Hand Squeezed - Mirror Christmas Tree

WOW!! How time flies!  I feel like Christmas is tomorrow and I'm super behind.  I have been very busy decorating for Christmas at a client's office (I will have photos soon).  Finally, I had time this past weekend to decorate my own house for Christmas.  I decided to do something completely different and I only had a limited budget and limited time so I had to get creative.  I thought it would be cool to use mirrors that would reflect candlelight.  But I didn't want to do your standard large mirror on my mantle, so I came up with using mirrors in the shape of a tree.  I feel like it's a work in progress and by the time I get it right in two years, I'll change again!!  Here's how I did it....

Sorry about the pictures.  I had to use my iPhone and there was very little light.  Oh well, now I need to find new stocking holders and buy some antique mercury glass for next year's decoration.  I want it too look more abundant than it does now.  A good tip is .... to take pictures of your decorations, so that you can remember what you have if you want to buy something for next year or plan something new.  Also take pictures of the new decorations you buy on sale after the holidays so you don't forget 10 months later.

Happy Holiday Decorating! ~ Brandy

What were they thinking Thursday? Plants gone wild

I have noticed in many pictures from interiors magazines that they have gone a bit crazy with the styling of the rooms.  Especially Elle Decor, their stylist loves to put a over sized limb or leaf in every room.  While this is great for a beautiful photograph, it is not that practical for everyday life.  Use caution when trying to implement this idea of over-scaled foliage in your home.....

The stove might set the leafy branch on fire!

Love the room but I am afraid this branch might put an eye out.

I certainly love this large leaf plant in the corner compared to your typical plant.  The arrangement on the mantle protrudes into the room a bit too much.

The arrangement on the coffee table won't stand a chance with a kid in the house!

This is beautiful, dramatic and out of the way so bravo on this design!

 

The arrangement on the table is a nice size for drama without being too large.

This oversize foliage really brings the outdoors in, it seems to blur the division of the wall.  Very well designed.

The foyer table needs a dramatic arrangement like this.  This room is just a bit off symmetry, which I find disturbing.  The picture on the left should be hung at the same center as the one one the right.  The small vase on the table is pointless and you might as well center the large vase on the table to complete the symmetry.

Lovely!

Any other ideas about what magazine stylist put in a room that is not practical?  Send in your comments!! ~ Brandy

Vitamin B Boost: Sleeping in

This week has been SO hard to get up in the morning.  The weather has turned crisp, it's just before the time change, so it's dark outside and I am nice and cozy in a warm bed.... all the makings for sleeping in.  Beep, beep, beep... alarm goes off a zillion times and I dragged myself out of bed, but tomorrow is a different story, it's Saturday and I plan on sleeping in!!! I am going to dream about being cozied up in these beautiful beds.....

The ultimate bedroom from the movie "The Holiday" with Cameron Diaz

Beds that are high that you have to climb up into make it hard to climb out of.....

What about Beds that envelop you...ahhhhhh

The books are in reach so you don't have to even get out of bed.

 

There is something about a mix of prints and textures that make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.....

 

A casual room makes me want to run and take a flying leap into bed....

These bedrooms are crisp and minimal.  There is something comforting about not having clutter....

These bedrooms are about what is beyond them...

I love these bedrooms....

Perfect for not sharing!!

Nice rooms but.....

Seems cozy enough except for Napoleon staring at you.

 

Avoid phallic symbols it you have sleep on your mind.

Zzzzz ~ Brandy

What were they thinking Thursday? Cheap and Fast

I was watching Bath Crashers on the DIY network (http://www.diynetwork.com/bath-crashers/show/index.html) and it reminded me of how misleading these design shows are about how long it takes to do a remodel.  Matt says "bring your friends and family to start demo tomorrow".  The supposed "next day" the weather is completely different.  The next day is most likely 3 weeks later.  It takes that long to order glass shower doors.  They have to measure, order materials and they can't do that in 12 hours overnight.  It takes time to build and install too!  It doesn't happen in 2 days like they make it seem.

Don't get me wrong a remodel can happen fast depending on the size if all materials are on site and you have a crew that works around the clock (which you have to pay overtime).  So, cheap and fast can't happen simultaneously.  Typically, if you are willing to wait it will cost less, especially if you do the work yourself.  If you want it done fast, then it will cost more, overnighting materials and paying crews overtime.  These shows give the public the wrong impression of how long and expensive these remodels can be.  Read our other blog on designing on a dime.

http://studiobcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-were-they-thinking-thursday-design.html

Keep in mind, it's more expensive and takes longer than you think.  Even I am surprised every now and then! Brandy

Vitamin B Boost - Simple Inspiration

I know it's been a while since my last post.  I have been trying to get used to doing it all.  (Isn't that always the case for a woman.)  As you know, from previous posts that I moved my office to my house and it's just me working, no more staff.  It's been an adjustment, but honestly I love it.  I miss the team work and collaboration but it has been so great doing all the designing.  I feel so much more organized!  I am a control freak anyhow and it adds fuel to the fire!

I have a secret obsession of watching the show "Hoarders".  I am perplexed by how someone can become so extreme.  After watching, I immediately throw something away!  I personally don't like clutter and having too many items on display.  Although having lots of things on display can be quite beautiful, it's personally not my thing.  I believe there is beauty in the space between.  It brings adoration to those few precious pieces you have.  Here's some examples of how simplicity can be beautiful and not boring....

The wall treatment gives this room life

Graphic wallpaper and art can always make a space interesting without filling the room with things.  Love the pops of color!

The attention is immediately drawn to the luxurious velvet tufted banquet

Simple and fresh color palette

Love the dichotomy of the old and new

A room doesn't have to be white to be clean and simple.  The chocolate brown walls warm this space.

Love the brown and white.  Contrast is always crisp and clean to me.

The repetition of the logs and the void space between them make this a great art piece.

I am a big fan of white, black and citron right no, so naturally this room is so me!

Love this storage idea!  Simple and Beautiful way to store you things in a room.

You can have simplicity and color.

This neutral palette is soothing

Symmetry is always pleasing to the eye

Asymmetry calls attention to the painting.

Sometime windows and doors are where you need them to be in a space and you have to improvise.  This is a great solution when your sofa has to float in front of a window.  (Hmmm, sounds like another great blog idea)

I hope these simply designed rooms inspire you to edit your decor, or rearrange your decorative items to bring new life into a room.  And remember, the less you have, the less you have to clean! ~Brandy