On Display

Art as an Accessory
Accessories make an outfit.  Accessories make a house a home.  They add style and personality. They tell a story…your story.

Source:  Paula Chamblin Interiors

Art is a fabulous accessory.  Art doesn't have to be expensive to be "good."  Some of my favorite pieces have been picked up at flea markets and antique stores.  The artist may not have works in the Louvre, but they have spoken to me in some magical language.  Maybe it was the color, the scene, or the feeling the piece evoked.

Art can be singularly displayed or artfully displayed en masse for impact.

Most of the time, the single placement of a piece of art is not a challenge.  A question I receive frequently from clients is…

What is the best way to 

display 

several works of art 

together?

How to Build the Perfect Gallery Wall

When putting several works of art together to create a "gallery wall" in your home, follow these simple guidelines:

1.  Create unity with a color scheme.  This doesn't mean that all of the pieces should have all of the same colors.  Pick one to three colors and have them threaded in the majority of the pieces.

In the photo to the left (source:  Houzz), you'll see subtle shades of blue in a majority (doesn't have to be EVERY piece) of the works of art.















2.  Mix art styles and mediums.  Combine various styles (abstract, traditional, etc.) and mediums (oils, watercolors, photographs, sculptures, etc.).

Sculture adds dimension and interest to this hall gallery wall.  Also note how the colors of the simple gallery style frame picks up the colors from the bolder art piece on the bottom right.  Source:  Houzz

3.  Or don't mix art styles and mediums.  Maybe you collect a certain type of art or a particular subject matter.  For example, I collect portraits.  Family portraits, you ask?  Yes, just not my family.  Grouping all the different portraits together in a hallway or small space (as I did in the powder room of my last house) creates an interesting display.


4.  Vary sizes.  Create interest not only with the color or subject of a piece, but also with the size.


5.  Or don't vary sizes.  

5.  Frames matter.  A great frame should complement a piece, not take over and be the focal point. When you are displaying art en masse, the frames should be simple.  The type of frame depends on the style of the art and the mood you are trying to create.  

For example, if you want to create a more modern feel, simple gallery style black (or complementary color) wood frames could work.  If you want  a more traditional feel, use a variety of simple frames in similar color tones.  They don't have to match, but they should coordinate.


Still need more guidance…

Here is a helpful tutorial from The Glitter Guide:

http://theglitterguide.com/2014/05/21/how-to-build-the-perfect-gallery-wall/

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

#gallery wall

#positivelychic

#PaulaChamblinInteriors

#art

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