New Product Ideas

I'm sure by now that most of you how read the new issue of House of Fifty.  Well, to put it mildly, it did not disappoint!   This online magazine which is totally free is always filled to the brim with goodness.  Did I mention it's free? Yes, people, free for the taking, just click over  and enjoy all the eye candy you can stand.  It amazes me how much free design inspiration there is on line these days!

The interiors in this issue were so inspiring for me and leave to Janell and company to dig in and find some amazing new products that have really made my wheels start to turn.  Here are two products I will definitely be incorporating into some designs in the future.

Tempaper

Have you heard of this stuff?  It is removable, adjustable wallpapers.  For those of you afraid of commitment or who say to me, "I love wallpaper, but will I get tired of it," here's the solution!  Most of you know I am very practical in how I approach interior design.  I encourage my clients to keep the window treatments and large upholstered pieces neutral.  Then freshening up is easy  by simply changing out pillows with pops or color and pattern.  With this temporary wallpaper, we have another weapon in the arsenal for an easy freshen up!

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Even with something like a bright chevron.  Look how fabulous this would be on an accent wall!  Then, when you get tired of it (which, let's face it, you will), all you have to do is pull it down.  Like magic!  This is also a wonderful option for dorm rooms, apartments or rentals. 

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If you would like to see more, click here.

Chic Shelf Paper

This is a self adhesive paper that can be used in a number of ways.  These offerings come in custom sizes and so many colors and patterns.  Consider these for the backs of bookshelves, a hutch or any glass front cabinetry.  They can add the illusion of texture and provide lots of interest you just can't emulate with paint alone. 

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This one has a wonderful masculine quality while still feeling light and airy (a hard combination to achieve.) For all their offerings, click here.

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For either paper, I thought it would be fun to give your brain some new ideas to ponder in your own home.  Just look what you could achieve with these clever products. . .

Add interest to your closet doors.

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Or the doors of a built in . . .

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The backs of bookshelves (without the permanency when you are ready to move on).

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In a furniture piece.

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or two.

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Or get crazy with it in a place where pattern is much appreciated.

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Here, they've applied it to the actual shelves.

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In the below image, they used wallpaper to create artwork over the fireplace(applied directly to the wall). . . 

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Even in your closest . . . 

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I am dying to here from any of you who have used these products and what you thought of them!  M.

Cool Find of the Day

I am still enjoying my children who are on Spring Break, but I wanted to give you a quick post on a cool product I discovered this week.  It's a chalkboard decal!  I think it's ingenious.  Like chalkboard paint, this decal can be used on almost any surface.  But unlike chalkboard paint, it is easily removed when you are ready for something different.

This one is from Chiasso (a modern interiors catalog).  I love the fun shape, and it comes with dustless chalk.  The price is $38.00.  This would look wonderful in a playroom or child's bedroom (my daughter adores playing school and this would be a cute addition to her "classroom").  Also, you could use it to create a great looking message center in a kitchen to write down any reminders for the week.

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 Have a great week. M.

Wall Decals - Proceed With Caution

I have been thinking about this post for awhile and finally decided to publish it.  Why the apprehension? I'm not sure what I think about Wall Decals.  I know . . .  hard to believe I have not formed an opinion about something!

So, why post?  It's a bit of a conundrum - wall decals are a hot trend I've been seeing in design.  But, they are a tricky element that can quickly go from cool & hip to cheesy & cheap.  At times, I really like the look they give you, but at other times they seem to ruin a room.

So, in a personal attempt to come to terms with wall decals and figure out why they give me such mixed feelings, I have pulled together some examples of wall decals I think work.

Informal Family Room

This room is by Candice Olson who tends to use wall decals more than any other decorator I know; and for the most part, I think she is able to pull it off.  I think the paisley works on this wall because it is a low ceiling wall in a narrow room and is a great alternative to framed artwork that would take up valuable space.  Also, the way the decals have been applied makes the wall feel like it continues beyond the ceiling - thus distracting from the low ceilings.  As an aside, I always marvel at how Candice can cram so much furniture into a small space and still make it look right. 

Kid's Rooms
Generally, I think wall decals are easier to pull off in a child's room.  Also, if your children are like mine, most framed art tends to get knocked off the walls during impromptu football games at some point.  So, decals are a nice, inexpensive option.

This would be a great look in a little boy's room.  It is an unexpected way to display the alphabet. I can see this paired with some cool boyish fabrics that are a bit understated.  

Here is an example in a tween bedroom.  This has a big girl feel to it and can easily be changed as she moves into another stage.

Generally, I do not like wall decals with phrases on them (i.e., "Dream, Wish, Hope.").  I can't articulate why, I just don't like it.  But for some reason, the photo below is ok for me.  I think it helps that it is a child's room and the monogram feels more custom.  Also, I love monogrammed linens, so maybe that's the reason I like this room. 

Shot of Mod

Most wall decals I like seem to be included in homes with a modern sense of style.  I really like the look of this one.  But, maybe I like it because it is really more like modern wallpaper which I do think looks amazing in the right space.  

This is a very traditional room, but the wall decal gives the room and updated feel.  I also think the saturated color of walls with the white decal really makes this work.

Where to Find

I can't stand showing you pictures and not giving you some sources for this product.  There are lots of others, but here a few to peruse.

http://www.fermlivingshop.us/stickers/

http://www.wallsneedlove.com/

http://www.whatisblik.com/shop/explore/classical-must-haves

So, I'm still trying to decide what I think about it.  I would love your thoughts on it.  Do you like wall decals?