Decorating Lessons
Email Answer: Cabinet Conundrum?
Q: I love your blog and would love some advice. We’re saving up for a full kitchen remodel, but want to make the best of it in the meantime. Our current kitchen cabinets are “builder standard” and there are about 18 inches between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. At some point we’d love to have extra tall cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling, but right now we’ve just got a giant space up there to deal with. I’ve tried to “decorate” that area by displaying some nice serving pieces, fun ceramics, vases filled with lemons and limes, etc. However, I don’t want it to look like overflow storage. What would you suggest doing in that “dead space” above the cabinets? Leave it empty? Decor it up? Help! Thanks so much. – Jennifer
A: There’s really no right answer to this question since it’s all about personal preference, but we like the idea of “grouping like objects” (you know, things that are similar in texture, color, material, etc) which can look less chaotic and more balanced and unified. We always love a grouping of textural woven baskets along the top of the cabinets to keep things looking consistent and extra charming (like these examples from Domino and House & Home):
Of course some people prefer to keep things totally bare up there (like this kitch from Coastal Living). It would be easier to dust, but again it’s your call. And if you’re in the mood for extra credit, adding some chunky decorative molding along the top of your cabinets is another way to make them feel polished and lovely just the way they are. Oh and adding some above-cabinet lighting can also introduce a ton of ambiance (you may even be able to plug a strand of white string lights in behind your fridge and drill a small hole to feed them through the upper cabinet to create a super affordable glow up there).
There are a lot of eye-pleasing solutions, so just displaying a collection of simple platters and plates can do the trick (like these from Cottage Living):
Or blue and yellow glass accents (like these from Sunset Magazine) might be the perfect thing to polish off the tops of your cabs (just picture them above solid cabinets instead of inside glass ones)…
A collection of white ceramic pitchers or similarly colored pottery would look nice- since it has the tone and the material in common (like this example from Cottage Living)…
… and these two spaces from Country Living continue that idea (just picture these objects above closed upper cabinets instead of displayed on open shelves):
So our suggestion would just be to figure out what you love and try to amass a nice collection of that item (whether it’s sunny yellow Fiestaware or an affordable collection of 40% off baskets from Michael’s (which can also double as concealed storage for other objects that don’t look as good when they’re out in the open). And our other tip would be to ensure that the objects aren’t too petite since that’s the fastest way to make them read as “clutter” instead of proportionate and balanced accents. So when in doubt, go with fewer larger items up there instead of a million little ones.
Oh and we’ve actually seen people remove their upper cabinets and rehang them at ceiling height to eliminate that space above them and then they just install a nice open shelf below them for charming exposed storage. So that’s another more creative and hands on option for you that’s still relatively cost effective (check out more details about this amazing Cottage Living kitchen makeover right here).
So that’s our take on the top-of-cabinet conundrum. What do you guys prefer when it comes to accessorizing the top of yours? Share and share alike.
Psst- Wanna know how to paint your cabinets? Check out that step by step tutorial right here. And for a bunch of other decorating tips and tricks check out our How To page and scroll down to the “Decorating Lessons” category for tons of ideas and advice.
Look & Learn: Bedroom Building Blocks
We’re back with our second installment of Look & Learn, which is all about studying inspiration rooms and trying to figure out how and why they work. Because admiring a beautiful space is always fun, but figuring out what elements and ideas can actually be borrowed or adapted for your very own casa (preferably on the cheap) is the icing on the cake.
First we’ll take this gorgeous bedroom:
You’ll probably notice a few things right away- namely those great statement making yellow lamps on either side of the bed. We love that they’re cheerful and bold… and the fact that they flank the bed on identical side tables creates some nice effortless balance in the space. We also love the softly patterned bedding and the textured floor rug to add more layered style and interest along with the oversized look-at-me art hanging above the bed. Now let’s look at another stunning sleeping space:
Again we notice those large identical lamps on either side of the bed on similar side tables (both of the same height even if the one on the right is a bit wider). And it also has patterned bedding (this time it’s the skirt and the pillows instead of the duvet) along with a textured area rug. And that amazing wallpapered woven wall along with the showstopping round mirror above the bed didn’t go unnoticed.
Now let’s check out our last charming and inspirational sleeping spot:
This room also has matching side tables and lamps (albeit a bit less oversized since the bed is lower and less hulking), but they still infuse the space with that effortless balance and style. And look, patterned bedding again- along with a nice textured rug (well a rug on top of a rug in this case). As for the wall behind the bed, it has some nice texture thanks to a horizontally paneled half wall and a ledge full of interesting accessories.
So the common threads that we can identify in all of these lovely spaces are:
- Similar or identical side tables with matching lamps to keep things feeling serene and balanced
- Patterned bedding that ranges from subtle to something super graphic & linear
- Textured area rugs with stripes, gradated colors and even woven natural fibers
- Some serious interest going on behind the bed, from horizontal paneling to grasscloth wallpaper or showstopping art
And on top of that, the other funny similarity that we noticed only after a long time spent staring at each image:
- Yellow accents exist in each room (ranging from obvious & bright to subtle & barely there- in that middle image)
Plus each room also has pops of that icy blue-gray tone to balance those splashes of yellow. Interesting huh?
So what’s the takeaway anyway? Well, it stands to reason that if you’re stuck with a blah bedroom you could easily grab two oversized lamps on the cheap to add major impact on either side of the bed (TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Home Goods and Target have some amazing under $30 options). And hunting down some matching side tables (if you don’t already have them) will instantly add balance and some polish to a room that formerly felt off-kilter or unfinished (again Target has some pretty great cheap-o options like this and this). Then you can spring for some patterned bedding or even keep your existing solid-toned duvet but punch things up with a printed bed skirt or some fun patterned pillows like the second bedroom above.
Next you could add an area rug (Overstock has some great budget jute ones and you can find some colorful striped ones right here). Then just do something interesting with the back wall behind your bed. Home Depot sells cheap grasscloth wallpaper and of course you could install some beadboard or waiscotting but it could be as simple as placing a large round mirror or a pair of attention grabbing prints above your bed and calling it a day. And of course the use of yellow accessories and some of that cool gray-blue is optional, but it’s pretty telling that these three rooms caught our attention and only later did we notice that common theme among them.
And so ends our second installment of Look & Learn. Is anyone out there now ready to spruce up their bedroom? Have you noticed other common threads in the rooms that we included above? Or have you picked up other bedroom “formulas” that seem to work like a charm? Do tell.
Psst- You can check out our first Look & Learn adventure right here, which is all about pendants and pops of color. Good times.
All images courtesy of My Home Ideas.
Nice Package
Inspiration really is everywhere, so when John and I were picking up a friend at the spa (we’re that fancy, we loiter in spas without actually getting massages) I couldn’t help but snap a few photos of some gorgeous packaging with some pretty amazing color schemes. Yeah I was that girl, taking pictures of the soap and candle display in the lobby. It was all in the name of decor though, so it was time well spent. Anyway, the point is that it’s so easy to find everyday objects that you love (like a favorite painting, a meaningful necklace – even a scented candle) and design an entire room- heck, an entire house- with that color palette in mind.
For example, take this pretty scented sachet and soap packaging that has gorgeous ethereal charm:
We love the idea of layering sea-glass-ish greens and blues with moody grays. So for anyone looking to recreate a whole house palette with this in mind, try painting a few rooms in Benjamin Moore’s Paradiso 717 (which is similar to the brightest blue square), a few in Benjamin Moore’s Sesame 381 (which is similar to the green square underneath), a few in Benjamin Moore’s Silver Sage 506 (which resembles the gray square underneath) and Benjamin Moore’s Springview Green 491 (which is close to the soft green square on the bottom). And of course instead of using this palette for your whole house you can easily adapt it for one room (picking one tone for the walls and grabbing bedding or upholstered furnishings and accessories in the other colors). And we should note that white definitely plays a big roll in this scheme, so breezy white curtains or even a white slipcovered sofa (or fluffy white bedding) would fit right in with this look.
Oh and remember that you can pick up each of those paint chips (for free) at your local Benjamin Moore store and have them color matched at Lowe’s or Home Depot to save money by buying Behr, Valspar, Olympic, or Glidden paint instead of Ben Moore (all the lower cost brands that we named are ones that we personally love and have used in our own home after having them color matched).
Next we have this playful and punchy palette that we think would look charming in any modern home full of crisp white tones and sophisticated inky blue accents (just like the bottom square in our color palette- which was inspired by those blue candle boxes):
Sure the pink, lime and purple hues are fun- so they’d definitely work in a nursery or a playroom- but we can also picture this scheme in a chic family room with stark white walls and a clean-lined dark peacock blue sofa with breezy curtains in the same hue. Then the purple, lime and pink tones could be brought in sparingly with bold accents, like a large lime vase on the center of a white lacquered coffee table, and two pink ceramic based gourd lamps that could be placed on either side of the sofa (which might be accented with lime and purple pillows). Oh and if you’re looking for similar paint tones to those pictured above, try Benjamin Moore’s Blue Viola 1424 for the purple color, Benjamin Moore’s Artichoke Hearts 382 for the lime tone and Benjamin Moore’s Angelina 1376 for the pink hue.
Next we have a simple three color palette (again with a lot of white worked in, so be sure to include that to mimic this effect) along with a dark evergreen tone, a softer lime color and a pretty pop of blue (see how subtle the hints of blue are in the packaging?).
To get this look, try Benjamin Moore’s Northern Air 1676 for the blue, Benjamin Moore’s Sesame 381 for the soft lime tone and Benjamin Moore’s Oak Grove 489 for the deep green tone. And here’s a tip on that blue color. It’s probably best used for accessories and even painted furniture pieces since it could be a bit much on the walls (we like our blues to be slightly muddier on the walls so they don’t look like a little boy’s bedroom). Unless off course you’re planning to use this scheme in your little boy’s room, in which case we say, by all means, use it on the wall.
Our next palette is a nice demonstration that three colors (two of which are similar to each other) don’t have to be boring.
A room with cream walls (like Benjamin Moore’s Winter Wheat 232) and dark inky blue accessories in two different tones (like Benjamin Moore’s Lakeside Cabin 1658 and Spellbound 1659) would feel high contrast and elegant- not flat and boring even though there really are only blues and creams being layered in the space. Of course texture would also be key here (see all those tone on tone designs on the candle boxes?) so printed pillows and a nubby textured rug would really tie a room with this color scheme together for a high end effect with interest to spare.
Next we have a more feminine palette with deep plumb, medium pink, metallic-y gold, and whisper soft pink:
The light and subtle pink would make a great wall color (try Benjamin Moore’s Wild Aster 1240) while bedding, upholstery, accessories, and even a stunning painted furnishing or two could make up the rest of the palette. For the metallic gold, try bringing in actual hammered gold accents like a gold-toned tray on the coffee table or a sleek brass lamp on each side of the bed. Meanwhile the deeper pink (try Benjamin Moore’s Victoriana 1263) and plum tones (try Benjamin Moore’s Ruby Dusk 1267) can be used for other accessories like pillows, throws, vases and art. Extra credit: painting a large dresser or table in that luxe plum color would definitely make for a stunning feature in the space.
Then there’s this modern yet classic color scheme which includes cream, persimmon, and two tones of that same inky blue that we’ve seen a few times already. We love how crisp and saturated this palette feels, although it’s still not too overwhelming thanks to that cream which tempers the other more high-contrast colors.
We could actually picture this scheme in a dark home office or moody den with the lighter of the two inky blue tones on the wall (try Benjamin Moore’s Lakeside Cabin 1658) and a slew of accessories and accents in cream (try Benjamin Moore’s Winter Wheat 232), dark blue (like Benjamin Moore’s Spellbound 1659), and persimmon (try Benjamin Moore’s Pilgrimage Foliage 2175-20). Oh and handsome dark wood furnishings would fit right in (along with some cream upholstery which is derived right from the palette).
And lastly we have a super soft and serene scheme with beachy blues and greens and a dash of sweet pink.
Again there’s a fair amount of white in this packaging, so bringing in white bedding or upholstery along with crisp white curtains will really help the soft and subtle green, blues and pinks pop. And when it comes to hunting down similar colors to those shown in the palette above, try Benjamin Moore’s Paris Romance 1262 for the pink, Benjamin Moore’s Sesame 381 for the soft lime, and Benjamin Moore’s Blue Haze 1667 for the blue.
Oh and just in case you’re wondering how offering up these paint chip colors will help you design an entire room when you can only pick one paint color for the walls, grabbing all the swatches will come in handy because you can bring them with you when you shop for accessories- so selecting lamps, art, pillows, bedding, even an upholstered chair will be even more foolproof thanks to your pocket sized color guide that you can hold up against any item to see if it’ll work.
And so ends our trip to the spa where we left without any hands-on treatment but lots of home decor inspiration. Have you guys ever gone somewhere or seen something that has nothing to do with paint chips or home decor and thought “I could totally decorate an entire room around this”? Do you and your hubby have a favorite accessory or piece of art that you can use to settle a pending decorating dispute (hint: if you both love it, use those colors in your home since you can both agree on them!).
Email Answer: Gettin’ Springy With It
I hope you all got that Will Smith reference in the title. Or maybe I should hope that you missed it. Anyway, here’s Jennifer’s question:
Q: Hey guys. I’m so not in the mood to work this morning so I thought I’d ask you a question. With the seasons changing, what are some of your must haves for spring? Like, are there certain décor switches you make to get things feeling a little sunnier and fresher? Are there any tips you have or things people can do regardless of their color scheme or current décor that would instantly transform a room from winter to spring? Do you keep specific décor items on hand specifically for spring? Thanks! -Jennifer
There’s nothing better than when spring is finally in the air after a long cold winter. Heck, even when the weather is still on the chilly side and the grass hasn’t really greened up yet, it’s amazing what just a taste of almost-spring can do for the psyche. And when it comes to our decor, there’s nothing I like more than breathing a little fresh spring-like life into Casa Petersik. And there are tons of cheap and simple ways to do that- like a few vases of fresh flowers peppered around your home (you can even bringing in leafy or flowering branches from outside for a free spring pick-me-up).
Another easy spring switch is to introduce a few bright & happy pillows, throws, and even some lighter bedding (a cheerful spring-like duvet from Ikea can only set you back 12 or 14 bucks). And of course just putting away those heavy wool blankets and throwing open the windows to catch a warm breeze can really make your house feel fresher and lighter in a snap.
We don’t do anything that’s specifically Easter themed with bunnies or baskets full of that fake grass stuff, but we love the idea of introducing just two new punchy green, yellow or blue pillows (or any other happy spring color) in the place of more subtle or subdued pillows on your sofa or bed (and you can spend less than $14 for two of them at places like TJ Maxx and Home Goods). We also love the idea of a super cheap cake stand from Marshall’s or Target with a bunch of colorful lemons and limes (or oranges and bananas) on it in the kitchen to make your whole house feel like spring.
And beyond bringing in accessories in brighter and happier colors (like orange, yellow, lime, turquoise, fuschia, etc), crisp white accessories really feel springy – especially in the place of anything in the mocha, maroon, red, evergreen or burnt orange color family. So if you look around and see tabletop accessories in those tones, try switching them out for white lacquered boxes, clean white vases or even a green potted plant in a sleek white Ikea planter (they’re just $1!) for an instantly fresher display.
At the same token, any throws, pillows, bedding or even curtains in those deeper more wintery tones can be swapped out for something lighter and airier (and it doesn’t have to break the bank thanks to two-for-$9.99 white Ikea curtains and clearance duvets & shams from places like Marshall’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and of course Ikea).
And there are so many more small spring-y things you can do to add some simple freshness and style to your casa in honor of the impending warmer weather, so here are a few more ideas:
1. Bring home a ceramic bowl or two in a sunny springy color like lime, yellow, turquoise, orange, or fuschia and use ‘em to corral your keys on the kitchen counter or pop a candle inside of them to create instant spring votives.
2. Toss a colorful scarf over the back of your home office chair or hang it on a hook in your mudroom:
3. Switch out a black and white portrait for something colorful and fun (Etsy has tons of lovely handmade art for cheap- like this deliciously spring-like print that we snagged for $12.50 for the nursery).
4. Fill a glass hurricanes or a clear cylinder vase with oranges & lemons or lemons & limes for an easy and festive springtime centerpiece:
5. Pick up three pretty white scalloped bowls (or loot your cabinets for something festive) and fill them with jelly beans. Set them out in a line down the center of your dining or coffee table for a sweet springy “runner” that look as good as it tastes.
6. Grab punchy patterned, floral or striped wrapping paper and use it to cover those ugly manilla folders on your home office desk. Heck you can even frame it as art or cover some cardboard shoe boxes for pretty storage bins that add to the spring ambiance.
7. Paint an old lamp base in a bright glossy hue and top it with a crisp white shade (if you don’t have one on hand you can pick one up at a yard sale or thrift store and use high-gloss spray paint for the makeover).
8. A bold table runner (or two) can add so much color to your entire kitchen or dining area. Top them with simple white vases or bowls to keep things from feeling too crazy:
9. Find some inexpensive botanical prints (like this) and frame them in any space for an effortless dose of nature (bonus: you don’t even have to water them).
10. Little ceramic birds like these would add freshness to any console or side table:
11. Grab a canvas from an art store and some 99 cent paint to create a showstopping abstract art piece (like this) for above your sofa or bed.
12. Whip up an upholstered headboard in a fun punchy hue (lime green? coral? sky blue?). Here’s a step by step tutorial for you.
13. Paint the inside of any lamp shade a spring-like color so it subtly shines through when it’s on (soft pink always makes for a flattering glow).
14. Line your drawers for a fun dose of pattern and hue whenever you open them (here’s how).
15. Hit up the fabric store for a yard or two of fabric to make your own cheap and simple table runner.
16. Save old wine bottles, remove their labels (here’s how), grab a few vases in a second color and display them all en masse on a tray:
17. Keep all of your bedding the same but swap out your pillow cases for something bright (teal? lime? daffodil yellow? rose?) so you wake up happy and energized.
18. Grab some bright outdoor pillows and planters to punch up your porch or patio (we got all these from Home Depot on the cheap):
19. Toss a brightly colored tray on your coffee table or ottoman (filled with anything from hardcover books to glossy magazines) for a nice dose of cheerful saturation.
20. Soft colored blooms grouped in a similarly toned vase always looks chic without much arrangement effort at all:
21. Hang breezy white sheers or soft fluttery curtains on any window (again, they’re super cheap at Ikea or you could make your own) for an instantly softer and lighter effect.
22. Take the paper covers off your hardcover books to reveal their colorful spines (we found that some of ours were coral, turquoise, lime green, and even pink paisley) and display them in a stack on an ottoman, side table, coffee table, or console table.
23. Cloth napkins in a bold hue look casual and fun on a dining table with some hand snipped leafy branches from outside (read: free) in a clear vase:
So those are just a few ideas to add a little spring sparkle just in time for warmer weather. From spray paint to wrapping paper and beyond, there’s no limit to the cheap-o changes that you can introduce for some festive flowers-are-blooming-and-birds-are-chirping ambiance. And we’d love to hear what you guys do to usher in the season of buds and bumble bees. Any spring decorating traditions or projects that you’re itching to take on? Do tell.
