Room Symmetry

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Symmetry does not mean mirror image. To me symmetry is about highlighting likenesses between two objects. For instance, the right side of your console table can have a regular blue lamp and the left side can have a shorter blue lamp. You can achieve symmetry by pairing two objects with similar scale, proportion, or color. (ABOVE) This symmetrical Living Room has elements that skew its mirror effect. The plants, and side tables are different on either side. The blue French lamps that rest atop the side tables are the same, this offsets the side tables variation. (BELOW 1) The right arm chair skews the symmetry in this space. By simply moving an arm chair or sofa you can maintain symmetry, yet give your space some interest. (BELOW 2) This Jonathan Adler vignette is very cool. The minor objects on either side of the console table skew the mirror effect. However, the monochromatic lamps and vases unify the look. The deep blue tassel on the right lamp adds visual interest. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

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Designing In Small Spaces

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Furniture placement is crucial when designing in a small space. Be sure to choose pieces that serve a purpose, often times people place too much furniture in a small space. Don't crowd the center of the room with furniture. By placing pieces against the wall, or a selected few in the center, the space will feel larger. (ABOVE) This space feels open because, of the lighter color palette. By incorporating these colorful patterns and shapes, the space feels warm and inviting. I love the artwork in this space as well as the bed headboard. (BELOW 1) By grouping seating together, the space will feel larger as there will be more open areas. I love the pop of green in this relatively neutral space. (BELOW 2) Sticking with one sofa is always a good idea when designing in a small space as the room will not feel crowded. In addition, lacquered walls will make the space feel larger. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.  

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Designing In Large Spaces

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Often times we read through magazines or visit websites that teach us how to design a small space. However, many people have homes where the size of the space is quite large. So...what do you do? Do you stick a chair in the corner to fill the space? Do you center your furniture around a fireplace and leave the rest of the space empty? The key to designing a large space is to not add useless objects to fill the room, each part of a room should have a purpose and be used, and to group seating areas. (ABOVE) This is a perfect example of grouping seating areas. The Brutalist style lamps are impeccable. In addition, I love the chandelier and rounded arm chairs. This space has the perfect amount of creativity and surprise! (BELOW 1) Incorporating a table with chairs in a large living space will add dual functionality. (BELOW 2) I like how designer Thomas Britt did not clutter this space. The round black table on the right is brilliant, it creates a beautiful contrast with the pink walls. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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Beautiful Fireplaces

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With winter fast approaching, fireplaces are being cleaned and wood is being bought. This fall alone, I have lit my fireplace twice. Fireplaces bring the family together, they keep you warm, and if refinished the right way, fireplaces can make a space look brilliant. (ABOVE) I love old fireplaces. They add timeless elegance to a space. (BELOW 1) The stone on the inside of this fireplace has a great pattern. In addition, the height of the fireplace is beautiful. (BELOW 2) I love the pattern of the fireplace stone against the dark walls. (BELOW 3) I'm not crazy about the interior design of this room, however, the length of this fireplace is great. In addition, the black and white mantel looks brilliant against the lacquered blue panel wall of the fireplace. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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Accent With Flowers

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With the holiday season amongst us, chances are, buying flowers will be on your shopping list. Adding flowers to a space is a brilliant way to bring the outside in. In addition, flowers add temporary color to any room! (ABOVE) This setup is absolutely beautiful, but without the flowers it would not have the same impact. Here, the flowers break up the monochromatic table setup. (BELOW) The entry vestibule to Kelly Wearstler's LA office features a beautiful center flower arrangement on a fantastic table. Here, Kelly Wearstler used cherry blossoms. This table features many beautiful objects on it, such as a head and foot. If Kelly had used smaller flowers, likes the ones above, then the proportion of the flowers and the objects would be off. Placing cherry blossoms on a table, is a great way to add height. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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The Family Room

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The Family Room of your home is a great space to unwind at the end of the day. Family Room’s are an awesome space to have for those privileged with a little more square footage. Family Room’s are casual, easy going and on average, used more than living rooms. Place the TV in your Family Room. Living Room’s should be kept for more formal entertaining, a TV in your Living Room will receive much traffic. In addition, don't place your TV set in a media cabinet. Either above a fireplace, free standing, or on top of a beautiful console is the way to go. Add enough seating to your Family Room. Whether you buy a few sofas or a couple armchairs, seating is a necessity. You can add as little or as much to your Family Room as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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Finding The Right Area Rug

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Placing an area rug in a room is a brilliant way to introduce color and texture. In addition, rugs anchor a space. Choose an area rug that has some of the colors already used in the space. You don’t want to introduce a new color in the area rug, instead you want to enhance some of the colors already used in your space. Area rugs should be placed in a space to define areas. For example, if you have a large living room, placing two area rugs can create an anchor for two different seating sections.You can add as little or as many rugs to your space as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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The Key To Owning A Great Bedroom

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Your bedroom is your sanctuary. At the end of the day you open your bedroom door in hope of relaxation. Keep your bedroom clutter free. The cleaner your bedroom is the better, open spaces make one feel calm and collective. If you have the ability of having a desk in another part of your home, do so. A desk in a bedroom automatically triggers the feeling of work. Own a great bed. While some like having a softer mattress, others opt for a firmer one. You want your bed to be a place for relaxing dreams and good sleep. Finding the right mattress is the key to owning a great bedroom. Make sure you have good lighting. Before I go to sleep I always love to sneak in some reading time. A good lamp or a wall lamp next to your bed is ideal. Don’t place a TV in a bedroom. Reading a magazine or talking with your partner is much more rewarding. With technology always around us it’s good to take a break from it. You can add as little or as much to your bedroom as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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Finding The Perfect Desk

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(left) Parson Desk w/ drawers: http://www.westelm.com (right) Black Lacquered Desk: http://www.craigvandenbrulle.com

Often times finding the perfect desk can be a difficult decision. While some need lots of storage space others are fine with little to none. Choose a desk that fits your needs. If you are frequently at your desk more storage space is necessary. Don’t be scared to choose a desk with color. Brown and black are not the only colors for a desk. Turquoise,  orange, or yellow can be used as well. When you are searching for the right desk don’t be afraid to buy a smaller dining room table. Dining room tables take away the feeling of a typical desk. Choose a desk that makes a statement. You want your desk to be the focus of your office. A desk that is too small in a large space will not stand out. By making sure the proportion is right, your desk will have a ‘wow’ factor. By choosing the right desk to fit your needs, you will be more productive. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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How To Make Your Office Space Work

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In order to make an office Space work, you have to take out the feeling of work. Filing Cabinets, loose papers, Manila folders, and binders must be hidden. Not only do these items make an office feel crowded, but they also take away the feeling of inspiration and beauty that can easily be found in an office. Add pieces to your office that are not usually placed in an office. Find an interesting cabinet that has a unique shape or color to house your documents. Even though placing a desk against a wall can be very glamorous, usually placing a desk in the center creates an easier flow. Personally, I don’t like facing a wall to do my work. Add lamps not desk lamps. Doing this will take away the feeling of a boring office. Whether your office is in your bedroom or you have a room designated for one, there are plenty of ways to add appeal and glamour. Designing an office that fits your needs and emotions are always the key. You can add as little or as much to your office as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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Why You Should Accessorize

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Accessorize! It’s the most important element when finishing a space. Lamps, textiles, rugs, pillows, flowers, and books are all crucial in pulling together any space. Keep your accessorizing powerful. Adding a large statue on a coffee table or vintage vase on a dining room table are all forms of accessorizing. Don’t add fake flowers! Fake flowers in a space are my biggest pet peeve. They smell after a while, collect much dust, and make a space feel cheep. Fresh flowers are always best. These minor elements in a space will give your room a designer feel. Even though I am a strong believer of breaking design rules and taking risks I also believe that you can go overboard when accessorizing.   Whether it is a painting or candle holder accessories should serve a meaning and purpose. Whether your adding accessories to add color or alter the proportion of a space each piece should be seen as an individual item, yet work as a group of pieces. Add enough accessories to make your home feel like you. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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1.  Partridge 12" Pillow by Crate & Barrel, Love the use of art on a pillow. 

2. Brass Foot by Kelly Wearstler , It is so versatile and can be accessorized in any space. 

3. Edie Lamp by Jonathan Adler, Adds a little flavor and unexpected style to any space. 

4. Bourgie Table Lamp by DWR, Is both traditional, yet modern. 

5. Open Stool/ Table by Room & Board, Has many functions. 

Finding The Perfect Sofa

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Finding The Perfect Sofa can be a difficult undertaking. Color, style, and size is a common concern of sofa buyers. Trust your gut. When your finding a sofa to suit you and your family’s lifestyle what catches your eye can be a great buy. Choose a sofa that is good quality. Sofa’s generally don’t get the best treatment, especially in a family room or den. A better quality sofa will last longer over time and will save you money as you won’t have to buy a new one periodically. Sofa’s that are soft are a necessity. If a leather sofa is what you want then buy one, just make sure it’s comfortable. When you have finally found the right sofa don’t go overboard and buy three or four of them. Less is always more. In addition, too many sofa’s in one room leaves little room for originality. You can buy a traditional sofa for a modern room or a modern sofa for a traditional room. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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