Mix and Match Chairs

I think the first time I saw a dining area with mix and matched chairs was on the set of 'Friends' back in the 90's. I remember loving Monica's hand-me-down, shabby chic apartment. . .especially those chairs!

Fast forward to 2011 and you will notice that more and more people are opting for non-matching dining chairs. Who says all of the chairs around a table need to match, anyway?! I love straying from the typical 'decorating rules' every now and again, and this rule was meant to be broken! When a home is filled with  with eclectic, collected pieces that work well together you can't help but create a unique and inviting interior. Take a peak and you will see what I mean;

via Belle Maison 

 via Domino 

via Living Etc. 

via Unknown

via Apartment Therapy

via Design Sponge 

via Elle Decor

via House and Home

via Nest DC

via La Dolce Vita

 via Greg Scheidemann

via Peacock Feathers

via Young House Love

What about you? Would you dare to go non-matching? Or would it feel like leaving the house with two different shoes on your feet?! Please share :)

 

Bookcase Styling

Styling a bookcase can be a daunting task if you aren't sure where to start or when to stop. The trick is finding the right balance when it comes to the sizes, shapes, colors and textures of the items you are storing and displaying. It's not rocket surgery (ha ha) but it takes practice to create a well styled bookcase.

In my opinion a bookcase should serve two purposes - 1) a place to store books and/or other functional items that you use regularly and 2) to display items and accessories that have a personal meaning to you. I'm not a big fan of just 'stuff' on shelves just because it matches your home's decor. While this is a great way to stage a house, it's not real. Fill your home (and your bookcases) with things that you love and the things that you use and you will create an environment that is unique and personal!

Here's a random assortment of inspirational bookcases that are styled to a T;

I'll be back tomorrow to share some pictures with you of a bookshelf I recently revamped and restyled. See you then!

How to add instant curb appeal

One of the quickest and easiest ways to add instant curb appeal to your home is by painting your front door! It's a small, easy project that can be completed in an afternoon, cost as little as a quart of paint, and create a BIG impact.

Painting your door will not only create a big impact on the front of your house, it will also look great in your entry as well. Of course you can choose to paint the exterior only, but look how good a painted door looks from the inside.

All images via Pinterest

Add some pizazz to the front of your house, or to the interior of your entry by painting your front door a fun hue that will make you smile every time you walk in the door!

Creating a coastal inspired space

There is no denying the fact that I am a beach-loving girl! Although I live 2 hours from the nearest coastline I try and get over to the beach as much as possible. 'Coastal inspired'  is a favorite decorating style of mine. Nothing screams casual and relaxed quite like the look of a beach dwelling. Here's some tips on how to get that beach look in your home (no matter how far you are from the nearest ocean!) 

Architectural Detail 
Exposed beams, whether rustic or painted white, are often found in beach dwellings; 

Beadboard and wood paneled (white) walls are a sure fire way to create that coastal feel, architecturally;

Texture
Rattan, wicker and bamboo pieces are a great choice when furnishing your coastal inspired space; 

Woven wood blinds to dress your windows will also add texture and add to that beachy feel in the room; 

Selecting light fixtures that are made from natural materials will also do the trick!

Fabrics such as burlap and linen also create great texture and warmth in coastal inspired spaces. Their versatility makes them suitable for everything from tablecloths and Roman shades to bedding and upholstery;

Natural fiber rugs like jute will help add texture to any space and also look great!

Color 
Typically coastal inspired interiors achieve that light, bright and airy feel by using loads of white (duh!)White slipcovers on furniture look crisp and clean and are often found in beach homes;

In fact, white in general is a great color to decorate with! Combine a white sofa with weathered furnishings, white drapes and white paneled walls and you will instantly feel that beach-y vibe!

You can balance all of this white with pops of color (blue, green or turquoise being the most obvious - hello! colors of the ocean!)

Also, I think it's important in any space, no matter how light and bright you want it, to have at least one element of dark (black or brown) to anchor the room. Notice how this bench completes the space:

Pattern 
Stripes are a must in any beach dwelling! I love using striped rugs to instantly create a coastal feel in any room of the house.

Accessorizing
There is a tasteful way to do 'beachy' and a tacky way, in my opinion. An overload of sea shells and palm trees in every corner will only make it look like your trying too hard. Keep accessories natural feeling. (Of course I love using shells to decorate, but like I said, piles and piles of them every where you turn is just overload!) Here's a lovely example of the right way;

Those are just a few tips and tricks for creating a coastal, beachy feel in your home. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to hit the beach!!