With the Grain » interior design

Quick & Simple Interior Changes

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 22:31:31 +0000

Sometimes, we want to redecorate but we either don’t have the time or the budget. So, rather than complain about these realities, why not make some simple interior changes. Here are some suggestions to get you through until you’re able to work on your next big project:

Change out groupings of photo frames to something new or different. For example, if you have a collection of black frames that are all the same, consider changing them out to all different types of frames that are painted a bold color.
Rearrange furniture in your primary living spaces, if possible, and change out the throw pillows and blankets.
Add plants to rooms that don’t have any, including hanging plants in windows.
Consider purchasing a new set of dishes and glassware, as well as table dressings for your kitchen and (or) dining room.
Cover over framed art using pretty wrapping paper or fabrics to give them a unique and eye-catching appearance.

These are just a sampling of some simple ideas for interior changes. Shopping around at flea markets, yard sales, antique stores, and thrift stores are other ways you can add some quick and charming changes to your interiors. Good luck!

Decorate With a Hand Rake

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:14:48 +0000

I’ve been to flea markets and yard sales where I’ve seen old hand rakes mixed in with the various goods for sale. I couldn’t help wondering what the heck people would do with an old hand rake that looked as though it was destined for the trash, rather than for use in someone’s garden. Then I thought, “What about using them in country décor?”

Here are some ideas:

Create a hat rack: spray down the hand rake in a coordinating color, and hang it on the wall upside-down. Hang hats, scarves, lightweight sweaters, and other light items from this whimsical rack.
Dry flowers: again, spray down the hand rake in a coordinating color (or, leave it as is if it has that distressed look you’re after), and hang it upside-down. Hang bunches of flowers and branches to dry from the rake’s tines.

Once you start looking at this gardening tool differently, you’ll be surprised how many country décor ideas pop into your mind. Take these ideas and run with them! Have fun!

Is it Time For Change?

Jenn Greenleaf — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:59:36 +0000

Sometimes, we grow so used to the spaces in our homes that it doesn’t seem like anything ever needs to change. However, there are times when change is absolutely necessary when it comes to the efficiency of our homes. There are other times, though, when things are running smoothly . . . but it’s all out of date . . .

Are you tired of the paneling on your walls?
Do you have doors that seem to be made of cardboard, rather than wood?
Did you discover that the crown molding is actually a sticker surface, and not real wood?

These are the types of changes that I’m talking about. They’re not really anything that will improve how the home functions, but they will help with the aesthetics, and the overall feeling of the home’s environment. Is it time for change?

Bring on Spring!

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:17:20 +0000

Even though spring is not quite upon us yet where I live (Maine), there are ways to bring on spring in our interior spaces! Here are some tips:

Start your bulbs in containers: plant them in pots filled a little more than half full of potting soil, and then store them in a cool-dark place until they start to sprout. Once they have started to sprout, place them in a sunny area of your home. Voila! Spring!
Lighten up your fabrics: replace “winter colors” with light and airy fabrics like a comforting tone of blue, or a sun-shiny yellow. Use toss pillows, throws, and window treatments to achieve this “room lightening” goal. Voila! Spring!

It may be dark and dreary outside as the last of the snow storms hit us, but that does not mean that I cannot start breaking out of the doldrums indoors!

Layer on the Colors!

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:43:32 +0000

In our home, there is a lot of blue. A lot. We have blue rugs, blue window treatments, and blue hues in our linoleum floors. We also have a blue striped love seat in the living. Yes, it’s a lot of blue and working our spaces into a different color scheme is in progress. However, I have found a way to layer things up to tone down the blue:

I put two throw blankets on the striped love seat, one a very light mocha and the other solid blue (I know, but it does break the color).
I put a vanilla color throw blanket on our gliding rocking chair.
There’s an Oriental rug flanking one end of our living room that contains two different color browns, sage green, and burgundy.
The burgundy color has traveled to the other end of the room in the way of occasional lamps, throw pillows, and a chenille throw.

So, until I can get rid of the all blue wall-to-wall carpeting (we’re putting in hardwood flooring throughout the space), I have layered on the colors. It’s a quick fix to a pricey color problem.

Simple Mantel Décor

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:38:41 +0000

More often than not, in the hustle and bustle of the household’s schedule, the mantel can easily become the drop off spot for miscellaneous whatnot. For example, if you have a bowl setting on your mantel, have you ever noticed it becomes the catchall for just about every small object?

However, if you have a simple decorative statement in place, mantel clutter could become less of a problem. Here are some ideas:

Line up several different sized bowls that are all the same color or finish. Keep them empty (but make sure the family knows they are to stay that way) or fill them with seasonal items like fruit, pinecones, or gourds.
Set a leaning picture or mirror on to the mantel top slightly off-center, and add a large vase with a floral or branch arrangement. Add some small decorative elements like clocks or candles to balance the scale.

Once the mantel looks like it has a clear purpose, you will soon see what a beautiful focal point it can be for the room . . . rather than the catchall.

Don’t Be Afraid to Be Weird

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:24:37 +0000

“Why did you do that? Its so weird!”

Do you hear this often when you make choices for the paint, décor, and furniture in your home? Does it just roll off your back, or does it bother you?

Honestly, when it comes to the style and décor of your home, it’s truly a reflection of you and your family’s tastes and lifestyles. Don’t be afraid of hearing the words “weird” or being questioned about your decisions when it comes to creating your space.

No matter how weird it may seem to others, it doesn’t matter. It’s your space, it’s where you and your family live, and it’s where you and your family will grow. Who cares if others think it’s weird! Don’t be afraid to be weird! Paint those antlers bright red, mount them to a piece of pine, and call it a coat rack if you want to!

Be Inspired by What You Love

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:20:15 +0000

There’s always one element in a room that you absolutely love. It could be something as small as a throw pillow or something as large as your big screen TV. When doing a room makeover, be inspired by what you love! Turn your room into a space that reflects the true you, rather than what you think others might believe you should have in there.

For example, I’m redoing my stepdaughter’s room because we’ve moved someone else in there and she’s sharing now. She has a set of throw pillows that are all different types of quilting fabrics and lace. Those pillows are setting the scheme for the rest of the room. I’m pulling color, pattern, and texture inspirations from these tiny little pillows. It’s unexpected, and will carry a big impact!

The Writing is on the Wall

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:13:51 +0000

Remember when you were growing up and that temptation to color on your walls was eluded by your parent’s warnings not to do so? Well, now that we’re adults, we can write and color on our walls without giving a care or a worry in the world! What am I talking about, right?

Rub-on’s and decals are becoming all the rage for novice and professional interior decorators alike. Some of these decals are pictorials, while others depict popular phrases or quotations. There are also opportunities to personalize what the pictures or words will look like based upon your requests and specifications. Have fun!

Sprinkle in Some Romance

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:39:38 +0000

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and, if you’re the type who likes to create a romantic environment in your home, it’s not too early to start. Here are some ideas:

Keep fresh flowers on as many surfaces as you can.
Bring in some toss pillows and blankets with floral patterns.
Add some lace doilies to the tops of end tables and coffee tables.
Set out books of poetry, romantic quotations, and dessert cookbooks.
Display candles with your favorite scent on as many surfaces as possible.
Embellish tabletops and mantles with tea lights.

These are just some of the ideas you can use to bring touches of romance into your interior spaces. Have fun!