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Tip of the Week #14: Colorful Inspiration

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Well, for those of you who fear color, this beautiful photo should inspire you to let your fear subside. This year the words “POP of color” are all the buzz and C.R. Laine Furniture has done a beautiful job to create a room of furniture that not only is gorgeous, but functional as well. When choosing your daring color palette, consider having one room that really dazzles the senses like this one. Shades of peacock blue are the colors this year chosen by Sherwin Williams Paint to be the ones that will really stand out.  I think this photo is certainly a representation of an outstanding use of color. Don’t you? C.R. Laine room
Why not step out of your comfort zone and get a little more daring?  Call your designer today.
Happy Inspiration,
Janine

All White in Every Room

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Yes, we already posted about all white rooms, but in this house every room is white. All white never really goes out of style and it always looks so clean and crisp.  And of course we are completely in love with color, but white is so classic. Enough gushing and obsessing take a look for yourself and tell us what you think? Very different from our previous post, more simplistic, homey and lived-in, but just as chic right?Nantucket home with white furnishingsNantucket home with white furnishingsNantucket home with white furnishingsNantucket home with white furnishingsNantucket home with white furnishingsNantucket home with white furnishingsImages from COCOCOZY

Upcoming Trend: Kuba Style

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Adding a little texture to your space is always a good idea. When used in moderation textured fabrics breathe life into your interiors. One trend to watch is Kuba-style fabric. Kuba-style textiles are a classic African fabric. The cloth features geometric interlocking patterns which resemble that of the Greek key design. The current styles boost neutral, natural colors. The hand-woven fabric is sure to bring texture to your sofa or bed through a pillow, or to the floor with a rug. If you prefer a contemporary look to that of the hand-made, the print can be screened onto fabric. What do you think of the Kuba-style fabric?

In the living room

Kuba fabric in roomKuba fabric in room

On a chairKuba fabric in room

On a lucite chairKuba fabric in room

Tip of the Week #13: Complete with a Lamp

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LampDo you feel like there is just something missing from your room? You can’t quite put your finger on it, but for some reason it doesn’t feel complete. Chances are you’re right, and that finishing touch is a lamp. Adding lighting to your room is one of the most important factors to completing a room. Lamps serve two very distinct functions—to illuminate and decorate.

When choosing the finishing touch for your room the function and style must be taken into consideration. You don’t want a well lit room that doesn’t match your decor. Accent or desk lamps should be used in areas with other focal points because they cast light downward. Table and floor lamps cast warm light which are inviting for multiple situations. And for drama, torchiers should be used because they shine light upward to bounce off the ceiling and wall.

After you figure out what function your lamp will serve you can choose the style. Keep it consistent with what you already have in the room so the design flows. Lamps come in every style so you are sure to find something that fits.

Once you have it place it, plug it in and enjoy the illumination and decoration!

Janine

Lovely Lucite

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Plastic furniture is no longer regulated only to your child’s play area. Get in on the fun and decorate with Lucite. As we are seeing more and more of the acrylic furnishings, we are noting its design benefits. Being clear Lucite is extremely versatile and will coordinate with any interiors. The furniture will seem barely there giving the illusion of more space. The clean and polished lines of Lucite can be translated through small decorative pieces or larger furniture such as tables or chairs. Just as your kids’ furniture, the plastic is durable and easy to clean should there be any accidents. We are loving this plastic look of elegance, can you picture some lovely Lucite in your rooms?

bedroom with lucite furnitureDesk with lucite chairlucite coffee tableImages from Odi et Amo

lucite coffee tablelucite lampslucite desk, chair and lampImages from houzz

Waterfest 2010

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Lenexa’s 11th annual Waterfest is scheduled for Saturday, July 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Bring the family for some Waterfest favorites like paddle boating, waterslides, cane pole fishing and more while learning how to keep water clean from over 25 area nonprofits. The Kansas City Zoo, the Ernie Miller Nature Center and Operation Wildlife will have live animals on hand. Live entertainment will be provided by The Ruskin Quartet. Attendees who visit all booths will be entered in a drawing for prizes, which include Kansas City Royals tickets. Free hotdogs will be available while supplies last, as well as free water in large coolers so remember to bring your water bottles. Admission is free so put the kids in the car (don’t forget to wear swimsuits) and join the fun at Waterfest 2010!

For more information visit the City of Lenexa or Rain to Creation sites, or call Waterfest coordinators 913-477-7684.

Photo credit: City of Lenexa via Flikr.com.

Nook Style

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You know exactly what you want the design of your living room to  be. You are even more positive about the design of your bedroom, but what about that random nook in your floor plan? Many people have a hard time deciding how to design a small recessed area. Do you continue with the design of the room it’s closest to, or do you give it its own design? There is no right answer, except the one that fits your preferences. However, nooks should never be neglected. Although small in size they can support a well thought out design. You can add unique seating, storage or a vignette. We found these wonderfully designed nooks and would like to share them with you. What  do you think of the designs? Call us today at 913 – 888 – 1388 to begin planning the design of your nook.

Decorated nookImage from Elle Decor

Decorated nookImage from COCOCOZY

Decorated nookImage from House of Turquoise

Decorated nookImage from COCOCOZY

Leave Them Open

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If your kitchen design is starting to bore you then it’s time to switch things up. Redesigning your kitchen cabinets will give your kitchen the slightest, but noticeable face lift. Traditionally we store all our everyday dishes behind opaque cabinet doors while our finest china gets all the attention in a display case. Transform your kitchen by opening up your cabinets and showing off your stylish dishware. Your cabinet doors can be removed, replaced with glass or simply left open. Painting the inside of the cabinets  adds a pop of color and makes your kitchen inviting. What do you think about open cabinetry?

Open cabinetsImage from Southern Living

Open cabinetsImage from Coastal Living

Open cabinetsImage from House Beautiful

Open cabinetsImage from House Beautiful

Ceiling Color

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Look up. Literally. What do you see? When the majority of us look up we see plain, white, standard ceilings. When designing a room, the ceiling is often neglected, but they shouldn’t be. Painting the ceiling of your space enhances and completes your design.  Choose the dominant color in your room, or one that was used to accent and give your ceiling some color. Have fun with it by choosing a glossy paint, one that is pearlized or even lacquered. Call us today to help bring your ceiling color ideas to life.

Room with painted ceilingRoom with painted ceiling

Room with painted ceilingRoom with painted ceiling

Room with painted ceilingImages from Belle Maison

Tip of the Week #12: Inspiration

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Have any of you seen the July issue of Architectural Digest?   The article and photos of Cher’s Indian Fantasy are amazing!  What I really love about this is that this home is such a reflection of the home owner. If you don’t see Cher reflected in this space, you are missing something.  She is exotic and over the top in her performances as well as her use of large scale accessories that enhance the rich neutral palette chosen for this daring diva. I commend her designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. He truly represented the spicy, bold, woman who lives in this space. And yet, this feels serene and romantic at the same time. Bravo!

I do love Architectural Digest as one of the best design resources for great “ahhh” photos. If ever you need great inspiration there is always something wonderful between the pages of this magazine.  Perhaps our lives are not so grand, but there is always something to modify into our own space. For example, the neutrals chosen for Cher could be a great starting point for many of you, and your accessories like hers  should reflect your personal taste. Accessories are the “jewelry” of the home.  Choose those that make you feel at home. Maybe you would prefer more color, look to your closet. What we wear reflects what we love.  As always, look to your designer for expert advise!
Happy Inspiration,
Janine