Interior Design 101: Quick and Easy Updates

"Master Bedroom" Edition

What kind of master suite do you want to create?  For me, the answer is simple.  I want to create a relaxing, warm, luxurious place to unwind and sleep at the end of each day's adventures.

How do we create such a space?

Color.  Color has a huge impact on the mood created in any space.  I tend to like muted, relaxing colors in a bedroom.  

Source:  Paula Chamblin Interiors Inc.

Texture.  As in any room, varying the textures adds visual sensory interest.  In the master bedroom, I like to rotate bedding on a seasonal basis.  In the fall/winter season, I break out the velvet and faux fur.  For the spring/summer, the materials are lighter with cotton and linen.  

Extra Seating.  It's nice to have a comfortable, quiet place to relax and read a book (I wish!) or just sit and glance through a magazine.  In the master suite, seating should be plush and comfortable.  An ottoman is a must for maximum relaxation.

Good Lighting.  Bedside sconces with a light switch located at the level of the night stand is oh so convenient.  If you have a newer home with a tray ceiling, add rope lighting under the crown molding to provide soft ambient lighting.  A dimmer switch is a must.  A Control 4 System gives you the ability to turn the lights off from the bed.  Downright decadent!

Window Treatments.  Think form and function.  Window treatments should look great while blocking out light.

Storage and Security.  You can never have enough storage.  Bright Idea:  Use bookcases to store shoes.  




Well hidden wall and floor safes keep valuables protected.

A must in the master suite is a security system control panel to conveniently activate and deactivate the alarm.  Cameras to monitor the activity at your door and/or driveway gives an additional sense of security.  That, and a big fluffy blanket.

TV or No TV?  That is the question.

Source:  MarthaStewart.com

There are two schools of thought regarding the question of whether or not to have a TV in the bedroom.  Usually people feel strongly on either side.

The Case For a TV -- "Me" Time.  It is a luxury to be able to stay in bed and watch tv.

The Case Against a TV -- Researchers say it's bad for sleeping.  Takes time away from talking, etc.  Wink Wink

If you do have a tv in your master suite, it certainly doesn't need to be a focal point in the space.  Consider a TV that recesses into the foot of the bed or into a console when not in use. 


Ambiance -- Fireplace anyone?

Comfort -- A separate HVAC system to heat and cool the bedrooms is a great luxury and ultimately contributes to energy efficiency as well.

Convenience -- If you have the space, consider including a washer and dryer in the master suite.  A stackable pair takes up less space, but still provides the convenience.










Restfully yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID

Go Nude!

The Shoe That Just Keeps Going:  Stuart Weitzman's The Nudist

Available at Stuart Weitzman on-line.

Fashionistas and stylists agree that Stuart Weitzman's The Nudist pump will continue on into Spring 2015.   The stellar pumps have a 5" heel and come in no less than eight (and counting!) colors within a range of prices, depending on the material.  The shoe is designed to evoke '90s minimalism, elongate the look of your legs and go with pretty much anything in your closet.  Sold yet?

Whether you're going to a formal or casual affair (hello, daily life?!), these strappy sensations are a good go-to choice.

Now, I know what you're thinking…But are they comfortable?  Considering the fact that Stuart Weitzman shoes are Beyonce's official performance footwear, I would have to say, "You know it!".

Bey has been quoted as saying, "I have literally danced a thousand miles in his beautiful shoes."  Good enough for me.

Happy Friday!


Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID

(Nearly) The End of Summer

Until Next Year (or Spring Break), 

My Friends

While the thermometer says "summer" with a vengeance, the calendar is making its way toward autumn days. As you probably know by now, Lilly Pulitzer dresses are a summertime staple in our house.  Seeing these little Lilly's hanging like tiny dancers waiting for their number to be called to stage, makes me smile.  We're putting them away for now…until another sunny day.

Closing Out Summer

We've lived in our current home a little over three years.  Each year, our garden design gets better and better (or so I think).  Like your interior, you have to make the exterior of your home reflect your personal style and color scheme.  For me, that means purple, pink and white punctuated by pops of yellow.  That sounds very "interior designer-like," right?!  LOL

I like to experiment with different types of annuals each spring, while staying within my color scheme. If you're like me (and I hope you're not in this case!), I tend to forget what I plant and where I plant it from year to year.  

This year, I've had a brainstorm.  Cue the lightbulb above my head.  I keep copious notes of nearly everything else I do, so why not my garden plan?

Enter…the garden journal.

It doesn't have to be a fancy journal.  It can even be electronic.

SIDE NOTE:  I am still partial to the written word.  Call me old-fashioned on this point.

Add pictures of your flower beds in all their colorful glory, or if so inclined, include a few sketches.  You decide the way to best document your landscape.  Add notes about the types of flowers you planted -- what worked well and what didn't.

Include the timing of the sun and shade.  In my garden, I have morning sun in the back garden and afternoon sun in the front of the house.

Did you find a particular flower at a certain store…on sale?  What was the timing?  etc.  You get the picture.  The more detail you can add, the better.

Basically, add anything you think will help you get a jumpstart on your plantings next year.

For now, I'm heading out to find mums!  Bring on the pumpkins!


Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID

Three Things To Do This Weekend

Happy Labor Day!

1.  Wear White

Even though I don't follow the "no white after Labor Day" rule in its entirety, break out your whites to celebrate the holiday weekend.

2.  Eat Outside

Dine al fresco and soak up the sights, smells and feelings of the great outdoors as long as possible.
 Invite friends over and fire up the BBQ.

3.  Check Out Community Activities

Get out and enjoy all that your community has to offer.  Bottom Line:  Get outside and enjoy!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

It Never Fails Me

The LBD

The LBD is one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your closet.  It can easily be dressed up or down with the right accessories (and attitude!).  Remember, with a dark color, the quality of the fabric can be more forgiving.  In simple terms:  You can get away with a less expensive black dress vs. a print or bright color.

Though, with the LBD being such a classic, an investment in one of a great cut and style (perfect for your body type) with awesome fabric, may be justified.  You (or your accountant) can decide!

Here are some of my current favorites that'll stand the test of time and will fit in a range of fashion budgets…

Zara Boatneck Tube Dress $79.90

Ann Taylor Lace Overlay Dress $159

Saks Fifth Avenue Carmen Marc Valvo Knit and Dot Jacquard Dress $480

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID

Feeling Drained?

How to Save Your Phone's Battery Life

It seems that my cell phone is constantly sending me the 20% warning…the 10% warning…the "You've got 1% left on this phone, so make it quick!" warning…

I just came across this informative little video on a blog I read called "PureWow."  Yes, I read other blogs…many other blogs…

Hope you find this useful too!  Happy Friday!

Have a great weekend!


XXO

P

The Only Thing That Separates Us From the Animals

…is our ability to accessorize."

That is one of my all-time favorite quotes (from one of my all-time favorite movies: "Steel Magnolias") which, when I think about it, is something I take pretty seriously in my life.  On a daily basis, I am accessorizing…my home, other people's homes, myself, my child, and, yes, even on occasion, my husband.

Fall is my favorite time of the year.  Could it be because that is when I was born?  Maybe.  I tend to gravitate toward the autumnal color palette, love anything pumpkin (pie, cookies, bread, jack-o-lanterns, decor, the color orange…you get the picture), and simply adore sweater weather.  Life doesn't get much better than a chunky sweater (not too chunky to make you look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy, but just chunky enough), jeans and just a hint of a chill in the air.  Sigh...

Home Accessories

Positively Chic's Fall Picks

1.  Found Demijohns by Ballard Designs
2.  Graphic Throw in Orange Chevron by Wisteria
3.  Antique Mercury Glass Pumpkins by Pottery Barn
4.  Assorted Pillows by Wisteria
5.  Sicily Vases by Pottery Barn
6.  Check out your local nursery for fall mums!

7.  Burlap Bow Wreath at Etsy

8.  Battery-Operated Dream Candle with Remote by Frontgate.  These candles look so real, you have to look twice.  A remote?  How awesome is that?

9.  Bountiful Harvest Wreath by Horchow

Fashion Accessories

Positively Chic's Fall Picks

Chic: Gucci Nouveau Suede Fringe Shoulder Bag at Saks Fifth Avenue

Cheap Chic:  ASOS Suede Fold Over Fringe Bag

Chic: Blanket Poncho by Burberry

Cheap Chic:  Pattern Blanket Coat by Topshop

Cheap Chic:Annette Western Boots by Topshop

Chic:  MOTHER Slouchy Boyfriend Jeans

Cheap Chic:  Ripped Jeans with Leather Belt by Zara

Chic:  Jimmy Choo Addison Leather d'Orsay Pump at Saks Fifth Avenue

Plus:  Add pops of emerald green and oxblood 
in your accessories for an instant update that says
 "I am Fall 2014!"  Or, just because you like the colors.  HA!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID