Kitchen: Going Green

Going Green: Adding Green in Your Home

Do you want a fresh mix of color and great pattern? Then think about adding the color green as a theme in your home decor. Any upscale, timeless home will embrace the color. You can use the color green in many rooms throughout the house. I’ve collected several gorgeous pictures from interior design blogs that illustrate my point. Hopefully when you finish reading this post, you’ll be consider having me help you go green — literally.  Let’s start by looking at the sunny breakfast room, infused with green by using the green chairs.

Breakfast Area: Going Green

Breakfast Area: Going Green

And I’ve always loved to use the kitchen island as a way to add a pop of color as you’ll see in my recent blog The Extraordinary Kitchen Island. The green island and green color on the ceiling (another technique I love to incorporate) works well.

 

Kitchen: Going Green

Kitchen: Going Green

Finally, this living room is stunning, using the combination  green and blue.

Living Room: Going Green

Living Room: Going Green

Are you ready to transform your space by infusing the lively color of green? I can help you successfully and tastefully achieve the dynamic look. Just contact The Decorative Touch to get started today.

Photos: House of Turquoise

Turn Your Closet into a Work Zone

Small Space Design

In interior design, there are no such thing as small spaces; only small imaginations. The Decorative Touch can take minimal space and maximize its potential. Believe it or not we often take small spaces, make them super-efficient without ever sacrificing any style. We can do the same for you. Check out some of the small spaces that have been converted into amazing areas on the Web site of Better Homes and Gardens.

Have you thought about turning an extra closet into a work zone? We love how this space uses drapery panels to slide along a curtain rod, allowing the homeowner to hide the clutter.

Turn Your Closet into a Work Zone

Turn Your Closet into a Work Zone

Also, you can add storage as well as architectural aesthetic by including a built-in. Incorporate a recessed daybed into this design, eliminating the need for both a bed and a sofa.

Incorporate a Built-in

Incorporate a Built-in

Need help envisioning how a nook can be transformed into a voluminous, multi-functional space? Reach out to The Decorative Touch, and we can assist you starting today.

Photos: Better Homes and Gardens

The 2012 Polka Dot Trend

The Polka Dot Trend

At The Decorative Touch, we draw ideas from our surroundings. We are truly inspired by the plethora of polka dots we see on the fashion runways. This pattern is manifesting in the fabrics and clothes that women will be wearing all of 2012. And you’ll also see the polka dot trend included in the fabrics, design and upholstery in interior decorating for 2012.

I have loved polka dots for as long as I can remember, and so this “trend” is an easy favorite of mine.  You might have noticed Kate Spade has lined her purses in polka dots for a while now, and Robert Allen fabrics have had these little dots in there fabric line for years!  I have done a nursery or two using these cheerful little prints, and they will never go out of style.  Whimsical and elegant depending on the texture, I think polka dots are here to stay.

Designer Luca Luca is the first piece that aroused my enthusiasm for the trend. This floor-length dress is found in the spring 2012 collection. See here the dots are plentiful but not overly large.

LucaLucaSpring2012

Luca Luca Spring 2012

Photo: nymag.com

Interior designers can reincarnate the look by using upscale polka dots linens in more fancy rooms such as the dining room, where the tablecloth, cloth chairs and even napkins can come into play.

 

The Polka Dot Trend: Dining Room

The Polka Dot Trend: Dining Room

Photo: Elements of Style

Another fashion picture of inspiration we’d like to show you (illustrating that the polka dot trend is transcending fashion and interior design alike) comes from the American edition of Vogue magazine.

Sarah Jessica Parker: Vogue August 2011

Sarah Jessica Parker: Vogue August 2011

Photo: Vogue.com

We can recreate the look actress Sarah Jessica Parker wears in the August 2011 issue of Vogue, with accents throughout the home sure not to overpower the theme, but to only accentuate the already established feel of the room.

The 2012 Polka Dot Trend

The Polka Dot Trend 2012

 

The 2012 Polka Dot Trend

The 2012 Polka Dot Trend

Photo: Elements of Style

Of course, polka dots should not be over done, or you might risk losing the graceful touch to your home. For help including this trend in your home in a seamless way, contact us. We’ve got several great ideas for you.

Unique Ways to Add Portraits and Painting in the Home

Unique Ways to Add Portraits and Paintings in the Home

When you think of adding a family portrait to your home, you typically envision a large painting above the fireplace. But there’s more than one way to include this classic tradition. We are urging you to think of the new way to add paintings and portraits to your home.

For instance, pillows are an avant-garde way to add the feel of paintings throughout the home. This way, including paintings becomes much more versatile, with the idea lending itself to the the traditional living room scenario but also in places such as on top of your bed, in a chair, or on a sofa.

Unique Ways to Add Portraits and Painting in the Home

Also, portraits can travel with you as a tote bag, and when you come home, you can leave the bag hanging on a hook to display the painting when you are not using it. Be open to putting portraits on accent pieces, such as ceramic jars and throws for the sofa.

Feel free to connect with us, and we can help you add portraits throughout your home. Visit our contact page for more information.

Photos: Decor8.com

4 Great Gift Guides Featuring Décor and More!

If you’re looking for gift ideas for your stylish friends and family, you’re in luck. We’ve seen numerous gift guides all over the web lately, and we thought it would be nice to bring together our favorite four so you can find all the best goodies this year. Check these out to find something for everyone on your shopping list!

Are you interested in even more ideas for getting you in the holiday spirit? Check out our posts on “Beautiful Table Decorating Ideas for Entertaining” and “Decorating for Christmas: Ideas and Inspiration.” And to continue seeing all our updates on interior design tips, style, projects and more, simply subscribe to the Decorative Touch blog!

Image: Naito8 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Decorating for Christmas: Ideas and Inspiration

Even with Thanksgiving behind us, we’re still in the midst of the holiday season.  One great thing about the holidays is that they give you a chance to channel your inner “decorator” and really enjoy entertaining your guests.  I love thinking about creating a little Christmas feel in every area of my home; my half bath has a “Fraser fir” candle burning that smells just like a real Christmas tree!  I hope my favorite photos from this Houzz ideabook inspire your decor as you are undoubtedly stringing your Christmas garland and lights!

Happy decorating!

–Janine Terstriep, The Decorative Touch

Photos via Houzz

Beautiful Table Decorating Ideas for Entertaining

We’ve already shared ideas for designing the perfect Thanksgiving table, but this Thursday isn’t the only time you could be playing hostess this season! We love the idea of entertaining family and friends throughout the holiday season, and an ideabook we came across on Houzz recently—“Set Your Table for a Festive Dinner Party”—is full of ideas for dining table décor that will look beautiful in wintertime and some throughout the year. Here are a few of the table settings that really stood out to us:

Be sure to visit Houzz for a look at all the wonderful photos and ideas from the article.

Happy entertaining!

Photos via Houzz

Designing the perfect Thanksgiving table

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, you likely have your plans all set. Maybe you are heading out of town (lucky you!) and someone else will be doing the cooking. But if you are in charge of the meal this year, you are probably starting to wrap up all of those last few to dos and are making a few of those important last-minute meal decisions like should I brine the turkey or baste? Scalloped or mashed potatoes? Pumpkin or Pecan pie? Hey, it’s hard choosing this time a year!

One thing that may be last on your list is table design. It’s easy to just throw on the same old table cloth, add a few candles, and call it done. But why not do something a little different this year that will surprise your guests? While you might be a little hesitant to try and pull off something too extravagant, you really don’t have to go overboard with the design. In fact, some of the best tablescapes are simple (you pretty much already know the color scheme) but it’s the details, like these adorable pinecone place cards, that can make the biggest impression. Just look at how the pumpkins in the image below make quite a visual statement.

Photo by Amanda Parker and family

There is nothing like Thanksgiving to make me take note of all the wonderful blessings in my life.  First and foremost, my children, as they are blossoming into adults; I grow more proud of them daily and enjoy spending as much time with them as they will allow!  My own family, as God has blessed me to be born into a richness of caring and loving people.  My career, which is ever changing, ever challenging, but the most rewarding and fulfilling place to spend my days.  And of course, my clients…for without you, I would not grow, learn and succeed.  You are the reason I do what I do, and I love my job.  Thank you all for your support!  I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving Day…

It’s all about family, friends, great food, and finding time to stop and treasure our blessings….Thank YOU!

Warm Up by a Beautiful Fireplace

There’s something comforting about a fireplace. It reminds us of tradition, offers the perfect gathering spot for family time and—perhaps best of all—is a place to warm up from the outside fall and winter chill. Fireplaces are also wonderful in interior design, as they often serve as the beautiful focal point of a room.

I am a big fan of making the fireplace the heart of the home, and I am one of those people that has her fireplace on the last chilly days of April and the earliest cool snaps of October! Why not make your fireplace as attractive as possible so you can enjoy every minute cuddled up in your most comfortable chair with a good book and a cup of what warms you?! Here, we’ve compiled three show-stopping fireplaces that take these homes to the next level. Take a peek and get inspired…

This lovely fireplace featured in Better Homes and Gardens offers nice contrast with the stone surround and creamy white mantel.

Wouldn’t you love to enjoy eating dinner while warming up with a fire in the fireplace like in this dining space featured in House & Home?

Of course, we couldn’t leave out this bedroom from our own design portfolio, which includes a fireplace as a comfortable, homey touch.

Can’t get enough of warm décor? Check out our post on using warm colors like reds, oranges and browns to escape from the cold weather of fall and winter!

Photos: 1 via Better Homes and Gardens; 2 via House & Home; 3 interior design by The Decorative Touch

How to Let Your Home Make You Smile

A space can feel more relaxed if it includes curvy furniture.

Your home should be a place you love—a place that makes you smile—and interior design plays an essential role in making this happen. Naturally, we enjoyed House Beautiful’s recent slideshow “10 Ways to Make Your Home Happier.” Here are a few of their ideas we really agree with for bringing more joy into your home:

  • Surround yourself with things that really speak to you.
  • Good design starts in the entryway so you feel happy right when you walk in the door. Don’t be afraid to add splashes of color in this space.
  • Include pieces with curved lines for a welcoming feel; too many harsh angles aren’t as inviting.

Visit House Beautiful to read all their tips for creating a happy home. What have you done lately to let your home put a smile on your face?

If you’re looking for an interior designer who can help you love your home, contact The Decorative Touch in Lenexa, KS today.

Photo: Design by The Decorative Touch