Author Archive
Design Tip-Adding Pops of Color
Q: Do you have any suggestions for adding color to a neutral palette?
A: We love using colorful fabric on pillows, window treatments or accent chairs. Madeline Weinrib’s fabrics are so gorgeous and the perfect splash of color. Some of our favorites are below.
Design Tip-Beauty in your own Backyard
Spring is here and now is the time to bring flowers inside. Simple arrangements can bring so much happiness. It is the best therapy you will get from your yard. I don’t like to cut my own flowers but I am getting better. I will cut a few and mix it with greenery or buy [...]
Design Tip-Bringing the Inside Outdoors
Q. How do I bring the indoors outside on my porch to take advantage of the Spring weather!?
A. Create a seating arrangement using furniture pieces such as wicker, iron, teak, and slate. Create a place to relax and entertain. Bring out your favorite pillows and change them with seasonal fabrics. Incorporate seasonal flowers and potted [...]
Design Tip-Bold Colors
Q: When is it okay to use bold color?
A: Be careful with bold colors in open floor plans. If your rooms are all visible to each other, and you paint one space bright red, the red is all you’re going to see, regardless of how beautiful the rest of the house is.
Kelly Wearstler is a [...]
Design Tip-Mirrors
Q: Where are good places to hang mirrors?
A. A traditional location is at the entrance to your home. Another good spot is in tight spaces. The mirror will reflect the room and makes it seem bigger—just make sure it’s reflecting something interesting and not an area of the room you’d rather keep hidden. They’re great [...]
Design Tip-Creating Warmth
Q: I have a small bedroom with putty colored walls and poor natural light. What are some ways I can make it warm and cozy?
A: First, use lots of white (white sheets, white furniture, white lampshades) and make sure it’s consistent. If it’s just here and there, it will look sloppy and you’ll lose [...]
Design Tip-Artwork vs. Furniture
Q: What is the correct size proportion for artwork vs. the furniture it’s over (i.e. a painting above a chair)?
A: Ideally, you want the art to be about two-thirds the size of the furniture it’s above, keeping in mind the artwork size can be collective, as in a collection rather than just one piece. [...]
Design Tip-High Ceilings
Q: In rooms with high ceilings, how do I deal with all that wall space?
A: Paint the ceiling. Whatever color you have on the walls, change it a hue by adding white to the paint, and then use the new color to paint the ceiling. This brings the ceiling down and makes the space seem [...]
Design Tip-Decorating a Rental Home
Q: For those of us who rent houses, any suggestions on inexpensive ways to spruce up or personalize a house? I’m looking for ideas that are not permanent, but still make the place feel like home.
A: Invest in something you love, but that you can take with you when you leave your rental. Art is [...]
Be on the lookout…
Be sure to pick up the March 2010 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Muffie’s design of a southern porch will featured. She will also be in a special issue of Southern Accents on The Best Southern Rooms.
