Emily A. Clark

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Simplifying the Design: Dark Green Living Room

Jan162019

It’s been a while since I’ve done a “scaling down the design” post. I’m changing the name but the concept is the same. I take a designer room that would probably feel a little beyond most people’s comfort zones and break down how you might simplify the design for your home, taking some of the elements and using them in different ways. This dark green living room designed by Melanie Turner (and featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles) is bold, cozy and has a lot of great elements to play up.

Melanie-Turner Dark Green Living Room-Simplifying the Design

Melanie-Turner_Dark Green Living Roo

Simplifying-Design-Dark-Green-Walls

I love the way she covered every surface (walls, trim and fireplace) with the moody green, using high contrast accessories, warm wood tones and modern art. I can envision a scaled down version of this room also being perfect for a small study or home office.

Simplifying the Design HEADER

I’d play up the yellow gold in the original design with a pair of small slipper chairs and keep things more casual by foregoing the drapery and using woven shades, also in a gold tone. (These are the same ones I used in my house.)

The original room uses a chocolate velvet sofa. I substituted a dark brown leather one because I’m sure some of you have something similar you’re trying to work with and again, because it gives off a more casual vibe.

The high contrast art is important. I found a couple of examples from Minted that you can order as oversized prints.

There are several touches of brass throughout. I used this pretty (and affordable) pineapple chandelier that looks vintage.

I love the burl wood coffee table, but they’re pricy and hard to find. I substituted trays instead, layered on a clean white coffee table.

With so much going on in the room, I’d duplicate the simple woven rug, using something like my go-to jute.

And a reminder that you can always take inspiration from a space, but put your own twist on it. . . Here are a few other accent colors besides gold that that you might try with this color scheme. (As you can see, I think the tiger print works as a neutral.)

 

14 Comments · Filed Under: design tips, designers, Inspiration room, living room, Simple Design Ideas, Simplifying the Design, Uncategorized · Tagged: decorating, interior design, living room, simple design ideas

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The Hogwash That is Design Trend Predictions

Jan142019

Okay, maybe I just wanted to use the word “hogwash” in one of my post titles. . . I briefly touched on this article from Elle Decor in my last Saturday 6 post, but you can find these kinds of writings all over the internet around the first of each year. They grab a handful of designers and ask them to predict what’s in and what’s out in home decor for the next twelve months. Many of you were quick to point out that this particular list repeatedly contradicted itself–exactly what makes these articles so silly in the first place.

Elle Decor design trends

I would say these lists are mostly for the designers themselves to establish some kind of credibility within their field. I’m guessing they’re the same ones who don’t work on projects with what are considered realistic budgets for most people. Or the ones who need to be seen as a trendsetter because they’re pushing their own products. . . How can a plant be out of style? Or a classic print that’s been around for hundreds of years? These things obviously have some kind of staying power or we wouldn’t be talking about them in the first place.

Design-Trends-2019

My main beef with trend prediction lists is that they make the less-then-confident person question the green velvet sofa of their dreams that they just saved up for over the last 12 months. Or they tell you your newly renovated kitchen is instantly out of date. Or that your new blush pink bedroom is over–or wait–is it back in? (Both according to the Elle Decor article. . . ) It’s enough to make your decor-loving head spin. It all goes back to trusting your gut. Figure out what you are drawn to time and time again and stick to it.

Elle-Decor-decor-trend-list-2019

Design trends aren’t for real people as much as they’re magazine filler. So, I beg you, don’t drag your recently lacquered dresser out to the curb (unless you’re willing to tell me your address).

Elle-Decor-design-predictions-bedroom

 

What do you think of these prediction lists? Are you a fan? 

 

All images from Elle Decor’s Instagram. I actually really like them all, in case you’re looking for someone’s opinion. ;)

44 Comments · Filed Under: designers, Uncategorized · Tagged: decorating, interior design

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The Saturday 6

Jan122019

green-front-door-inspiration-home

ONE.  The green door first caught my attention, but I also really like the living room layout in this inspiration house.

 

jennifer-justice-design -portfolio

TWO.  A Knoxville designer’s pretty portfolio.

 

2019 interior design trends

THREE.  I always a get a kick out of these kinds of lists. According to Elle Decor’s chosen designers, half of my house is out of date already. (Darn!) I’d love to hear what you think of their trend predictions for 2019. (This image was on their “in” list, btw. . .)

 

fran-keenan-design

FOUR.  An Alabama designer’s eclectic portfolio. (Her home is also featured in the January issue of Southern Living.)

 

Yellow Brick Home-sleeping loft

FIVE.  A cute sleeping loft. (And the difference painted wood beams make in the space.)

 

SIX.  Winter clearance is lining up perfectly with the onset of cold weather here. These are some of the best pieces I found while searching deals.

 

 

16 Comments · Filed Under: designers, Saturday6, Uncategorized · Tagged: decorating, interior design, Saturday6

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I'm a wife, mom of five and habitual rearranger, trying to decorate our home one crazy day at a time.  This is where I share simple design ideas, affordable projects and the occasional deep thought.

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