Top 5 Design Mistakes {Number Three}

A few months ago I started the series "Design Mistakes" with Number One: Too much of a good thing, which referred to matchy matchy furniture and how to create a space that feels collected. Number Two: Lost in Space  was the mistake of placing artwork on the wall just to fill up space without giving it a second thought. If you are guilty of these mistakes, do not feel ashamed. There are so many clients that have shared the same design concerns. Click the links above to see how you can fix your mistakes and start over.


Today we are talking Design Mistake Number Three: Islands in the Stream.

This refers to the size rug that you might have in your room. The bigger the rug the better when it comes to large spaces. A rug can either pull a whole look together visually or pull it apart. I found this quote from an Ethan Allen design book and thought it fit perfectly into what we are talking about today!

Here are a few No No's I found while searching the web:

While the arrangement of furniture is nice the rug seems like a small lily pad where you can jump from your bed onto it and back again. It doesn't pull the room together.  

The scale of this rug is a little better, however it only holds the coffee table. The rest of the furniture seems to be floating around on the hardwood floors.

So how do you stay away from this design mistake?

1. Measure the size of your room. After measuring I like to place painters tape on the floor to show the size of the rug around my furniture before purchasing and making a commitment.
2. Be consistent: if you place the front legs of the couch on the rug, then the front legs of the chairs also need to be on the rug. If the rug covers to the back of the couch, the rug also needs to cover to the back of the chairs.
3. Lay the rug to fit the room. If your room is shaped longer one way then the other, place the rug in that same direction.
4. Be generous with your Rug Size: I believe the larger the rug, the better! Try to make sure you leave at least 10-12 inches from the wall or else it will look like you are trying to achieve wall to wall carpeting.

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I hear so many clients and friends tell me that buying a 5x7 size rug compared to 9x12 can be a difference of hundreds of dollars. Yes I know. Larger rugs can be quite expensive. Although if you take a look at Overstock, One Kings Lane or Rugs USA you might be able to come across a pretty amazing sale. 

But if you are on a budget here is My solution: buy a cheaper natural looking rug and then layer a smaller rug on top. This way you get a little color and texture without breaking the bank!

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So how about you? Are you guilty of too small of a rug? Do you just need a little tweak to create a more intimate setting in your bedroom or more of a conversational area in your family room?

I hope these tips and tricks gave you a little help! If you are still a bit stuck in your design mistakes, email me some pictures of your room and let's create a more inviting space! eatsleepdecorate (at) gmail (dot) com

If you missed:

Design Mistake One, Design Mistake Two

The Tassel Trend

Hi all! It is finally hump day and man is it HOT here in NC today! I think I will stay inside and complete some projects rather that facing the humidity.

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Today we are talking trends. Are you a trend follower or are you just a trend watcher? I happen to jump on board if a trend fits my style and mood. I don't follow the trends just because the "trend makers" say that this or that trend is going to be in for the season. I pick and choose as I like. But that doesn't stop me from being a trend watcher. I love to see what specific trends will hit the fashion and decor world every year.

One trend that has seemed to make the rounds this past year is the Tassel. Every size and color!

Boho Citron Necklace, Tassel Throw, Gold Bracelet, Scarf, Tassel curtains, Necklace

I do love how tassels can give a subtle pop of color against a white drape or plain T-shirt. Not exactly sure how I feel about tassels on shoes and bathing suits, but I am warming up to the idea and I can appreciate others liking those fashion statements.

There are also some fun tutorials on how to make your own tassel decor such as this tassel garland below as well as this necklace & this pillow.

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So what is your opinion...do you like to stay on trend or do you hop on it when the mood is right?

Fabulous Feature Friday {Atlanta Home with Character}

Hello All! Can I get a Woot Woot? It's Friday! I hope you have some wonderful things planned. We have birthday parties and a food truck rodeo event this weekend. I am looking forward to being outside. You can follow along as I am sure going to post some pics on Instagram {@eatsleepdecor}!

Today's feature Friday is extra special because I am featuring a family member's home. My Aunt and Uncle have lived in Atlanta for many years. They have lived in four different homes throughout the Atlanta area. I get so excited to visit each time because not only am I greeted with warm hospitality (as well as my Aunt is a fantastic cook...bonus!), but their home is amazing. My Aunt was an interior designer for many years and you can see she has an amazing eye for every detail.

These pictures were taken by my father when they were down to visit. My Aunt and Uncle had just moved in at the time so there are rooms that weren't quite put together, but you all don't care! It looks amazing anyhow! After these photos were taken, the screened in porch was painted, new light fixtures went into the kitchen and plantation shutters were placed throughout the home. Enjoy the Tour!

This home has so many incredible features and upgrades like the details above the windows, the built-ins, the chunky crown molding and wainscoting as well as the beautiful triple tray ceilings in the master.  

I wish I had a better picture of the kitchen because they just added some industrial pendants above the island as well as a fabulous chandelier in the eat-in kitchen area. They also created more cabinetry for extra china and kitchen items. I will be sure to snap some pictures of those areas when I visit next. 

 My Aunt also likes to garden. There are layers upon layers of beautiful flower beds and gardens throughout their outdoor space. The stone work is amazing too!

I absolutely love the details they have put into their home. It is fun to see how they mix vintage pieces with modern art and lighting. I adore seeing our family heirlooms throughout the home as well. I can picture exactly where these pieces were in my grandparent's home years ago. Our homes should tell a story of our past through pieces we have collected as well as photographs and art. That is exactly what my Aunt and Uncle have done with their home and I hope someday my home has a story to tell.

I am so excited to be able to visit Atlanta again this July while at the Haven Blogging Conference. I will be sure to update you on some pictures of their kitchen and amazing basement while in town!

Thank you to my wonderful family for letting me feature your gorgeous home! Love you all! XOXO

Collections Done Right {Displaying your items of interest}

So yesterday I gave you a little teaser about doing a post on displaying collections. I am not a huge collector of specific items although my husband would say I was a borderline hoarder of magazines. I may have a slight problem with collecting decorating magazines. There I said it!

This is not my house, but I could definitely fill a space like this! hehe

I think that collecting items of important is okay if it is done right. When a collection gets too big that you have no place for it in your home, it is time to weed out and sell. Even though this may be a hard thing for some, you have to look at the big picture. Are your tendencies becoming a little bit hoarder like? Will the items give you a little extra money for something else? Will anyone else in your family care about this collection later in life?

Once you have figured out what items are staying then the fun part happens! You can then arrange your collection in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Having your collection displayed all together is the best way to share your items. When the collection is spread out throughout the home it becomes a bit cluttered looking and doesn't let the eye focus and enjoy any one item. 

1. Specify what you collect

2. Stick with items that are similar in size and hue

3. Gather your favorite items in one spot for major impact

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Who doesn't love all white items together. It gives this space a fresh clean look!

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See what an impact those fabulous globes bring to this small apartment? If they were placed throughout the home they wouldn't make as big of a statement. I also adore that collection of books by color. Another great way to display your book collections without looking cluttered. 

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I love this sweet entryway with the straw hat collection. This family might actually use those hats, but they also have them displayed like a piece of artwork. It totally works!

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Another great little vignette featuring vintage cutting boards and glass bottles. This layered look shows off Sherry's collection of multiple items in one corner of her home.

It is hard to see in this photograph, but the frames hold a collection of matchboxes. Rather then throwing the boxes in a container and never seeing them again this designer took the matches out and created a colorful display in her den. What a great idea! You could do this with stamp and coin collections as well!

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Another great artistic art display by using a collection of baskets. What a showstopper this would be in a dining room, entryway or even above a mantel. 

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Here is another idea for those of you who like to collect china. Keep your theme to specific colors that will make an impact inside cabinets. 

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This display around the kitchen entrance is timeless. The collection of white kitchen items mixed with wood cutting boards creates a place of interest for this collectors items without feeling like a collection.

So are any of you up for the challenge of stream lining your collection and displaying it so that it pleases the eye and all those around you!? I am going to make a huge effort this summer to go through my magazine stash and display them as best I can in one location. Will keep you posted on how I do.

Tell me...what do you collect? Do you have a great way of displaying your collections?

Tuesday Treats #16 {Ideas & Inspiration from around the web}

I am back with another round up of great finds and inspiration from around the web. Sometimes I get carried away and want to share so much goodness! But today I will stick with five great finds.....


#1: A New App: Pippit
So I just downloaded this new app yesterday and I am still getting the hang of it. It is kind of Instagram, Pinterest & a Reader all in one. It is a place where you can following blogs and websites where you can get their up to date posts, but also have their photos and videos all in one place. I think it is a great concept if it takes off. Having everything in one app rather than going back and forth to pinterest, instagram & feedly would be fabulous! I will let you know what I think of it as I use it more and more. If you want to check it out on Itunes go Here. For a great description of exactly how it works and what it does go Here.

#2: Fruit Ice Cubes

It is pretty much summer here in NC with the temps reaching 90 for the next few days. I am thinking about making some of these fabulous ice cubes to drop in my drinks to keep me cool. Don't they look amazing?

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#3: DIY Pom Pom Throw

Since summer nights can get a bit cool, why not make a fun throw for the porch!? This tutorial is so easy. I am definitely thinking about making one for the nursery to throw over our glider. It would add a fun pop of color. LOVE! My friend Courtney just added some pom poms to her daughter's drapes. You can see how adorable they are HERE. 

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#4: A Formula for Styling your Coffee Table
I realize that many of you probably have little kids and this idea will just be put in the back of your head for "Someday", but someday will come. I love how Emily gives us a glimpse on how to use everyday items around our home to create a beautiful vignette. I have to admit that I still don't have a coffee table. The top is complete, but my father and I still need to weld the bottom legs. Can't wait till its finished. So I will be saving these ideas for later too!

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#5: A Chic Music Room

Last but certainly not least...I couldn't leave you all without a gorgeous picture to inspire your day!

We will inherit a baby grand piano someday. The hubs and I are both musical, but I always wondered how I would style a room around a piano. Well Rachel Lewis did a pretty fantastic job sharing some fabulous inspiration. I love the pops of gold and orange. Such a fun place to sit down and tickle the ivories.

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Hope you all are off to a great start of the week! I am talking Collections tomorrow. Yikes! Do any of you collect things? Are you boarder line hoarder? 

See you all then! 

XOXO

**Even though I have a pin-it button on my photographs, I ask that you pin the above pictures from the original sources. You can find the links under the pictures. Thanks all!**

Get this Look for Less- {Entryway Inspiration}

Hi All! Yes I am still alive. I can't believe it has been almost two weeks since I have posted. Sometimes a break is just the ticket when needing some new inspiration.

I am back this week with some great inspiration starting with this phenomenal entryway:

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This entryway has the right mix of modern and vintage with a global flair. I love all the color and texture that keeps your eyes moving around this space. It is definitely an inviting way to welcome guests!

This gorgeous home in Chicago belongs to the lovely Yana Puaca. You must take a look at the whole house tour HERE!

I was so inspired by the entryway above that I put together an inspiration board for all of you. You can find the source to each item below. Wouldn't it be fun to recreate this space in your own home?



Prada Palazzo print, Gold Trunk, Black Satchel Purse, Crystal lighting, Oriental Rug, Snakeskin tray, White Console Table, Venetian Mirror, Round baskets, Striped Throw, Umbrella Stand, Black & White lamp

So what do you all think? Do you think you could pull off a modern vintage-global feel in your own home? There are so many pieces in the above mood board that can be found for even less if you look at your local HomeGoods, shop deals on Overstock and even browse your nearby Target store!
Make sure you check out the full tour...I promise you won't be disappointed!

Abstract Artwork for Less {Sources}

Some of you may remember this design board I did for a reader's redesign back in March:

I received a lot of great feedback as well as reader's wanting to know the source for the abstract art above the couch. I love how art can pull all the colors of a room together to make it feel cohesive. Sometimes I find a piece of art that inspires a whole room design.
The artwork above the couch is an abstract piece from John-Richard for Horchow. The piece is called "The Camaraderie". The list price is $1250 and is currently on sale for $875.

Now most of us are not in the market for buying such expensive pieces of art, but would like similar abstracts that can bring in color and impact into our homes.

Here are a few sites that have similar pieces for a lot less!

Parima Creative Studio on Etsy

Clare Elsaesser for Etsy

World Market Abstract one & Abstract two

Sisso for Etsy

Minted Abstract Prints

Pamelam for Etsy

Aren't they all fabulous? This is only a small glimpse of some of my favorite Abstract artists for less. I am sure you could find many more on Etsy or even search for some on pinterest.

So tell me...are you an abstract art lover or more of a portrait art lover?