Before and After

Design Details:  

Drum roll please….The Columbus Museum of Art's Decorators' Show House is officially open!

It has been a project, to say the least.  Fifteen designers have been working fast and furiously to transform a 19,000 square foot Georgian Colonial home into a design mecca.

If you're in the area:

April 21 to May 10
Tuesday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday - Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$25 Admission

As you walk through the house, pay attention to the details.  You'll be amazed at how many little tips you can pick up and immediately implement in your own home.

I thought it would be fun to give you a "before" and "after" peak into the space I transformed.

 The Second Floor Landing:  BEFORE

Before, the space felt like a simple passageway.  The walls were covered with wallpaper that needed an update (Read between the lines:   quite outdated and not the "wow" factor I was looking for in the space).  The curved accent wall wasn't a proper focal point.

The Second Floor Landing:  AFTER

It's more than a passageway. It's a family gallery, a place for gifting and make believe. 

The design of the entry tile is carried upstairs in the soft metallic geometric wallpaper on the gently curved accent wall. You can't tell from the picture, but the wallpaper is textured and has a metallic feel and shimmer.  Very elegant!  Our friends at Ruth Wilson Showroom graciously helped us secure the wallpaper.  

They are a great design resource here in town.

The existing wallpaper was removed and the walls painted by, none other than, John Hardy -- my partner for wallpaper and painting for more than six years.  The man can do just about anything!  We used Benjamin Moore Aura paint.  The coverage was unbelievable and the texture almost looks like suede.  

Thank you to Creative Paints for donating the materials!

Cowhide and leather covered corner chairs provide the perfect spot to slip into your Jimmy Choos before heading downstairs. Two domed chairs "round" out the corners. 

 Who knew the space could house so much seating?  

Two marble topped tables are French antiques and lend an old world feel.  Fabulous accessories and lamp provide interest in the space; special thanks to my dear friend, Tanya Newland of Fortner Fine Living, for sharing her pretty things with me.

Natural elements (horns, oyster shell box, quail taxidermy) combine with refined fabrics and beaded detail to create a warm, elegant setting befitting of this gracious home.

The halls are lined with family art--from family portraits to favorite artists--prominently displayed.  Quite a lot of art, graciously loaned to us by Art Access in Bexley.  Barb and Gail are tastemakers in their own right and can spot collectible art when they see it.

A piece of art that is particularly dear to me is the oil on canvas of our Lily Kate, created by Farnoosh Lanjoni.  The oil portrait is so realistic, it looks like Lily Kate will stand up and walk from the painting.  Ahhhmazing!  What a keepsake Farnoosh has 

created for generations of Aulinos to come. 

 If you're interested in having your child's portrait painted (or a group painting of more than one kiddos), let me know and I will put you in touch with this talented man who's conveniently located right here in Columbus.  

AND THERE'S MORE

If budget truly were no object (Read between the lines…Yours truly paid for everything in the PCI space.), I would have also considered doing... 

• I would have painted the interior of the coffered ceilings an accent color to accentuate the existing stained glass sky lights.
• The existing brass chandelier would have been updated with something more current (though brass is making a come back).
• The existing stair carpeting runner would have been updated with something like a tone-on-tone animal print.

As I always say, every home needs a little bit of animal print.

But, just like in "real life," there is a budget and often things need to be completed in phases.  This is a good lesson in this (harsh) reality.  LOL

GIFT WRAPPING ROOM

Before, the hall closet was just a place where you might have thought to house such things as bed and bath linens.  

Wow!  Look what a little creativity and know how can do!

Tucked away in the hall closet is a gifting station, efficiently equipped with all the trimmings to wrap the most beautiful gifts. Partnering with Birdie Brennan, professional organizer, we've created a custom workspace completed in Tiffany blue.  Wrap it up!

Little Girls' Treehouse Retreat

Before, the cedar closet was simply a place to store clothes.  The simple metal rods and single wood shelf was illuminated by a fluorescent light.

Inspired by my six year old daughter, Lily Kate, the cedar closet was transformed into a treehouse hideaway--a magical retreat for tea parties, crafting and 

curling up with your favorite fairytale. 

The metal hanging rods were removed, the shelf reinforced and accessorized.  As I've told many, I've never put so many things in such a small space in all my design career.  

Our goal was to show that even the most common spaces can be creatively transformed. 

 We hope you think we've met (or exceeded!!) our goal!

Thank you, again, to all my partners in this endeavor:

• Birdie and John Brennan
• John Hardy
• Creative Paints
• Ruth Wilson Showroom
• Fortner Fine Living

Positively yours,

A Priceless Accessory

XXO
P

A Cure for Just About Anything

It's a proven fact.  New shoes make you feel better.  

Okay, maybe it's not "scientifically" proven, but new shoes certainly put a smile on my face.  Who's with me out there?!

What are the shoe trends this spring?  

Here are some of my favorite selections to put some "spring in your step" this season:

Enjoy!

Clockwise, from top left:

Cole Haan Lunarground Wingtip Oxford $198 at Cole Haan

Superga 2750 COTU Classic $65 at Zappos

Zara High Heel Fringed Shoe $99.90 at Zara

Valentino Rockstud Chevron Thong Sandal, multicolor $1,095 at Neiman Marcus

TIbi Jack Slides in Natural $425 at Tibi

Jimmy Choo Anouk Metallic Leather Pumps $650 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Michael Michael Kors Snake-Embossed Leather Espadrilles $165 at Saks Fifth Avenue




XXO  P

#springshoes
#positivelychic
#jimmychooshoes
#tibi
#valentinorockstud
#michaelkors
#zarawoman
#superga
#colehaan

Something To Look Forward To

Happy Spring!

Well, spring is finally here (cue the cheers)!  Sunny days and cheerful dispositions are on the horizon.

Here are a couple of things to look forward to, in addition to sunshine, sandals, sundresses and beautiful flowers:

Columbus Museum of Art's Decorators' Show House

I am proud to be taking part in the Women's Board of the Columbus Museum of Art's 2015 Decorators' Show House (DSH).  This year's DSH is a 19,000 square foot gracious Georgian estate on a private cul-de-sac located in Dublin's Miurfield Village.  It is ahhh-mazing!

The DSH is a biennial event that raises funds to support the Columbus Museum of Art -- a treasure to Columbus.  The event runs April 21 to May 10; tickets are $20 through April 20 and $25 thereafter.

The Paula Chamblin Interiors team is in the process of transforming the second floor landing.  It's more than a passageway!  Our goal is to show that even the most common spaces can be creatively transformed.  Stay tuned for "before and after" shots of the project, as well as special event dates at the DSH.

Hope to see you there!  

Lilly Pulitzer for Target

 Mark your calendars for April 19th!!!

My summertime favorite is coming to a Target (pronouced "tar-jey" with a faux French accent) near you!  The colorful limited-edition collection features 15 Lilly prints across 250 items.  What do these items include, you may be wondering… I've seen a preview and, let me say, your outdoor entertaining area will be a happy and bright place.  The home goods are precious.  We can't forget about the clothes (shoes and accessories too). There are fabulous selections for women and girls (sorry guys!?!).  For good measure, they even threw in some cosmetic items.

The best part?  Items range in price from $2 to $150.  Score!



Happy Friday!  Happy Spring!

XXOO P

How to Win at Shopping

If shopping were a sport, I could be an all-star, an MVP, an Olypian.  You get the picture, right?  The girl can shop.  I do it for a living…constantly scouring the marketplace (hitting the sidewalk and surfing the web) to secure amazing pieces for my clients.

Well, I met the man who, literally, wrote the book on how to win at shopping.  Who is this man you may be asking? And where can I meet him?

Source:  DavidZyla.com

Meet:  David Zyla

A profile of accomplishments:

David is an Emmy Award-winning Costume Designer and Best-Selling Author.  His first book, Color Your Style, focused on coaching the readers how to wear their true color based on their unique hair and skin tones.  David has studied color extensively and eloquently shares his vast knowledge with his readers as if you, the reader, were sitting face to face with the dapperly dressed gentleman.  He has taken this insight further with his new book, How to Win at Shopping, by using this knowledge of what works best for you and how to find those pieces that will create the most authentic version of you and boost your confidence in the meantime.

He has designed for some of the most recognizable faces of contemporary culture including Hillary Clinton, Tom Hanks, Susan Lucci, Neil Patrick Harris and Carol Burnett.  

A Colorful Meeting on a Gray Day

On Saturday, Saks Fifth Avenue--Columbus, hosted a breakfast with David.  He was in town promoting his new book and offering practical advice for the fashion-forward of Columbus.  

Here are some of his tips for finding the best colors and styles to accentuate your own unique self:


Go for COLOR!  

Even though it's so easy to reach for that all-black ensemble, go for color.  Color makes us smile.  As David said, it's the person in pink or maroon that changes everything.  If a style you adore is available in a neutral and a color option, choose color.

Here's a challenge for you 

if you're in a black period...

The next five items you purchase, 

can't be black.

Find Your Color

David provided some interesting tips for finding your own perfect colors.  

• Pinch your fingertip, go to the make-up counter and match that color.  That'll be your best lipstick shade.  Who knew?!  David, of course!
• Look at the predominant vein in your wrist.  Whatever the color, blue, green or purple…that is your best dramatic color.
• Look at the ring around your iris.  There you will find your best color alternative to black.

Look to Your Own Closet for Shopping Clues

Do you always receive a compliment when you wear a certain color?  Hint:  Buy more of that color and wear it!  Do you have clothing hanging in your closet with tags?  Is there a trend?  Maybe it's a crew neck and you don't like a crew neck as well as a v-neck.  Maybe it's not the right style.  Whatever the reason, don't repeat your mistake.  

David always recommends knowing what you're looking for while shopping.  Have a plan.

What is your closet telling you?



Other Interesting Ideas from David

When choosing basic pieces, always consider the cost per wear or "use value."  Obviously (I think), if it's an item you're going to wear more often (let's say, in central Ohio, a winter coat), then you should pay more for it.  The cost per wear will actually be less because of the usage.


What item does David recommend spending more on… 

For women…a good handbag.

For men…a belt.



What does David consider staple pieces…

Jimmy Choo at Saks Fifth Avenue

For women…a great metallic shoe.

For men…a blazer that can go dressy or casual.







What's the best neckline to wear for your body?
Look at the shape of your chin to determine the best neckline for you.  The neckline should match your chin.  Do you have a square chin, you should wear a square neckline.  Same goes for your shoe style.

Fascinating!



All that said, after talking with David, 

I would have to describe him as a

 "fashion fortune teller."

I mean that in the most magnificent way possible.  He could simply look at a woman and tell her what colors, patterns, handbag style, neckline (and the list could go on) that would work best for her.





So what did David recommend for me?


You'll have to watch to find out!

Thank you, David, for making the winter a little brighter here in Columbus!  We hope to see you again soon.

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

Cold Weather Special Report

Baby, it's (BRUTALLY) cold outside…

Wow!  To say it's cold outside is an understatement.  If you've been stuck inside because of the bitter cold, the record snowfall or just because…your surroundings may be looking a little tired.  

Here are some cheap chic (and quick) updates to freshen up your home (aka your retreat from the weather):

The cheapest, quickest and easiest (TRIFECTA!!) way to decorate your home is to "shop" what you already own.  Walk around your house and look at everything you own.  Think how you might repurpose objects, accessories -- even furniture -- in different rooms.  

No credit card required!  Put money in the bank instead.

Whether it's an accent wall, ceiling, painting the back of your bookcases or an old piece of furniture, adding a fresh coat of paint in an "of the moment" shade instantly updates the look and feel of your room.  

Try Annie Sloan chalk paint to transform old furniture.
In Columbus, you'll find it at Fleurish Home.

While you have a paintbrush in your hand, try painting on a canvas.  I started painting this past summer, and while I'm no Renoir, it's a fun way to add a pop of color to the background of a buffet table for a dinner party or over the sofa.  

My Masterpiece

I love, love, love consignment stores.  You would be ahhhh-mazed at the treasures I unearth at these treasure troves.  Don't just think of consignment stores for buying, these places are a great resource for selling your old accessories and furniture.  Cha-CHING!

There are many online consignment stores I subscribe to as well.  You don't always have to hit the streets.  Save time on a site like "Craig's List" by subscribing to your Craig's List search terms.  This helps sort through the millions of items constantly listed.





Don't want to spend a fortune on custom window treatments or bedding?  Add embellishments to ready-made versions.  It's crazy how doing something simple and inexpensive as adding trim to the edge of ready-made window panels elevates them to nearly custom.

Restoration Hardware Baby&Child under $80

Have you ever looked at Restoration Hardware Baby & Child?  Pottery Barn Teen?  Land of Nod?  

Adorable (but not adorable in a baby way) accessories at, usually, a lower price than their "grown up" counterparts.  

Look for lamps, rugs, bedding (sorry no "king" size for the kiddos) and side tables at these design resources. 

Call me crazy, but I always feel so good after I de-clutter a drawer or clean out a closet.  There is something about being organized that takes me to my "happy place."  

While you're stuck inside, tackle a project.  Look through your closet and prepare for the spring season.  Sort out what you want to keep, store and buy.  You'll feel better.  Trust me.  It's encouraging to think that spring is on the way.  Really, it is.  It just doesn't feel like it.  

Oh, and did I mention that this is another "free" way to update your home.  





Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

PS  Sorry I've been on a little break from the blog; life got in the way.  All is good, just busy.