Foyer and Function: tackling big challenges in a small entryway

15 May

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The main entry foyer of your home is an important transition space. If yours looks like this, please keep reading.

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Not every home is blessed with an abundance of natural light in the foyer. Light from a single or double lamp arrangement makes the space feel bigger, while a floor lamp is less a traditional option.

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d7f678c4766fe7e4e58e6ab18a36d02fA beautiful entry mirror can reflect both light and your personal style.

"It's not easy being green"

“It’s not easy being green”

speaks for itself

house rules

Select art and accessories that will set the tone for the rest of your home.

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An open nook can be decorated for show, or designed with valuable seating and storage.

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what radiator?

what radiator?

If you have HVAC components to design around, stick with an open-legged table.

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bb2bacb7b9a4acc8cd9b6e1a481aaf51Add a floor length skirt to conceal storage below and add a touch of class.

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image via Attic Mag

image via Attic Mag

In a very small space a shelf with storage underneath will do the trick. Don’t forget a durable area rug!

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image via Spruce Interior Design Moorish Chest from Wisteria

image via Spruce Interior Design
Moorish Chest from Wisteria

Stash mail and keys out of sight in a dresser drawer. A chest can also store your slippers, dog leashes, or reusable grocery bags.

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For all my cat-loving readers: DIY a hinged box to create a landing zone for both your mail and your cat’s unmentionables.

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That kind of ingenuity would make even the grumpiest cat proud.

@LindseyTdesign

A Federal Case: Why Thomas Jefferson is my design crush

11 May

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Federal style architecture and interiors make me squeal like a school girl, and none more than Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

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4-8-08alcovebedThomas Jefferson was a genius, just look at his bed. He put it in an alcove with hidden storage, open to a study on one side and bedroom on the other. And he totally got some.

 federal color palette

The Federal period came with its own color palette, and historical colors are undoubtedly my favorite.

10-150 Monticello dining room

design by Elizabeth Locke

design by Elizabeth Locke

T.J. made some cutting edge color choices for his dining room. A strong yellow is still a good choice for today.

image via Countryliving.com

image via Countryliving.com

A soft color scheme is a bit more palatable for most though.

image via Houzz.com

image via Houzz.com

image via One Kinds Lane

image via One Kings Lane

Federal style furnishings blend well with modern pieces. Convex mirrors, tapered legs, and bald eagles can work with any interior.

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Just make sure you have the proper permits.

203084264417085399_S3H7cAsG_cT.J. knew the importance of having both a sense of balance and a sense of adventure, and his style was truly revolutionary.

@LindseyTdesign

Not your grandmother’s cane

8 May

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Caning can bring back memories of grandma’s old chairs, or a bad trip to Singapore, but it’s a classic geometric design that can be incorporated into both modern and traditional interiors.

Belle Mead lamp table via Zinc Door

Belle Meade lamp table via Zinc Door

Traditional materials and clean lines made me fall in love with this elegant side table.

The modern twist on caning is more about the geometry and less about the texture.

Ansley bath vanity via Home Decorators Collection

Ansley bath vanity via Home Decorators Collection

Caning would also make great wainscoting, too bad nobody has been brave enough to try it and post a picture! I did find it inset in the doors of this vanity, however.

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IMG_0857A traditional living room makes use of a large scale cane pattern in a neutral color. A high-contrast tile floor makes a stronger statement.

cane pillow via Zinc.com

cane pillow via Zincdoor.com

design by Sarah Richardson

design by Sarah Richardson

Fabrics and furnishings with a cane pattern are easy to incorporate on a solid color sofa or alongside a patterned rug.

cane shades

DIY a cane lampshade to add detail and texture.

Sferra Marcus collection cane sheets via Horchow.com

Sferra Marcus collection cane sheets via Horchow.com

Sferra Marcus collection cane matelasse coverlets via Horchow.com

Sferra Marcus collection cane matelasse coverlets via Horchow.com

Check out Horchow for some Cane pattern bedding from Sferra. This collection is currently on sale.

cane garden seat via Williams Sonoma

cane garden seat via Williams Sonoma

cane lamp via numberfoureleven dot com

Cane lamp via No. Four Eleven

Capitalize on texture with this neutral ceramic stool and table lamp.

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Don’t be a tramp, use your cane wisely.

@LindseyTdesign

A doggone good cause

3 May

I was so excited to see that Ballard Designs has not only added a line of pet products, but they have also partnered with Canine Companions for Independence. This organization provides free assistance dogs to people with disabilities.

Adorable pet products, a worthy cause, and my dog Zeva can personally vouch for the durability of their outdoor rugs. Ballard Designs gets two thumbs up from me!

@LindseyTdesigns

Read between the lines: Lichtenstein-inspired home-goods

2 May

Roy Lichtenstein “Drowning Girl”

Roy Lichtenstein was a huge part of the 60’s pop art movement, and his work has inspired a limited-edition home collection now available at Barneys.

Rectangle Pillow available via Barneys

Rectangle Pillow available via Barneys

You can read about Lichtenstein in this book published by Monacelli Press, or snuggle up and read this quirky pillow instead.

Take a traditional foyer that is 99% New England and give it a nod in Lichtenstein’s direction.

An offbeat blue dining room incorporates a famous Lichtenstein print, “Drowning Girl”, on the wall. It takes a brave homeowner to embrace this wall color.

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And I think we found her.

via Room Service

via Addisonhouse

Use Lichtenstein’s’ strong outlines and bold colors to make your space pop with this Marilyn art from Room Service and coordinating ottoman from Addison House.


I was really excited to discover these Chinese style landscapes by Lichtenstein; modern and fun without the text bubbles.


When creating a Lichtenstein-inspired interior, drama and visual impact are key. For assistance in animating your space, you know where to find me.

@LindseyTdesign

I’m too old for paper or plastic: Outdoor entertaining beyond the red Solo cup

29 Apr

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After I bought a house I decided to upgrade from disposable plates and plastic cups. Have you thought about doing the same?

Keep it cool with a blue/green color palette.

Or spice it up with warm tones.

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A classic red, white, and blue color scheme will never go out of style.

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To keep utensils in check, consider glazed pottery.

Shatter proof drinkware and beverage dispensers are both safe and stylish.

If you already know that the majority of your summer beverages will be wine or margaritas, go ahead and make the investment in more specific glasses.

Up the ante with monogrammed paper napkins; it’s a great custom detail.

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Fire up the grill and enjoy your summer entertaining friends, family, or possibly the local fire department.

@LindseyTdesign

You bet your bocce balls!

23 Apr

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Some of my fondest memories of summer were weekends spent at my Uncle Al’s house swimming in the pool and playing bocce.

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Bocce is one of those outdoor games that can be played by all ages.

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28928_10151425816255914_467121289_nInstalling a bocce court won’t necessarily increase the value of your home; but if you have the space it’s a pretty easy DIY project.

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There is something about bocce that says both “family friendly” and “luxury” at the same time. Let’s forget about Paula and get back to the pauline.

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@LindseyTdesign

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