interior design Archives

Fall Is the Perfect Time for an At-Home Furniture Inventory

With the holidays fast approaching, now is a good time to do a room-by-room furniture inventory to find where a little sprucing up would make a big difference. It’s a novel way to experience your home as a guest. Here’s how to start: Grab a notepad and pencil. Walk out of your front door. Now walk back in, pretending you’re a stranger, seeing each room for the first time. Go from room-to-room and do a complete scan -- furniture, walls, windows, floors and ceilings. Take notes! You might come to the conclusion that the time has come to switch out the sofa or add a fresh new accent chair. Furniture shopping can be a huge inspiration. Most furniture stores feature room galleries that help you understand how a designer-inspired seating area works. And many offer complimentary design consultations. Don't get discouraged! Even if you can't redo an entire room, you can make a wish list and that alone is a good start. I’m always amazed at how much pleasure I get from adding a new piece of art, moving furniture around or bringing something from one room to another. Recently, I replaced an worn old sofa in a sitting [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2022-10-19T13:52:35-04:00October 18, 2022|

Top 10 Home Décor Trends for 2021

It is unlikely we will ever forget the year 2020 – and its reverberating effects will carry us well into 2021. Many are facing serious financial repercussions – others the heartbreaking loss of loved ones. For those fortunate enough to ride this out by hunkering down, homes have become the hub of all family activity – often including school and work – and a sanctuary to buffer us from an uncertain world. This pivotal year has transformed how we view our living spaces, according to home furnishings and décor experts. Here are a few home décor trends they are forecasting for 2021: Spaces do double-duty. We will continue to need multifunctional spaces that fulfill a variety of purposes. There is an increased focus on creating spaces (nooks!) designed for both relaxation and productivity, without sacrificing aesthetics. Comfort reigns. We’re gravitating toward furnishings that evoke comfort and livability, according to Modsy’s annual trend report on Insider.com. This means overstuffed furniture with softer curves; and textural, grainy, reclaimed woods. Old feels new. Insider.com is seeing a resurgence in antiques and repurposed, salvaged, and retro pieces that can be found in flea markets and antique stores. Modern, ‘80s décor also is enjoying [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2021-08-19T09:09:52-04:00January 4, 2021|

Reinvent Your Home With a Furniture Inventory

When is the last time you did a room-by-room furniture inventory in your house? A friend and I once worked together on a little pamphlet about the pleasures—and frustrations—with decorating a home. The opening paragraph stuck with me. To paraphrase, we advised homeowners to take time to see their home through the eyes of others. When I am expecting houseguests, I am never more aware of all the places in my home that need sprucing up. The sofa looks more worn when I imagine a visitor walking in. And that stack of mail by the phone? Unsightly. Just how old is that floor lamp in the family room? And how many years have I put up with the dang switch on that lamp that falls off every time I touch it?! So here’s an exercise for you to try. Grab a notepad and pencil. Walk out your front door. Now walk in, pretending you’re a stranger, seeing each room for the first time. Take notes! You might come to the conclusion that the time has come to switch out the sofa or add a fresh new accent chair. You can even get a whole new look with a [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2019-05-16T11:14:08-04:00January 17, 2019|