Common Sense, Imagination and Enthusiasm = Great Design

A Guest Post: Welcome Layla from The Lettered Cottage! I love her clean, crisp style and people, this girl can work a budget. If you have yet to meet her you are in for a treat!

Hello!

I'm Layla, and I come to you from the Lettered Cottage.

I work as a Design Consultant and am obsessed with all things "home".
I'm a firm believer in the statement that by improving the quality of your environment, you can improve the quality of your life.

Through my consulting business I create design plans meant to motivate, excite, and hopefully, ensure a profound sense of joy when the project is completed. Because of my passion for stylish interiors, and my love for creating them for others, I wake up each day with my sights distinctly set on providing inspiration for whoever will lend me their ear! (and their eyes!)
It's not an easy job, but someones gotta do it. ;-)

Since I am in the business of "giving my 2 cents", I've decided to use this opportunity (that Miss Nester has so graciously given me) to talk about a few things that I think are important to keep in mind when approaching a rooms design.

1. Make a statement!

Take this luxuriously decadent little spot for example:

The use of a monochromatic palette, blue-on-blue-on-blue, mixed with crisp white and just a touch of sisal creates an oh-so-soothing environment. No contrasting colors to visually strain the eye. By using firm pillows (to provide proper back support) smaller, softer accent pillows (for extra all-around comfort), wall-mounted reading lights on BOTH sides of the daybed, and a trunk-style coffee table perfect for a small bouquet and something to drink- the statement made by this space is clear- RELAX AND READ HERE. The addition of curvy, black, iron wall art adds a touch of whimsy, and makes for a nice gradual visual transition from the width of the sconces, up to the top of the netted canopy. This "triangle effect" creates a feeling of safety, or shelter, making the whole experience that much more comfortable.

A room that makes a statement, is one that speaks to the soul.

2. Be courageous- have no regrets!

Do the stripes in this inspiration photo make you happy?

(Photo: Laura Resen)

Does it look like too much work, too hard, and maybe you'll just paint the stripes up to where the ceiling starts, because that would be soooo much easier, and it would almost look the same?

Freeze! Stop right there! It won't look the same, and you will regret not doing it if it's truly what you love about the inspiration photo! There. I said it.

Don't be afraid of design challenges! Don't let the math, or the time it will take to complete a project, intimidate you. Just take your time. You CAN do it. And, oh yes, it WILL be worth it. Just think of all the YEARS you will SMILE, every time you walk into the room, once you've completed it. (Even if it does take 6 months to finish it!)

Example: I'm stencilling sentences onto the top stripe, all the way around the room, in my Reading Room right now:


I've painted ONE WORD PER WEEK for the past three weeks. So far it reads "DRAW ON THE". My Mom thinks I'm crazy! But, seriously, it's all I've got time for, and guess what? One day, I'll walk into that room and read, "DRAW ON THE WALLS, BELIEVE IN MAGIC, LAUGH A LOT, CELEBRATE EVERY GORGEOUS MOMENT. READ EVERY DAY, and ENTERTAIN YOUR INNER CHILD"- and I most definitely will do just that.

3. Design is in the details.

If you follow this, or any other design-oriented blog, subscribe to a shelter magazine, watch HGTV, or all of the above- you've probably heard that phrase a million times. It's SO true!
Paying attention to the details and, sometimes, focusing on what details AREN'T exactly right— can take a room from so-so, to spectacular!

Take this seemingly functional, beautiful Kitchen for example:

(Photo: Sea Island Kitchens)

Now, change just a few details, and I believe it instantly looks more cohesive, and really comes to life!


Changing those few details, brings both sides of the room together through symmetry. It's created by using the same delightful sea glass blue color both on the inside of the upper cabinets, AND on the base of the work island. By repeating the warm, orangey tones that are found in butcher block counters, in the form of copper pots, hanging from the pot rack. By mimicking the golden tone of the wood floor, way up high, in similarly toned bamboo blinds. They really draw your eye up, and add some nice texture. A lighter, creamier counter top on the island really speaks to the creamy painted wood on the cabinets and ceiling. The fantastic, striped rug, incorporates ALL the colors used throughout the space, right in the center of the room, for a completely balanced and harmonious look!

So, to recap-

1. Be conscious of the statement you want your spaces to make.

2. Don't have any regrets when making design decisions. They might come back to haunt you, costing you additional money and time.

3. Pay attention to the details (or notice what's wrong with the existing details)- it can make or break a room!

Thank you so much for lending me your ear ( and eyes) today, and a big thanks to Nester for giving me the opportunity to talk about the stuff that I love best. It really fills me up, knowing that there are people out there just as into their homes as I am.

I'll leave you with this lovely and profound parting thought:

"You don't have to know anything about a subject as long as you use common sense and imagination, plus enthusiasm!"- Dorothy Draper

Thanks Layla! I love your photos, your tweaks and your idea about painting only one word per week until you have your wall done! Be sure to visit The Lettered Cottage and see how Layla has transformed her home the old fashioned way--with hard work, patience, creativity and a husband willing to help.