Maybe some rosettes on the tiles to break it up?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture21.png" /></div><br />Adding moulding makes the mirror look more expensive, less DIY.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0008.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkcapri1.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">JK Capri Hotel</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture105.png" /></div><br />Layering with bookshelves is one of my favorite looks:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/2-velvet-sofa-xl.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">House Beautiful</span></div><br />I really love the idea of hanging art on the mirror.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/elledecorself_portrait_06.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Elle Decor</span><br /><br /></div><br />Want another way to achieve the 'wall of mirror' look without the commitment? Add mirror to your interior doors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Martensen_9ashx.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">via <a href="http://vivafullhouse.blogspot.com/2010/02/obsessed-happy-presidents-day.html">Full House</a></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/christinamurphyOffit1.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Christina Murphy</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/susanjones_0004.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Susan Jones</span></div>

More Thoughts on Mirrored Walls

I've been thinking more about putting mirror tiles or sheets on walls. Specifically, about how to make it scream 'chic!' and not...

2:37 AM

GIVE AWAY from Push the Envelope

Our next give away is from <a href="http://www.pushtheenvelope.net/">Push the Envelope</a> custom stationary designs.<br /><br />Caroline, the talented women behind Push the Envelope, used to be a designer for the music industry in LA. Now she is a work-at-home mother of four in Virginia, specializing in custom party invitations,  announcements & graphic notes, stickers & notepads.<br /><div><br />Check out these adorable <a href="http://www.pushtheenvelope.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=134">calling cards</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/DSCN4235.jpg" /></div><br />One lucky commenter will get their choice of a set of 20 cards in one of the following custom designs:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pushtheenvelope.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=133">Chevron print</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/DSCN4238.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.pushtheenvelope.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=135">Baroque print</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/DSCN4233.jpg" /></div><br />or the <a href="http://www.pushtheenvelope.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=112">multi-choice</a> (which Caroline was so sweet to send to me as a baby gift! See my girls names?)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/DSCN4227.jpg" /></div><br />Please check out the <a href="http://www.pushtheenvelope.net/">Push the Envelope website</a> for some really great stationary designs, and then leave a comment here with your choice of card design.<br /><br />Comments will be closed on Sunday, April 24 at midnight.</div>

GIVE AWAY from Push the Envelope

Our next give away is from Push the Envelope custom stationary designs. Caroline, the talented women behind Push the Envelope, used to be a...

2:00 AM

Trick of the Eye

Do you ever get tricked at stores into thinking the shop is WAY bigger than it actually is? Mirrors, baby.<br /><br />Here's one way to do it right...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture15-1.png" /></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/Home.html">Lonny</a></div><br />I have a feeling there is a DIY project in my future involving a small dining room and a box of inexpensive mirror tiles from the hardware store. Before seeing this photo I would have gone with plain, flat finish mirrors, but I actually like the look of the bevel here.<br /><br />Ooh. How cool would a wall of <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?demandPrefix=11&productId=IN-70/3788&mode=Unknown&requestURI=processProductsCatalog&xsaleSku=60/4007&sku=70/3788&cm_sp=Cross%20Sell-_-Product%20Detail-_-Product%20Detail">octagonal mirrors</a> be?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture14-1.png" /></div>

Trick of the Eye

Do you ever get tricked at stores into thinking the shop is WAY bigger than it actually is? Mirrors, baby. Here's one way to do it right...

2:33 AM

Dorothy Draper Chests

A few months ago, during one of my almost-free furniture hauls, I scored this Draper-esque chest of drawers. It needs some TLC, but that happens to be my specialty.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/draperchest.jpg" /></div><br />Can you believe dressers with a similar look go for thousands of dollars?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/viapiecesxabp333245.jpg" style="height: 549px; width: 549px;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://piecesinc.com/pair-dorothy-draper-style-chests">Pieces, $3800</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/il_430xN70624949.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/il_430xN70626037.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/il_430xN70625641.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/25018511/mid-century-dorothy-draper-chest-of-draw">Etsy, $3200</a></div><br />I'm dreaming of where the Draper chest should live in our next home. Should it go in our new living room?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/viaglamlambdecorativedeluxeblogspot.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">via </span><a href="http://theglamlamb.blogspot.com/2009/09/dorothy-draper-dresser.html" style="font-style: italic;">The  Glam Lamb</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/design-trends-ED0709-CURR22-2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Elle Decor</span></div><br />I could ditch the gold detailing for a more minimalist look?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/7nDXBH2jpnu3cpeq9GZdH8Iwo1_400.png" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/davidjimenezdraper17.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">David Jimenez</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/angiehranowsky_r0024091.jpg" /></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">Angie Hranowsky</div><br />Maybe in our entry?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/viasunsetmagclassic-mirror-l.jpg" /></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">via Sunset</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/entry.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">via </span><a href="http://jordanferney.blogspot.com/2010/03/happy-weekend.html" style="font-style: italic;">Jordan</a></div><br />Or maybe I could find it a sister and put them in my next office?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Sexinthecityoffice1.jpg" /></div><br />OR! Maybe I could use it in my future bedroom, a la Melissa Warner of <a href="http://www.massuccowarnermiller.com/">Messucco Warner Miller</a>. I'm so obsessed with her whole apartment, but this bedroom absolutely sings to me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/melissaWarnerHBviaShelterPicture183.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">image courtesy of </span><a href="http://shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com/2010/04/freeze-frame.html" style="font-style: italic;">Shelter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> from this month's House Beautiful</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #336666;">P.S. Once upon a time I was shopping for a client at the Cambridge Antiques Market and I stumbled across a tulip alabaster lamp almost exactly like the ones above, except it was a little smaller. I went back three times to admire it and on the third trip, I was determined to just fork over the $125 (big bucks for our student budget). Of course the lamp was gone by then and to this day I wish I would have just bought it the first time. So, friends, learn from my mistake. If you really really love something and it's a unique piece - BUY IT! Or you will be kicking yourself for many years to come. </span></div></div>

Dorothy Draper Chests

A few months ago, during one of my almost-free furniture hauls, I scored this Draper-esque chest of drawers. It needs some TLC, but that hap...