design boards Archives - Emily A. Clark

Updating Oak Kitchen Cabinets With Fresh Decor

Sep62018

I know it’s easy to think that nobody has (or wants) oak cabinets anymore if you spend any time looking at kitchens on Pinterest or Instagram, but in the real world, that’s just not true. One of my most visited blog posts remains an old one I wrote about not painting oak cabinets so I know some you might still want a little extra (updated) help. Sometimes, it just takes a little vision and some new accessories to make your kitchen feel like new again. I’ve put together three idea boards that were built around the tone of the oak, using modern and fresh decor to give them new life.

What I envision: A pretty fabric on a window shade or curtains, pulling from the grays for the paint and upholstery. (Red or yellow walls will fight against the oak tones.) I’d go with a creamy or soft white on the walls and use a rich graphite color on an island or accent piece like a hutch. Matte black drawer pulls and a stunning pendant (or two) instantly update the overall look. I’d finish up with a deep red Persian style runner for a punch of color on the floor.

What I envision: A strong statement with dark green walls as the backdrop to the oak cabinetry. I’d use a patterned fabric with different shades of green for the windows and add a pop with a chartreuse striped runner. All of your finishes don’t have to match; I’d use antique bronze and glass pendants paired with bronze drawer pulls and add a touch of industrial metal with the bar stools.

What I envision: A fun, more modern take on oak cabinets, starting with an abstract pattern on the window treatment fabric. I’d pair this with bright white streamlined pendants and white on the walls. A true navy would be a strong accent on an island, china cabinet, etc. I’d use matte black on the hardware (and on a modern faucet!). To play off the white walls, I’d use a colorful runner and a set of green bar stools with sleek lines.

The Dining Room Design I Never Used

Jun222017

As I was going back through photos for my kitchen layout post, I found a design plan for what was going to be our formal dining room. (That was before I decided to sell our dining room table and turn it into my office instead.) Even though that plan was nixed, I thought some of you might find it helpful (for a dining room or maybe even another space).

The room opens into our living room, so I had planned to tie the two spaces together by repeating the same fabric.

See the rest of our Summer living room here.

Just for reference, I had also planned to use the dining table we had (a farmhouse style similar to this one) and my white bamboo china cabinet (I still have it).

SOURCES: fabric // chandelier // art prints // mirror // Monstera stem // blue and white jars // blue paint // wallpaper // white paint // slipcovered chair // rug // rattan chair

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Give & Take: Courtney’s Bare Rental

Apr192017

Courtney is in a situation that’s familiar to a lot of people. She and her husband are in a rental that they know isn’t long term, but they still want it to feel like home for the time that they are. (And why not?!) As with most rental situations, there are a few decorating limitations to consider. They aren’t allowed to paint and you have to decide how much you want to invest in more specific things like window treatments. Courtney’s main concerns were a lack of color and how to address the TV wall.

There’s nothing I would take from this space; all of her basic pieces are in place. But, this would be my advice to Courtney—and other short-term renters:

When buying investment pieces, don’t go too specific or too trendy. Stick to neutral fabrics, rugs or a piece of art that you really love, for example.

Add color with easy-to-change accessories. Pillows, throws and inexpensive art prints are the way to customize your “for-now” space and are easy to switch out later when you move.

Rugs are a great way to add pattern and color to your room when you can’t paint the walls—or if you hate the current carpet situation.

The right window treatments might be worth the investment. I wouldn’t spend my money on anything custom (there’s too many good ready-made options!), but I do think even a simple curtain or shade can elevate the entire look (and sense of height) in a room. In Courtney’s case, I’d suggest a simple textured shade to add warmth.

Lighting is the quickest way to cozy up a space. Even the smallest room can benefit from a lamp—or two. The arch lamp I suggested for Courtney’s living room also adds a little visual interest to the blank corner. I didn’t suggest a specific overhead light, but that’s another easy and impactful change. And, you can switch it back out and take it with you when you go.