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With Jessica Baucom
Here’s one last look at how you can turn a fashion mag (or catalog) into inspiration for your home, this fall. This one will give any neutral spread a little pop—-a pick-me-up for the winter months ahead.
Look Three links and credits:
“Fashionista” via J. Crew
Painted vintage warehouse light
Pom-Pom Throw from Calypso Home
Vintage schoolhouse chair
Interior from Elle Decor
With Jessica Baucom
As I said before, you can save scraps from your favorite fashion spreads for more than your wardrobe. Here, I’ve turned this ready-for-fall ensemble into a silhouette fit for your home.
Look Two links and credits:
“Fashionista” from The Sartorialist
Faux-fur throw from Pottery Barn
Odette Chair from Jayson Home & Garden
Interior from Elle Decor
With Jessica Baucom
It’s fall. And now that you’ve given your wardrobe an update, it’s time to give your home the lift it desperately needs. This will be the first of a few installments designed to jump-start your creative spirit from inside out. Naturally, I’m starting with one of my favorite inspiration pieces: fashion.
Color is a big business—especially in the fashion field. All over the world, designers watch color trends and meticulously select palettes for their collections. So how can your home reap the benefits? Keep your eye on fashion and it’s easy to keep it fresh. A favorite way to get to know the color, texture and style a client is drawn to is to simply see how they dress. I’ll even ask them what they’re most comfortable in.Don’t be afraid to ask yourself the same question and use it as a starting point.
Here’s one look at how your closet could inspire your living quarters:
Look One links and credits:
“Fashionista” from The Sartorialist
Zettel’z 5 Chandelier
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Chair
Interior from Martha Stewart Living
Send design and decorating questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
With Jessica Baucom
This one’s for all of you north-facing, apartment, or basement dwellers (or, worse, north-facing basement apartment dwellers who no doubt have the brunt of it) that don’t have enough light in their lives. Before you knock down any walls, consider any of these tips and tricks for bringing in more of that lovely light.
Mirrors:
Mirrors are your friends when it comes to dispersing light throughout a space. Trick your eye, and use one over a large piece of furniture in lieu of art or lean one against the wall where you have some space to fill.
Mirror links, left to right and top to bottom: BDDW “Captain’s” mirror, Apartment Therapy DIY Project, Ochre “Gesso and Verre Englomise“ mirror, Pottery Barn “Eleanor“ frameless mirrors, Room & Board “Loft” leaning mirror, Room & Board “Studio” leaning mirror, Sundance “Hudson” mirror, BDDW “Leather” mirror, Uhuru “Antique Mod” mirror, Oly “Natasha” mirror, Crate & Barrel “Mix Mirror Set,” Sundance “Factory” mirror.
Window Coverings:
How you treat your window coverings will have a big affect on the light that’s coming in, not just what you’re keeping out. Try to focus on light fabrics that will help illuminate and diffuse your light source if you’re out to make the most of what little you have.
Window coverings links, left to right and top to bottom: Parma Lilac “Perspex Shutters,” Pottery Barn “Paxton Roller” Roman shade, Pottery Barn “Ribbon” Roman shade, West Elm Jute/Poly Roman shade, Castica “Sonoma” shade, IKEA window panel.
Lighting:
Lighting is so important. Even if you’ve poured money into making your space look just how you want it, the wrong lighting can make the entire project fall flat. The bulbs you choose will make or break the effect each light fixture can have. For task lighting, use a true color bulb like GE’s “Reveal Line” because they are designed to let off a cool, bright light that’s great for detail work. For overhead lighting, try halogen bulbs that will let off the best white light, which not only make your space look great, but last longer than the standard incandescent. Also, just as a handful of the fixtures pictured below show, a beautiful historic bulb will give a fresh look to any fixture. Try www.rejuventation.com for a myriad of options.
Lighting credits and links, left to right and top to bottom: IKEA “Kulla” ceiling lamp, “Edison Bulb” via Google images, Pottery Barn “Architect’s Table Lamp,” Circa Lighting “Serge” single sconce, CFL bulbs via Google images, Gus “Modern Vintage Swing Arm” lamp from Design Public, Schoolhouse Electric “Alabas Surface” fixture, “Angel de Mountain” table lamp via Remodelista.com, refurbished vintage fixture via Remodelista.com, IKEA “Kulla” floor lamp, Restoration Hardware “Wine Barrel” chandelier.
With Jessica Baucom
Q: My walls are dark beige, my carpet is dark beige. I have alder floor boards and alder doors. We’re not investing in paint because we’re going to eventually sell the house. In the meantime, I need color! Especially in our bedroom. What are some colors that work with beige? How can I modernize a space that’s far from it? Headboard? Bedspread? Furniture? — Sarah
A: Oh, beige. How did you come to take over our lives? You’re our safety zone. You’re warm, homey, comfortable, and let’s be honest, a bit boring. Snooze.
Sarah, the good news is that with a neutral background, you have a lot of flexibility for spicing things up. If a modern twist is what you’re looking for, I would focus on adding lights and brights. Crisp white will give beige some life. From there, don’t be afraid to mix in some color. If I know beige like I think I do, you’re definitely needing it.
Art: Whatever art you choose—whether it’s photos of the kiddies, a colorful print by Joseph Albers or a lovely drawing like this one from local artist Gheybin Comish—try using a crisp, white square frame with a white matt to make a beige background pop. (For tips on locating art, see here.)
Left to right: Ribba frames from IKEA, baby image from Jim Franco Photography, Joseph Albers print from Room & Board, and sketch by Gheybin Comish.
Bedding: Again, when it comes to bedding, go for contrast. Adding white will help freshen up your space. This bedding by Dwell adds both color and a crisp quality. Or, try a solid white bedspread and let the pillows do the talking. The key here is brighter equals better.
DwellStudio “Chinnoiserie” bedding from Layla Grace, Hayward Pillows from Crate & Barrel.
Furniture: Let furniture be the dark, sturdy contrast to your poppy accessories. A clean design like this headboard from West Elm will give balance and structure to a modern look. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, try a canopy bed like this one from Pottery Barn.
Left to right: Platform Headboard and Nesting Hexagons from West Elm, Farmhouse Canopy Bed from Pottery Barn.
Basically, it’s not so hard to keep beige from bringing you down. A balanced combination of whites and colors will keep your bedroom (and you) healthy.
Send design and decorating questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
With Jessica Baucom
You’ve looked at some sitting options, and now it’s onto the fun part: fabrics! The outdoor variety is much more available as of late as the creation of durable, UV-resistant fabrics has come into vogue. And you can reap the benefits.
If you’re a crafty gal, snatch up some fabrics and get to work. Here are some suggestions:
left to right:
Sunbrella “Coastal Brick,” style #4850-0000
Scalamandre, “Yin and Yang,” style #26747-001
Sunbrella, “Black/White Bar,” style #5704-0000
Lulu DK, “Goldeneye,” style #11059-5
On the other hand, if you and the sewing machine have a tamultuous relationship, options like these always come in handy:
left to right:
West Elm “Ikat” outdoor pillow
IKEA “Kajsa Rand” cushion cover
West Elm’s outdoor cushion collection
But back to the furniture. You can score a beauty like this on KSL Classifieds or Craigslist for a quick makeover. I suggest painting in a muted shade of blue like Benjamin Moore’s “Blue Nose.” Add some easy white cushions, and you’ve got yourself a vintage modern patio set for a steal.
With Jessica Baucom
The weather is turning into summer quicker than you can say lemonade. The question is, is your porch ready? Get out from in front of your computer, or let’s face it, your laptop, and give the Great Outdoors some love … from your porch swing.
Just like your interior, outdoor spaces need to be comfortable and inviting. A good place to start setting the tone is with furniture. Here are some relaxing retail options for serene lounging:
Left to right:
West Elm’s “Wood Slat Lounge”
Crate & Barrel’s “Trovata Chaise”
West Elm’s “Sydney Lounge Chair”
But if paying full price isn’t part of this year’s plan, try some lightly-used outdoor pieces found in your own backyard … almost. Keep an eye on classifieds from Craigslist and KSL, for example, and you could come across the likes of any of the contemporary set, pictured above, or the classics below.
With Jessica Baucom
Reduce, reuse, recycle—we’re hearing a lot of that lately. It’s been one week since Earth Day, and we hope you’re still coming up with new ways to green-ify your life. If you’ve got a home project on the horizon, you might have to look no further than your toes … or over your head.
Reclaimed wood is one of my favorite ways to put the three “R’s” to good use. Old buildings and wood floors that are taken down or dismantled can be reused—which not only saves trees, but also gives charm and old character to new spaces. Plus, it’s cool to tell your friends that the wood beneath their heels came from an antiquated barn not 40 miles from Walden Pond, for example.
Naturally, it would feel right to put reclaimed lumber in a Park City escape or Sundance cabin, like the images at top. But a rustic reclaimed floor or wall treatment also works well at home when complemented with interior elements that are otherwise clean and sophisticated, as shown above.
Local Scoop: You’ll find beautiful options for reclaimed lumber at places like the Green Building Center (1952 E. 2700 South, Salt Lake City) where you can get your hands on products from Pioneer Millworks. Intermountain Lumber (1948 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City and 1034 E. Factory Drive, St. George) carries reclaimed oak from old barns on the East Coast. George’s Architectural Salvage (470 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City) usually has a rotating variety of reclaimed lumber, too.
Send design and decorating questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
Images courtesy of Remodelista.com and Jonathancracroft.com.
By Jessica Baucom
Thanks to her style savvy, this beauty was posted on street-style site Border Line. Maybe you, like me, love this look because it’s simple and comfortable but still fashionable—the kind of thing you would wear every and any day. (Especially if you had those cute legs.) The trendy leggings balance out her otherwise oversize sweater, and paired with all those black accessories, it’s instantly chic. All of these components make this ensemble a good candidate for conversion to a living space—the kind of place you would want to spend a lot of time in.
So, let’s do just that. Here’s how to translate this chic-yet-cozy look to an interior. Today we’ll be shooting for the dining room since it’s a space that’s put on the back burner far too often.
Color: Following this color palette is a pretty straight-forward affair, but accomplishing that edgy-but-casual feel takes a little more effort. This girl’s punchy red hair gives her look a surprising dose of spirit and will come in handy in giving this room some color. Use flowers or bring in colorful art to vamp up the color scheme.
Seating: For a twist on traditional, try using a long sofa or bench for a casual yet sophisticated seating option. Because this piece is antique, it comes with a big price tag ($12,000) but if you keep your eyes (and Craigslist) open, you’re likely to come up upon something similar at an estate sale.
Furniture: The cabinet adds drama with its high-gloss back paint and matching monochromatic dishes. Check out the D.I. or an unfinished furniture manufacturer to locate an affordable piece that’s makeover-ready. All you’ll need is a can of high-gloss paint to carry out the same look.
Flooring: The Ralph Lauren carpet is a wool resembling that can’t-live-without-it sweater. For purchase locally, step into Regency Royal on 400 West between 300 and 400 South. Or for a more affordable option, try a simple cotton woven rug from Pottery Barn to accomplish the same feel minus the price tag.
Item breakdown:
1. Chandelier from Sundance Catalog
2. Linen pillow from Crate & Barrel
3. Archived image from Remodelista.com
4. Orange and red ranunculus from local flower shop
5. Ladder chair from BDDW
6. Black laquer dining table from 1st Dibs
7. Carpet from Ralph Lauren
8. Sofa from 1st Dibs
Send design and decorating questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
By Jessica Baucom
You’re in that stage. It’s time to trade in your poster-pinning thumbtacks, but you’re not quite ready to invest in that beautifully-painted (not to mention beautifully-framed) oil by your favorite local artist. With a little help from student art shows and letterpress stationers, you’ll find there are plenty of ways to keep your walls sophisticatedly adorned without breaking the bank, nor your budget. Here’s how:
Student Art:
Some of my favorite items come from the free-thinking, unrestrained minds of students—and they’re usually affordable, to sweeten the deal. Locally, the University of Utah often holds student art sales at the end of each semester featuring awesome finds. In December, I picked up a print by emerging local talent Zane Lancaster for the low price of $20! A broader range of student art is continually displayed online at Ugallery. Here, you can search thousands of young artists’ work by genre, size, price, and even by school.
Above images, left to right: “Etame Postularia” by Melissa Grosjean, “Mockery” by Michael George, “Ice 4″ by Kaylie Abela
Paper & Fabrics:
I learned this trick from some highfalutin designers, so don’t worry about it not being legit. Use a simple black or white frame and lay a piece of interesting fabric or beautiful wrapping paper behind the glass where you would normally insert a photo. This works nicely for making a unique addition to an eclectic mix, or hung in a group with similar pieces.
Above images, left to right: Off-white Black Braid and Border Paper Brackets from Papersource.com, and textiles from IKEA.
Eatery as Art:
Some dishes are too cool to stay in the cupboard, and it’s these pieces that often come off as my favorite pieces of art—from plates to platters and dishes in all shapes and sizes. A simple plate hanger from the hardware store in the correct size is all you need to hang an heirloom plate passed down from your great-grandmother or a contemporary piece like a playful melamine tray.
Above images, left to right: Deer Tray by John Derian for Target, Small Square Plate by Cul de Sac, Sea Life side plate by Thomas Paul
Vintage Maps:
Interesting in shape, color and content, a vintage map or two can make a quick fix for a blank wall space. Conduct a cinchy online search, or head to Sam Weller’s Bookstore (254 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City) where you’ll find a wide selection of affordable maps in a large room on the lower floor. If you have trouble locating this treasure trove, have a salesperson point it out for you. You’ll also find great maps a few blocks away at Ken Sanders Rare Books (268 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City), though they can be a bit more pricey.
Postcards & Greeting Cards:
Ever been so pleased with a cute card in the mail that you couldn’t throw it away? Here’s your chance to let that little token shine. Frame it just like you would a photograph and give it life beyond the mailbox. Or, if you’ve yet to receive that card, go ahead an indulge in the coveted letterpress stationery you’ve been eyeing. Twenty dollars won’t sound so bad when you consider what a pricey piece of art might cost in its stead.
Above images, left to right: “Cosmic Crochet Card” by Lart Cognac Berliner at LittleOtsu.com, “Signal Flags XO” by Black Pearl Press, “Ship Carte Postale” by John Derian
Calendars:
Yes, everyone needs one. No, they’re not typically viewed as part of the artistic sphere but with all the great options out there—not to mention the heavy emphasis on design—they might as well be. Plus, a cool calendar will add some character to your casual art gallery inspired by this post.
Above images, left to right: calendars from Muji, Office PDX and OrangeBeautiful
You’ll find simple, clean frames that you won’t tire of and which will mix well with others at places like Pottery Barn, Michael’s, IKEA and TJ Maxx.
With Jessica Baucom
Need big impact without major construction for 2009? A simple paint job is your secret weapon. Before you get discouraged by multiple trips to the paint store, remember that prepwork is called prepwork for a reason—it’s the part that takes the most time. So, once you’ve got that down, the rest can be a snap.
Back to that tricky part: picking your palette. Keep your major colors neutral, but don’t be afraid to mix in some contrast in small spaces. For example, try a nice, light neutral for your conjoined living and kitchen areas or hallways. Go for bold when you can include it in small doeses like your entryway, bathroom or a guest bedroom.
If you opt for a deep color, editing is important—almost as important as deciding what you’ll put with it. If you’re worried that a dark space will feel like a black hole in your house, try brightening it up with light colors like big, white picture frames or light wood furniture.
Still unconvinced? Visit www.benjaminmoore.com and select the “Explore Color” tab to see a variety of colors on virtual walls. Still, never choose a color until you’ve actually seen the sample in your space. Even in the digital age, nothing beats the old-fashioned paint chip taped to your wall.
Image credit, clockwise from left: 1. magazine image from unknown source, 2. bedroom from www.remodelista.com, 3. entryway from personal project in East Hampton, New York
Send questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
With Jessica Baucom
Q: We recently found a gorgeous dining and buffet set on Craigslist and had to nab it up. It’s solid walnut from the ’50s. It fits our space perfectly, but the color of the seat cushions doesn’t. Our room has browns and creams with a hint of gold. Can you suggest a color that will work in our space, including the color of the wood? I’m also going to make a tablecloth and placemats, and tones like white and ivory don’t always work with my sometimes-messy guests. — Traci
A: That table and chair set make a beautiful find. They look like they’re in great shape, too—once again proving that if you buy quality design, it will last (in this case more than 50 years!).
As for the seat cushions, I think a multi-colored stripe or pattern would be nice. First off, it will add new color and variety to your room. There is often little opportunity for pattern in a dining room, so sneaking it into the upholstery will liven it up. A large-scale stripe like this one by Waverly makes for an updated, contemporary look.
This new color will also make for easy coordinating table linens. Because natural woven fabrics have variation in their color and texture, they will help camouflage the “unnatural” spots your dinner guests might leave behind. Next, you can mix in coordinating elements like these beige linen placemats from IKEA for contrast. With the pleasant price of $1.50 each, you can afford to get extras in case of any un-fixable accidents.
Top it off with a loose, natural collection of flora and you’re set for a casually-coordinated dinner party.
Send questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
With Jessica Baucom
Q: I inherited this ancient chaise from my grandmother, who owned an antique shop and loved unusual pieces. I love the style, but the fabric is stained and faded, and in some places, buttons are missing. What do I do: recover it? Add a throw? What are some good fabric choices? — Jessica
A: This is a find! A throw is a decent temporary solution, but because of this chaise’s unique, bulky shape, it may look more like a mysterious creature harboring in your home rather than the cool, granny-chic find that it is.
Recovering this piece will give it new life. Try a nice neutral woven fabric like cotton or linen. Because upholstering can be quite an investment, you want to choose a material that will stand the test of time—not something you will grow tired of in a few years. Instead of a trendy pattern, add a fun lumbar pillow for pop. Here’s a sketch to give you an idea:
Locally, I’ve had good experiences with Wardell Upholstery at 3628 South and 900 East. It’s a family-run business and they’re great to work with. Ask them to show you some upholstery-weight fabrics for this project. They might even half leftovers at a discounted price.
If you’re in need of some poppy throw pillows, try Jonathan Adler, Twinkle Living, Dwell Shop or Anthropologie—just a few favorites. Now, keep us updated on the finished product!
Send questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
With Jessica Baucom
Q: I finished re-doing my room over the summer and there is still one wall that I have no clue what to do with. I’ve been wrestling with the idea of a photo collage or some big pieces of art but just can’t decide. Any cool ideas to spark my dormant creativity? — Corinne
A: Art wall! Any blank wall is begging for art—and when I say art, I mean pretty much anything. Art should be any item that interests you, whether it’s the perfect little print you scouted out on Etsy or a favorite image from the pages of your travel or fashion magazine. Here are a few favorite displays pulled from my idea binder:
In the past, I’ve put pieces of fabric in frames to put an affordable twist on my art collection. Art doesn’t need to be expensive, just inspiring. If you have eclectic taste in art, balance the noise by using frames that are similar in style or color. All-white is a classy and clean way to go, and you can get them just about anywhere: Pottery Barn, IKEA, etc. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide for you that’s balanced and visually interesting:
Have fun!
Send questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
With Jessica Baucom
Q: We purchased a great 1970′s period home, complete with faded peach/pink/cream/white painted exterior. We’d like to paint it a cool blue-gray color but are having a hard time picking one that will look good. We don’t want it to be bright blue, but also don’t want it to look drab. Any advice? — Nanette
A: Nanette, you are on the right track. I’m so glad you’re leaning toward a cooler, blue/gray tone. Recently, I’ve had a lot of trouble convincing clients that cooler colors can be beautiful as well as relaxing. Many of us are inclined to think warm colors equal good, and cool colors equal bad. But we would be mistaken.
Depending on the other elements involved in the exterior of the house (stone, brick, etc.) you may need to tweak the color to play off of and compliment them. When brick is in the picture, I often use the color of the grout as a good starting point for corresponding finishes.
Also, don’t be afraid to choose a medium to dark shade of paint. Unlike the interior of a home where colors tend to come out one step darker, exteriors colors will look lighter than you think once you have them applied. Benjamin Moore makes beautiful, strong colors. These three range from a true dusty blue to a mellow bluish gray to a greenish-blue gray:
Water’s Edge: #1635
Silver Mink: #1685
Mount Saint Anne: #1565
Send questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
With Jessica Baucom
Q: I’m in a window coverings bind. When we moved into our condo, vertical blinds were already hanging above the sliding glass door to the balcony. Aside from their unsightliness, they’re broken and won’t twist, leaving us exposed to the full west summer sunset and it gets pretty steamy in here. We use the balcony a lot, so horizontal blinds don’t seem like a good answer. I like curtains, but don’t want to have to pull them to close. We also have some budget constraints. Are there any other options? — Emily
A: Emily, I can almost hear the lovely plastic clanking of those blinds just from looking at them. I grew up with them in my house and it seems like they were always attracting dust if not falling down. Bravo for seeking out a new solution!
What you need is a covering that comes from above the doors, like a roller or roman shade. It doesn’t look like you have room for drapes to stack back, and this way you will have open wall space for art instead!
I suggest getting two shades: one above each door so you can have the other down and maintain access to the sliding door. There are a lot of affordable and attractive varieties of wooden and bamboo roman shades at places like Home Depot or more locally, Smith’s Market Place.
Send questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
Above right image courtesy walllpaperandstuff.com
You keep telling yourself you can do it all by your lonesome, but in your heart of hearts, you know it’s best to ask for assistance. And if you’ve found yourself in a questionable design predicament as of late, YHO is here to help.
Enter Jessica Baucom. YHO’s resident interior design guru, this U of U student-turned-Parsons graduate is back from the Big Apple, and at your service. Whether you’re in a paint color fix, trying to figure out how to mix that heavy-looking family heirloom with your otherwise-streamlined decor, or wondering where to buy cool upholstery fabric by the bolt (locally!) she’s your/our girl. You can see more of her work at www.jessicambllc.com.
So, send us your questions and let’s see what we can do. E-mail your inquiries to ali[at]yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.