What every neutral colour scheme needs

<br />I love serendipitous events that add to my thoughts on an interior decorating topic.  I recently experienced this  as I was preparing to write about neutral colour schemes.  Just like a gift <a href="http://www.ladolcevitablog.com/2015/02/06/fabulous-room-friday-02-06-15/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fladolcevitablog+%28La+Dolce+Vita%29"> La Dolce Vita</a>, one of my favourite blogs, appeared  in my inbox with the perfect visuals to support  several of the points I wanted to make.  Paloma always finds the best spaces to present to readers! Check out her blog, you won't be sorry.<br /><br /> Making a neutral scheme work requires skill.  Once you  remove colour from the equation you have to make the most of the  other elements of design especially: pattern, texture, value/contrast and form.  Of course the principles of design remain in tact. Every successful space  has  good balance, harmony, emphasis, scale/proportion and rhythm. <br /><br />Sounds great, but what does that look like in a space?<br /><br />Check out all takes of this  living room  by Bill Ingram & William McLure of <a href="http://www.billingramarchitect.com/">Bill Ingram Archit</a><span style="color: #351c75;">ect.</span><br /><br /> Quiz time:  Jot down what  you think makes  the space  work.  If you are used to colour being your main decor element you might need to shift gears for a moment to see the beauty in neutral schemes.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dyyq0N9LzeXUZ0BjC2v8pDgRNLalUvRxiGjlova8TpW1qmjFcTNdzp7FwkBXNyhend6Ad33Dj5GY2UWaLuwcQinRoo9K-8T7AuRLAPFHfvVTQELyLMe12UB7TRgyPqo2al2Q1o7tXHX8/s1600/Atlanta+Home+lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme, pattern, texture, contrast " border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dyyq0N9LzeXUZ0BjC2v8pDgRNLalUvRxiGjlova8TpW1qmjFcTNdzp7FwkBXNyhend6Ad33Dj5GY2UWaLuwcQinRoo9K-8T7AuRLAPFHfvVTQELyLMe12UB7TRgyPqo2al2Q1o7tXHX8/s1600/Atlanta+Home+lr.jpg" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7AYU9lVNwSpV9ogfjnX-9Zu37n5_n4R4gckBUkhFxX6pFIdDSBXVGhngJ13ZrD6RQ4PtHETy4P2rvJ7kTx4Y8Mhy66ezbbiVSSFLkWqYsx08pOzsvBxS-NsPDOfSR_FsqC1tZzyLoEPM/s1600/chair+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7AYU9lVNwSpV9ogfjnX-9Zu37n5_n4R4gckBUkhFxX6pFIdDSBXVGhngJ13ZrD6RQ4PtHETy4P2rvJ7kTx4Y8Mhy66ezbbiVSSFLkWqYsx08pOzsvBxS-NsPDOfSR_FsqC1tZzyLoEPM/s1600/chair+living+room.jpg" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="376" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHaJ9yD5lNjAE1wBeG1MGhX7Z1gZm4Bn42J-XHTvFoy9DUkPy7bLcoSkKYa3ecffDf9175sF7aW_jNOidgwz8pAAZyt78VJvFhrJthFaQVElipxPlJAZVZEGd8MJblFjNtJy6FgmRugUy/s1600/layered+glass+and+statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme " border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHaJ9yD5lNjAE1wBeG1MGhX7Z1gZm4Bn42J-XHTvFoy9DUkPy7bLcoSkKYa3ecffDf9175sF7aW_jNOidgwz8pAAZyt78VJvFhrJthFaQVElipxPlJAZVZEGd8MJblFjNtJy6FgmRugUy/s1600/layered+glass+and+statue.jpg" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxTNZA4QCuxx_bn8G7ac6E-d549SRs8hHH3hwqtKiga3Sthi1fu5L_83RR4_F_GfBwzwhd4YIl7JSVnuIoUrYmHWCwzK-aUkIskOqNjaSdOI767QtwetulbGSE2mDkGb7sDJ0p6elDY7O/s1600/layered+texture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxTNZA4QCuxx_bn8G7ac6E-d549SRs8hHH3hwqtKiga3Sthi1fu5L_83RR4_F_GfBwzwhd4YIl7JSVnuIoUrYmHWCwzK-aUkIskOqNjaSdOI767QtwetulbGSE2mDkGb7sDJ0p6elDY7O/s1600/layered+texture.png" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="300" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Contrast</b><br /><br />The first element that jumps out at me is contrast.  You cannot have a successful room without good contrast, even when you have lots of colour.   It's the same way in art.   I wrote about this  topic in depth <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2011/03/look-for-bones-of-room.html">here</a>.  You get contrast by manipulating your values from light to dark.  This space goes from black to white and has every conceivable value in between. <br /><br /><b>Texture</b><br /><b><br /></b>This space also gets an A+ for texture.  Not everyone can have the stone work evident in this space but you might have a stone  or brick fireplace   Check out the wood stacked in the open hearth, the tree stump table and the rough wood planters.   A variety of textiles are used from the subtly textured obviously wool carpet to the white smooth fabric on the drapery and chair.  The knit pillows are perfect by the stone,  nothing like the garter stitch for obvious texture. But the coffee table is the show stopper with its reflective high gloss.  Don't miss the folded fur throw on the chair.   There is also subtle texture on the frame of the gold chair, the doors of the armoire and the statue.<br /><br /><b>Pattern</b><br /><b><br /></b>Geometric motifs predominate with diamonds, stripes  and circles repeated around the room.<br /><br /><b>Form</b><br /><b><br /></b>This can be a hard one if you like everything matched in furniture style.  I think use of a variety of forms make this space.<br /><br />My own element that every space needs -- <b>organic elements </b><br /><br />Imagine this space without the two fig trees.  I rest my case.  You need organic references in every space and this one has it in spades. <br /><br /><b>Only one thing</b><br /><b><br /></b>If I could change one thing about this space it would be the scale of the artwork between the windows.  Love the art work, but it needs a little breathing space around the edges.  Too much competition with the grids in the window. Sorry, it's the artist in me.  On the other hand I love the large scale fig trees and they might account for the scale of the art!<br /><br />True, this space might not be your cup of tea, but it is interesting; it invites the eye to move around and to touch the various elements in the space.<br /><br /><b>Now it's your turn...</b><br />What are your thoughts on this space?  Could you live here?

What every neutral colour scheme needs

I love serendipitous events that add to my thoughts on an interior decorating topic.  I recently experienced this  as I was preparing to wri...

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In praise of circles

What is the most used shape in home decor?  It's the rectangle of course!<br /><br />Tables, sofas, beds, dressers, area rugs etc;  even the shape of our rooms are rectangular.  When you have that many  similar shapes,  it is important to bring in another  shapes to create some variety  in a space.  Of course, the perfect pairing with all those rectangles  is a circular shape .<br /><br /> Nothing pleases me more than circles and spheres. I use them liberally in both my art work and in home decor.   I don't consider a space complete until I have several  circular shapes in a room.  I have a fondness for circular tables in particular. Then there are all those objects you can find that are circular: mirrors, globes, glass spheres, clocks, ... the list is endless and there are so many ways to weave them into a space.  A poke around my <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/tablescapes-vignettes/">Pinterest vignette board </a> revealed lots of circular motifs. <br /><br /><br />I spy with my little eye lots of ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">  circles and spheres</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pbMqNwd_u9G_eUGfvBdvibxfueGPjZUhMq7pnIp97-_T-iSU42iBmlhn3319KkrIWmdpR1JAPX8mZrXOGW7b-h1di1btaQHjY5uf5GIfA6AH1R69BIOZUZBGyh6RSpccO177IP8lwL5F/s1600/122512052333037523_rkaQdkol_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pbMqNwd_u9G_eUGfvBdvibxfueGPjZUhMq7pnIp97-_T-iSU42iBmlhn3319KkrIWmdpR1JAPX8mZrXOGW7b-h1di1btaQHjY5uf5GIfA6AH1R69BIOZUZBGyh6RSpccO177IP8lwL5F/s640/122512052333037523_rkaQdkol_f.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> Moving your eye around a room by creating constants (shapes, textures, colours) is a well known design principle.  Can you see how this homeowner created  visual flow with circular shapes? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g3-Hie6zZnRfE4pCESF9Khm1h4OmX1fWd2nTHGj7c9_TlH7Pd7yBcivbEtK5XzSD1Kl5_6vW95AoofHFnSbM0K2GRgbmV-IYeD7CF1UqThmzjnpcQFxbHP6CQbIlCJOXgQ-ubyujUyX6/s1600/128423026843714464_NbPh8sX0_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g3-Hie6zZnRfE4pCESF9Khm1h4OmX1fWd2nTHGj7c9_TlH7Pd7yBcivbEtK5XzSD1Kl5_6vW95AoofHFnSbM0K2GRgbmV-IYeD7CF1UqThmzjnpcQFxbHP6CQbIlCJOXgQ-ubyujUyX6/s640/128423026843714464_NbPh8sX0_f.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> Love the freshness of this arrangement.  There's nothing like the colours of nature  to attract our senses. There are circles/spheres everywhere here. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfqNNFoUDi0PmNN2DFavC19Guja2ft6WWNbib98igDJXBz7ApClAlbSplrCSiHcUi2fVq3KGEghWATlA1I-q13GP4staUqVzsQsLVN2NlFr0rNUK9Px9A61psdsZmYAakpt349mZ7yygO/s1600/225813368785664504_5WYVT4eO_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfqNNFoUDi0PmNN2DFavC19Guja2ft6WWNbib98igDJXBz7ApClAlbSplrCSiHcUi2fVq3KGEghWATlA1I-q13GP4staUqVzsQsLVN2NlFr0rNUK9Px9A61psdsZmYAakpt349mZ7yygO/s640/225813368785664504_5WYVT4eO_f.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This arrangement of two circles inside a square is simplicity at its best.  Our eye is drawn to the juxtaposition in both shape and colour.  Isn't it interesting how contrast continually draws us? You could not sit in this room and ignore this wall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBY0JrfcKavj6pCJdE24BfasyKxnlV92yd9wpItb-Mgr6T2M0Hp1K4Tr9HSPUR2gxF8CbZ9Mw_5fjorKJRO0VD0-FkJ0ggzmHwPPLYx0P-OcDomdNN2WzySr4SdNXnwbmmCa1Kqf_6ALJ/s1600/72479875222474299_mmu37Uyc_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBY0JrfcKavj6pCJdE24BfasyKxnlV92yd9wpItb-Mgr6T2M0Hp1K4Tr9HSPUR2gxF8CbZ9Mw_5fjorKJRO0VD0-FkJ0ggzmHwPPLYx0P-OcDomdNN2WzySr4SdNXnwbmmCa1Kqf_6ALJ/s400/72479875222474299_mmu37Uyc_f.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>This high contrast room has a similar design aesthetic to the one above, but there  is more variety in sizes.<br /><br />  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVKEJBGhOVt9CsorMAgtrT0_zwTeyBppb5FRUqGS6ICpqRZZFbetz7OJRicjS0Lk9FeCBgcAIkeVavlziI4_kVBvZeH74zUxxuv-7njEFSUBq3E1IKd0SmSSDcKtmqdmfv_YspEvvJIHt/s1600/152700243585760927_yAJcW34w_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVKEJBGhOVt9CsorMAgtrT0_zwTeyBppb5FRUqGS6ICpqRZZFbetz7OJRicjS0Lk9FeCBgcAIkeVavlziI4_kVBvZeH74zUxxuv-7njEFSUBq3E1IKd0SmSSDcKtmqdmfv_YspEvvJIHt/s640/152700243585760927_yAJcW34w_f.jpg" width="440" /></a> </div> In this room we are first drawn to colour and pattern and the coloured spheres in the lamp add to the overall effect.    The lamp  is stunning and not easily ignored .  The second lamp looks almost insignificant and perhaps (in my mind) it needs to be a tad larger. Scale is so tricky! Purple and light wood- it doesn't get any better than this. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg_c1UJoJio874aftXBHi4jT_Su_1DR8aNKjatJZf058IaaoDtQQnGm_xi_Xlnpw4jUQLxoOnq3DiWwA4rHWnNX-mXo0K5xu7Ia2iov9Kdswhw0zbDYVfaH2gxhjU_rDQ8-VjbZ0WVZnh/s1600/162903711490792850_7ihsLskT_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg_c1UJoJio874aftXBHi4jT_Su_1DR8aNKjatJZf058IaaoDtQQnGm_xi_Xlnpw4jUQLxoOnq3DiWwA4rHWnNX-mXo0K5xu7Ia2iov9Kdswhw0zbDYVfaH2gxhjU_rDQ8-VjbZ0WVZnh/s640/162903711490792850_7ihsLskT_f.jpg" width="420" /></a></div> One of my favourite tricks is to overlap shapes when I pair objects.  Love this simple mantle arrangement that sends your eyes round and round. Additional circular shapes are repeated with the table, vases and wheels on the coffee table. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvkV6aax8XgjQJKqf_c5nW-wV660pXLzixoogqRnH_46EMXnq7kkrr4lZXaH6jUHWEn7sMEocsgR-mXDmiUO2VJLnwgHLf16vr6cqAuDFTOf6OHk_RS3dJpEe0vzeXM1n38oeDV9I915C/s1600/171277592048216554_4D9RvySw_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvkV6aax8XgjQJKqf_c5nW-wV660pXLzixoogqRnH_46EMXnq7kkrr4lZXaH6jUHWEn7sMEocsgR-mXDmiUO2VJLnwgHLf16vr6cqAuDFTOf6OHk_RS3dJpEe0vzeXM1n38oeDV9I915C/s640/171277592048216554_4D9RvySw_f.jpg" width="598" /></a>Another circular shape overlapping a rectangle.  Notice how the handles and the tufting creates visual flow? If I could wave a magic want, I would make the mirror just a tad larger.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rIUUhL4xz1durkrHTi5v0wdjFYQ6M1jrQh5FhDLLusFdhd2-Sfi__PWBZhudcFCSwx6puu6TOpz6Cwl9rjNDffznazB2wRBxWPw0yWIb9hs_ZWhjXEzC3HIgxkYT7gKPEUYY9oPnejsF/s1600/171277592048127157_9miV5ohE_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rIUUhL4xz1durkrHTi5v0wdjFYQ6M1jrQh5FhDLLusFdhd2-Sfi__PWBZhudcFCSwx6puu6TOpz6Cwl9rjNDffznazB2wRBxWPw0yWIb9hs_ZWhjXEzC3HIgxkYT7gKPEUYY9oPnejsF/s640/171277592048127157_9miV5ohE_f.jpg" width="542" /></a></div> When you pair something red, with print and add in a circular shape, you have the ultimate pairing if you want to create a focal point.  The additional  rounded shapes in the carved letters move our eyes throughout the vignette.  This odd  assortment of objects is very eye catching.  I'd edit the hide rug because I would like to see the cabinet  without visual competition. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaU8s1Xyy1s2YFsOpOZ9Lc6ntiMB2JwP_zGfBiGaeImMI83ZjB5KV4wO4GKEPPtkXJFGIX61EIE-7au222cz4ad5rDcCL2dUsLjYu0zIW4Fy6PtxrrCcT6uzUJx276VZAVLzBbUQn4_pZ/s1600/171277592048127164_aVziArA8_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaU8s1Xyy1s2YFsOpOZ9Lc6ntiMB2JwP_zGfBiGaeImMI83ZjB5KV4wO4GKEPPtkXJFGIX61EIE-7au222cz4ad5rDcCL2dUsLjYu0zIW4Fy6PtxrrCcT6uzUJx276VZAVLzBbUQn4_pZ/s1600/171277592048127164_aVziArA8_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIsG3P2Fd7r_1cqhmKhENIPrkWuTKHI3kA9keBoAw_ykmqlh2po6RMO3zUM1zVRqqC8dxRJkegacRg0-0XfdQ5s0VO7BHwI8zxa3f5bur0aHV8-kHpw-RPK9BA8O_VkTiASLXRJJuhrBq/s1600/177962622744862079_g0vwkOkn_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIsG3P2Fd7r_1cqhmKhENIPrkWuTKHI3kA9keBoAw_ykmqlh2po6RMO3zUM1zVRqqC8dxRJkegacRg0-0XfdQ5s0VO7BHwI8zxa3f5bur0aHV8-kHpw-RPK9BA8O_VkTiASLXRJJuhrBq/s640/177962622744862079_g0vwkOkn_f.jpg" width="518" /></a></div> A strong colour and  variety in shapes create an eye catching arrangement. Imagine how boring this vignette would be if all the objects were rectangular!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-3RcwCIkApPm_IUn85MUuX6EN7g9bmgcg2OFx706HAkhYoVy3pyluRFeEeMQymgL41cDNn-jwRxLydU7D_kadk3pTrBRrdxOGghJPvkbSWZFWRuT70f6zbyypSAZq1eHXnG3o331wmgI/s1600/81487074477488175_LvUD4Fcv_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-3RcwCIkApPm_IUn85MUuX6EN7g9bmgcg2OFx706HAkhYoVy3pyluRFeEeMQymgL41cDNn-jwRxLydU7D_kadk3pTrBRrdxOGghJPvkbSWZFWRuT70f6zbyypSAZq1eHXnG3o331wmgI/s640/81487074477488175_LvUD4Fcv_f.jpg" width="490" /></a><br />I think  the textures, light wood and circular motifs make this a very inviting room. I just want to see more of it.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy1CiuIqv42fRF5RGGnCf3zlPtxtuEWdOHynK3twWeqSHd2h3ncOaCcJpO26dw4n1tEmxKSS_T0vxI0PRCHdOCz-SeBdqcurveI-qNFIV_KxnvEotHOLR3ydrRgkMaRu_yQhxWe0Vt7FD/s1600/187180928233505872_wIMWg04m_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfqNNFoUDi0PmNN2DFavC19Guja2ft6WWNbib98igDJXBz7ApClAlbSplrCSiHcUi2fVq3KGEghWATlA1I-q13GP4staUqVzsQsLVN2NlFr0rNUK9Px9A61psdsZmYAakpt349mZ7yygO/s1600/225813368785664504_5WYVT4eO_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShZ4WkYXuAVWbawdgJmsrcI7Z7CjmNvRURwY_vR0QPaepmTSycc9NbOGbT7Dxs76lMrgouC3KvDDr0nodltoRAm_iDiLqykNm1KiDEB86sVEazoUvvClF97YbOE2JKPONW96W_ExCSd6h/s1600/284993482639213214_qiLpxzx6_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShZ4WkYXuAVWbawdgJmsrcI7Z7CjmNvRURwY_vR0QPaepmTSycc9NbOGbT7Dxs76lMrgouC3KvDDr0nodltoRAm_iDiLqykNm1KiDEB86sVEazoUvvClF97YbOE2JKPONW96W_ExCSd6h/s640/284993482639213214_qiLpxzx6_f.jpg" width="514" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxiJn9NfH-adTkOz6M-RuPhq6CJN3kPkdYQITWcl_Sq_xiNDnwzBrh4UMGMMLh6GBcbEMLnqLeOi0T08isIMumIA1yOfBYE1knsBZI7OhZbJHD7vPuLflzpXulYUCLBKO-vqO-g1CRyI5/s1600/140878294563880216_rkeaj6F6_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxiJn9NfH-adTkOz6M-RuPhq6CJN3kPkdYQITWcl_Sq_xiNDnwzBrh4UMGMMLh6GBcbEMLnqLeOi0T08isIMumIA1yOfBYE1knsBZI7OhZbJHD7vPuLflzpXulYUCLBKO-vqO-g1CRyI5/s640/140878294563880216_rkeaj6F6_f.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Maybe you can have too much of a good thing.  What do you think? </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBY0JrfcKavj6pCJdE24BfasyKxnlV92yd9wpItb-Mgr6T2M0Hp1K4Tr9HSPUR2gxF8CbZ9Mw_5fjorKJRO0VD0-FkJ0ggzmHwPPLYx0P-OcDomdNN2WzySr4SdNXnwbmmCa1Kqf_6ALJ/s1600/72479875222474299_mmu37Uyc_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Links to all of these rooms can be found on my Pinterest site highlighted at the beginning of this post. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">How do you feel about circles.  Do  you consciously use them when decorating? </div>

In praise of circles

What is the most used shape in home decor?  It's the rectangle of course! Tables, sofas, beds, dressers, area rugs etc;  even the shape ...

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Create a wow powder room

<div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/54801/FORMA-Design-modern-powder-room-other-metros"><br /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /><small> <span style="font-size: small;">How often does a powder room get the royal treatment?   In many homes  powder rooms are  small,  windowless with functional aspects.  These elements usually defy  anything exciting happening in the space.  I'm out to prove that a powder room can be the star of your  house. </span></small><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Use tile as an accent </b></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/54801/FORMA-Design-modern-powder-room-other-metros" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="FORMA Design modern powder room" border="0" height="675" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/54801_0_8-8070-modern-powder-room.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/6852/FORMA-Design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">FORMA Design via Houzz</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><br /></small><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buy exciting accessories</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><br /></small><br /><small><br /></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83694/utopia-projects-modern-powder-room-other-metros"><img alt="utopia projects modern powder room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/83694_0_8-5441-modern-powder-room.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/powder-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Houzz</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The contemporary nature of the wall mounted vessel sink and hand crafted mirror is further enhanced by  horizontal striping on the walls. There is no doubt what the star of this room is. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><br /></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Choose a theme </b></span><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/49474/Powder-at-Hualalai-tropical-powder-room-other-metros"><img alt="Powder at Hualalai tropical powder room" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/49474_0_8-2680-tropical-powder-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/hawaii" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/winteriors/willman-interiors-gina-willman-asid" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Willman Interiors / Gina Willman, ASID via Houzz</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The subtle Asian details in this room have been duplicated in all of the pieces.  If you choose a theme for a room its success is always in the details.  </span> </small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Use wood effectively</b></span><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/258753/Modern-Contemporary-Powder-Room-contemporary-powder-room-chicago"><img alt="Modern/Contemporary Powder Room contemporary powder room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/258753_0_8-1800-contemporary-powder-room.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath/chicago" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/marius-daugvila/marius-daugvila" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Marius Daugvila  via Houzz</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This bathroom design is enhanced by the addition of the vertical strip of wood that backs the vanity and accentuates the asymmetrical placement of the sink.  A round mirror works against the vertical line. The vase of twigs (wood again) mimics the vertical lines and helps to balance the asymmetrical layout. </span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/191767/Lively-powder-room-contemporary-powder-room-montreal"><img alt="Lively powder room contemporary powder room" border="0" height="666" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/191767_0_8-5520-contemporary-powder-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/montreal" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/unevieencouleurs/andre-couture-coloriste-decorateur" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Andre Couture Coloriste Decorateur</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">This bathroom also relies on vertical wood  detailing for interest.   The pops of green bring  a natural  feel to the room.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><br /></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rely on large mirrors to increase your space</b></span><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/312957/Residential--powder-room-phoenix"><img alt="Residential powder room" border="0" height="626" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/312957_0_8-8049--powder-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/ownbydesign/ownby-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Ownby Design</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">When you have a free standing vanity using a floor to ceiling mirror behind it enlarges the room significantly and it also creates strong vertical lines.  The dark cabinet with silver banding shows up well against the mirror.   </span></small><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/356269/Formal-Power-Room-contemporary-bathroom-chicago"><img alt="Formal Power Room contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="820" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/356269_0_8-6681-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="500" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><small> </small></div></div><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/dspacestudio/dspace-studio-ltd" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">dSPACE Studio Ltd</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Choose a bold wallpaper </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/333012/Tiptoe-through-the-Tulips-contemporary-powder-room-minneapolis"><img alt="Tiptoe through the Tulips contemporary powder room" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/333012_0_8-0365-contemporary-powder-room.jpg" width="500" /></a><small> </small><br /><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/oharainteriors/martha-ohara-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Martha O'Hara Interiors</a></small><br /><br /><small> </small><small> </small><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Go for contrast  </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><br /></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/140512/HHL-2010---Bathrooms-contemporary-bathroom-other-metros"><img alt="HHL 2010 - Bathrooms contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="748" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/140512_0_8-7570-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/other-metros" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/atmosphereid/atmosphere-interior-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">You can count on high contrast to bring a room to life.  There's nothing like black and white to create impact. </span></small></div></div>

Create a wow powder room

  How often does a powder room get the royal treatment?   In many homes  powder rooms are  small,  windowless with functional aspects.  Thes...

Read more »