design tips Archives - Emily A. Clark

An Attic Converted to a Design Studio/Office

Sep182019

Converting part of our attic space to an office is on our dream list of to-do projects, so when I saw designer Brooke Chamblee post a shot of her converted attic on Instagram a few weeks ago, I immediately emailed to ask for more pictures. She was gracious to share before and after shots of the finished design studio and more details. . . (All images by Laura Rowe Photography @casualrevivalhome.)

The previous homeowners had already run the electrical and covered the walls in tongue and groove. Brooke had painters tape the window off and then spray everything in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. All walls, cabinets, ceiling, and trim were sprayed at the same time, making it easier and cheaper to have painted.

Since there’s only one window, I asked her if lighting had been a problem. She installed a statement chandelier and changed the existing three can lights to LED, which made the biggest difference. One other thing to consider in a converted attic space: heating and cooling. Since her workspace is across from the remainder of their usable attic, she did mention that it gets plenty warm in the Summer and cool in the Winter. (If I could have an upstairs getaway like this, I’d be happy to bring in the fan or a coat, depending on the season. 😊)

I like how she didn’t try too hard to coordinate all of the storage. Mixed textures on the baskets and functional plastic bins for fabric samples make the space clean and workable. Natural wall-to-wall carpeting ties it all together.

See more of Brooke’s interior design work here.

Details to Notice: A Colorful Cottage

Sep92019

Few things make my decorating heart happier than a small house with big style. Add lots of color and pattern to the mix, and I’m completely sold. This 1400-square-ft home recently featured in Southern Living is the perfect example. The owner, decorator Whitney McGregor, doesn’t waste an opportunity–or corner–when it comes to making an impact. I’m pointing out a few of the details to notice below. . .

Painted doors! Love the little bit of color this adds to each of her rooms.
A patterned tablecloth (or throw) is a nice way to add a punch to an entryway when you don’t want to add wallpaper.
Easy table styling: one large vase with branches + stacks of books.
Small art pieces look great stacked vertically.

Think you can’t wallpaper a bigger space like a living room? I love how this pattern is small enough that it blends into a nice background.
The rug is a neutralizing base for everything else going on–even though it still has a tone on tone pattern. (Looks very similar to the one I just bought for our own living room.)
Love how she used a small corner sectional where most people would opt for a big chair in that spot.
The whole fireplace situation is simple but works beautifully. Notice how she used one statement piece of art flanked by two small planters. She added some depth the room by painting the mantel a darker, neutral color.

Using a darker color on all of the moulding adds so much depth and character to a small space. It also highlights the art wall, giving it more of a gallery feel.
Another trick for opening up the room: she used a leaner mirror on one side of the room instead of placing a smaller mirror over the buffet.
The velvet upholstery on the chairs instantly makes the room look richer.
The big piece of art could be a DIY if you have the inclination, but placing a wall lamp right above it elevates the look.

Floral wallpaper can feel totally fresh. Even a small piece of abstract art over the bed makes the whole space feel more modern.
That little pop of red ribbon above the bed is so much fun.
She kept everything else simple and classic: white bedding with trim, a small print lumbar pillow with matching shades and a solid, tailored skirt on the bedside table.
Another classic mix in the bathroom with a touch of grasscloth on the walls and vintage mirror. She repeats the little bit of red here with the monograms and shades.

Even if you don’t have a ton of space to play around with, you might have room to add a pretty fabric in the form of a shade or skirt.
Color on the ceiling and a wall treatment like shiplap are unexpected touches in a functional spot like a laundry/mudroom.
Consider painting an existing pendant light.

She repeated the painted trim trick in the boy’s bedroom. Notice how she only painted the frame of the window.
Pattern on the floor is perfect for kids’ rooms because it shows less wear and tear and adds a little playfulness.
More floral pattern in the girl’s room made fresh by a crisp stripe on the wall, a colorful abstract painting and a bold monogrammed pillow. (Did you see that there’s a second floral print on the bed? It’s all about balance.)

And, this photo is just a bonus. Doesn’t every backyard shed need striped awnings?!

All images via Southern Living. Photography: Laurey W. Glenn

Details to Notice: 2019 Southern Living Idea House

Aug72019

You may have seen several photos floating around of this year’s Southern Living Idea House, but I always think it’s fun to study them and share a few details to notice. We may not all live in a gorgeous white house by the sea, but there are often small things that we can replicate or draw inspiration from for our own homes.

The 2019 idea house was designed by Heather Chadduck–one of my favorites–and is located in Amelia Island, Florida. More details here if you’re lucky enough to visit. All photo credit: Laurey W. Glenn/Southern Living.

No skimping on style in these halls and stairways. This is an area I often overlook, but I love how she repeated statement lighting in the entry/hallway. My first thought would’ve been to choose one statement light and fill in with can lights but this makes such an impact leading from one space to another.
Long hall? Use multiple consoles.
That long brown and white runner has been getting lots of attention online. She had several smaller rugs sewn together. Such a smart idea!
Tassels dress up any door.
I like the idea of using an iron handrail like they did in the back stairwell. Simple, pretty and functional.

She created a (beautiful) gallery wall to balance out the door on the other side of the fireplace. (Love that picture hanging system. Here’s a similar one.)
Not every end table has to go on the “end”. I like how she floated an antique pedestal table in front of the settee.
Fill your fireplace with natural elements during the Summer–or year round, if you use yours as little as we do. . . ;)
I’ll never tire of layered rugs. (Also helps to keep the thinner one in place.)

Well, this backsplash is really something but if you’re looking for a less permanent way to replicate it, a peel and stick mural like this one could be fun.
Everybody needs a dish pantry like this. I do, of course, love the idea of using pretty baskets and jars to hold everyday items. But, truthfully, the best idea I can probably replicate here is to stick my bamboo flatware in a glass jar and call it a day. :)

Do you see a theme here? I’m a fan of the wallpaper on top with painted trim/cabinetry/walls on the bottom.
When wallpaper is the star, you can keep your mirrors simple and small.
Monogrammed hand towels elevate the whole look.
Did you catch that the wallpaper is repeated on the back of the roller shade in the last picture?

Simple beds dressed up in lots of fabric in these bedrooms. This could be a good solution if you have a more traditional bed but want a change. Even if a custom canopy isn’t in the cards, you can soften up a headboard by draping a pretty blanket or piece of fabric over the back.
That bunk room! Love a wallpapered ceiling–and a fun light–in a small space.
A small runner between the bunks adds a nice layer of texture.

I like how a pair of smaller sconces were mounted lower on the brick fireplace as a way to add lighting without worrying about lamps/cords.
A big mirror above a pretty bar cart always makes for a nice porch vignette and opens up the space.
No outdoor rug necessary! Great idea to stain every couple of boards to create a stripe effect on the porch floor.
A swing bed is officially on my “someday/eventually list”. Zzzzzzz.
Painted garage doors are also on my radar.

And, a few more “extra” spaces to envy. . .

See my visit to a past SL Idea House here.