Tuesday, June 28, 2011

"Boys will be boys"

Designing boy-themed bedrooms can be really fun. There are so many design options to use when developing a color scheme. Most boy-themed bedrooms are typically blue. However, there are other color options such as yellow, red or green. If you want to incorporate a particular theme try to mix classic yet modern furnishings so the room can remain fresh. This will allow you to change out paint colors and fabrics without having to buy new furniture. This will also transcend into a much older look as he gets older.

This design is very fresh with the use of a very classic color combination. What makes this design modern is the bold print.

Willy aviation inspired kids bedroom by Imagine Living modern kids

Modern kids design by London showroom Imagine Living.

The selection of furnishings and colors is very modern and fun. I think it was a smart choice to introduce the concept through paint colors and wall art.

This design is very modern and chic. What makes this design great is the use of neutral colors. Most people would probably incorporate this color as an accent color. But, this color was used as the main palette which I think is very fresh. Wainscoting is also a great way to add visual contrast and dress-up any space.

Austin day bed with trundle black with gold gilding.

This design is really fun and practical with the storage drawers located below. I think the color combination is very regal and would make any space feel rich.

Cody bed with star moulding black and gold gilding

This is a great way to bring in bold colors while using traditional styled fabrics.

Speedboat Bed II with trundle

If you want to design a room with a fun theme this is a great way to make a bold statement and incorporate fun colors.

Kingston bunk beds

If space is not at a premium bunk beds can be used for additional space. They also work great for having sleepovers. This space works well because the walls, floor, ceiling and furniture are all painted the same color with splashes of color used in the fabrics and accent pieces.

Kasey bed

The architectural detailing of the ceiling is really a rare find in this boy-themed bedroom. The contrasting strips really gives this room a smart look. The navy colored bunk beds gives this room lots of character.

Evan computer desk with hutch star moulding

If you are unsure of where to start with your design begin with a concept or furniture piece to jump start your design. This is a great inspiration piece for creating a color palette and overall theme for a little boys room. This desk will also provide a good opportunity to display items and serve as storage space for books and other items. Paired with a fun chair I think this will work well in any little boys room.

Captains chair in rosewood with canvas seat cushions

This chair will set the tone for any nautical themed room.

Evans open book case with star moulding


Oar decor by Potterybarn Oars can be used as a focal point or as wall art and while bringing in lots of color to the space.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Bon Appetit

I have a large close-knit family who loves to cook cajun and creole dishes. As a tradition my family typically gathers for holidays and for weekend family cookouts. We all have a tendency to gather in the kitchen while meals are being prepared and cooked by my grandmother and aunts. The men are normally in charge of cooking the meats while the side dishes and main courses are cooked by the women. Some of the dishes would include gumbo, shrimp etouffee, red beans and rice, jambalaya, deep fried fish, and boiled seafood. It didn't seem small back then, but compared with today's standard our kitchen was extremely small. But, we made it work. Although the space may have been small we were fortunate enough to have very high ceilings with great architectural features. There were great advantages of having an older kitchen. Most homes in Louisiana had very high ceilings to allow natural ventilation during hot and humid days. The windows were from floor to ceiling height which also allowed natural light and ventilation as well. Today, some of those same concepts are used to design kitchens. Whether it's traditional, transitional, or modern there are a multitude of choices when it comes to kitchen design. Most home owners today want a kitchen island, high-end appliances, spacious cabinetry, and luxurious finishes. They also want the kitchen layout to be open and unrestricted by many walls so they can be connected to the rest of the home. It is my opinion that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Families can start and end their day with meals in the kitchen. Families can discuss and plan their day at the dinner table. Sharing meals can also present great opportunities to bring families together and create memories and traditions.

Traditional kitchen design by D.C Metro kitchen and bath Cameo Kitchens, Inc.

2009 Showcase Home on Park Alley traditional kitchen

traditional kitchen design by other metros Witt Construction

Contemporary kitchen design by Atlanta interior designer Joel Kelly Design

Kitchen design by Atlanta interior designer Brian Watford ID

Contemporary kitchen design by other metros kitchen and bath Darren Morgan

Modern kitchen design by San Francisco architect John Maniscalco Architecture

Jean Allsopp Photography traditional kitchen

Traditional kitchen design by Birmingham photographer Jean Allsopp Photography

Modern kitchen design by Boston architect Chang + Sylligardos Architects

Traditional kitchen design by Minneapolis interior designer Martha O'Hara Interiors

Neff Kitchens

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Elle Boudoir

Any little girl would love spending time in this room. The soft plush fabrics really compliments the colors in this room. A quick pop of color can be added to this look because of the neutral color scheme. The overall design works well because it can transition to a mature look as she gets older. The furniture can also be heirloom pieces passed on from generation to generation. If you avoid trendy colors the space will be timeless and modern, yet chic.