Its all about Stripes

Lately , my new favorite geometrical pattern to use when designing a room has been the stripes. Being as much as on the walls or as little as on a throw pillow, stripes can immediately add drama and uniqueness to any space.

Not convinced? Here are some spaces that will definitely turn you into a stripes lover.

This Sarah Richardson design has stripes in many different parts of the room, which can be very busy, but the use of subtle , neutral colors makes this space relaxing.

I love this nursery. What makes it stand out is the chocolate brown and ivory stripes on the lower half of the wall.

Stripes in a transitional room makes it more than just a transitional hallway. Note that when the stripes are wide , the furniture should be minimalist.

Stripes in the least expected place takes the room to a whole new level.

This white simple room is tied together with the black and white accent stripes

This is a proof that stripes goes with different colors and patterns

Here are some more inspirational stripes.

Make sure to visit my blog again for more design talk.
Ruba

What Is Your Style ? -French Country-

One of my favorite styles, French Country. The combination of antique furniture, soft tone colors along with natural elements makes the french country living cozy,  elegant, charming and romatanic while adding an old-world feel to it. The look is completed with a big bouquet of flowers somewhere in the room, and , of-course, the rooster.

How to get the look :

1 - The over-all look is rustic, welcoming and charming with natural color palette and distressed wood.
2 - Colors used are inspired by the french country landscape : yellow, blue ,green and red
2 - Rusted iron or gilded metal used in furniture, chandelier, stair railing , accessories and door hardware
3 - The flooring is made of natural materials like stone , terra-cotta , brick and wood. The wood used is oak,  fruitwood ,walnut and mahogany and is usually not or lightly stained.
4 - The walls are painted pale colors with a textured finish and wood panels to give the room an antique look.
5 - The fabrics typically used in French Country are : Boutis, toile,  indienne, natural linen and cotton.
6 - Window treatments are simple and the fabrics used are pale in color.
7 - Lighting : Crystal chandelier and wall scones.
8 - Antique and rustic furniture are mixed with polished and elegant pieces.A popular furniture in French Country design is an armoire with open shelves.
9 - Wood beams on the ceiling can be used as an architectural element . They are usually left in their natural colors to add contrast against the pale walls.
10- Accessorize the room with copper pots , the famous ceramic rooster,  baskets and some wood pieces.

Tips :

 - Some popular French Country motifs that can be on pictures , fabrics and table clothes are  flowers , beetles and ofcourse , the rooster.

- Choose colorful fabric against the light furniture frame for a more casual look.

- To add a modern twist, mix fabrics with strips and geometrical patterns.

This french country livingroom is all elegance and charm with its rustic armoire , furniture, stone fireplace, gilded chandelier and accessories.

The dark oval dining table adds a beautiful contrast to the lighter french chairs and silk drapes. 

This daybed and the different fabrics , including checkered, stripped and toile, are typical in french country design.

From the moment you enter this house, you'll feel the welcomed with the soft tones and white & curvy furniture  

The wood beams on the ceiling, iron chandelier  and the Indienne & checkered fabrics makes this room cozy and charming.

The modern lighting makes this french country console more contemporary.

A leather chair and contemporary chandelier & accessories is added for a modern twist in this french country room. The toile fabric on the couch and the terra-cotta flooring adds the homey feeling in this space.


Here are some rooms inspired by the french country style :

What do you think of the French Country style ?

Make sure to visit my blog again for more design talk.

Ruba

Whats your style? - Traditional -

When planning to decorate your house, start by choosing what decorating style you love and make sure that you use it throughout the house. But what is your favorite? There are many different styles out there that all I can do to fit them in one post is just mention them , so instead, I'm gonna talk about one style at a time starting with the traditional.

Traditional style is a timeless design with a homey and comfortable feeling. Its all about fabrics, rich colors, draperies, strong architectural elements (ex. trims and moldings ), antique and upholstered furniture pieces and attention to even the tiniest details.

How to get the look :

1 - Think symmetry. Furniture and accessories should be in pairs and placed around a focal point.
2 - Detailed Trims and molding
3 - Neutral color palette. Repeat different patterns and colors on draperies and upholsters.
4 - Wood is finished in darker tones like mahogany, walnut and cherry.
5 - Famous traditional fabric prints include floral prints, toile, damask and strips. Luxurious fabrics are used such as velvet and brocades
6 - Window treatments are usually layered. Sheer curtains , draperies then valance or swag. Don't forget the tassel fringe.
7 - Furniture is upholstered and have details such as nail-head or cord trims and button tufting. antique and upholstered furniture pieces that has some curved lines Throws and pillows have trims of tassels, fringe and ribbons.
8 - Accessories like crystal chandelier , lamps , frames and mirrors should have bronze details.
       
                                            

As you can see from the pictures above that traditional design is very expected, but you can add a twist  to it by mixing some modern elements and bolder colors  for a fresh look. For example, you can have the curved line furniture and distribute it symmetrically , but upholster it with geometrical patterned fabric.

Smooth curves on the furniture as well as the table and ottoman legs is an element of traditional decor. The blue patterns and polka dot adds an unexpected twist. 

Symmetrical furniture distribution and curvy furniture and toile fabric are all elements of traditional style. The green choice of color adds a modern twist to this living room.

Is traditional your style? if not , then make sure to visit my blog again for more decor styles and more design talk.

Ruba

Reading Nook

Being a wife, a mom and running a business, I barely have time for myself. Sometimes I wish i have a relaxing spot to enjoy a book , have a drink, day dream or a nap maybe. At the moment , I am writing this post while sitting on my kids reading nook in the play room where my kids are playing. So much for me wanting to relax! If not in a kids playroom, it is the perfect place to wind down during the day. Reading nooks can be created under the stairs, a bay window, an unwanted closet space , a little wall pocket in a room ....
Here are a few reading nooks that makes me want to grab a book and curl up in any of them.

I love the colors in this space. Only looking at it makes me relax.

The end of a hallway in this loft is the perfect spot for this nook.

A closet transformed into an office and reading nook. How creative.

This is a proof that no matter how small your closet is, it can still work. 

The arch makes this nook even more charming

A small room is now the perfect  hideaway 

A bay window = reading nook. And over here, the draperies in front of it make it one dressy spot.

Under the stairs ... The fabric colors and wood panels makes this one cozy nook.

What do you think?  Dont you feel like having a me-time now? 

Thanks for reading.
Ruba