What's Your StyleScope?

Have some fun and take the StyleScope quiz... you might be surprised at the results! I just took the quiz (again) and my style is Bohemian Classic. Click here to find out your design style and how you can get started in putting your style to work.

Room of the Month

Simplicity...

My Happy Place... Part 1

This past weekend I made the decision that it was time to just do it.... time to stop procrastinating and transform my sad balcony to a spring hangout spot. I'm usually a fan of neutral rooms with punches of color, but this time I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and I'm going all in! Hello color! Fortunately I have a very long and wide balcony overlooking a little piece of Peachtree Street, so I have lots of space to work with. I want you all to be a part of the transformation so I will post lots of pics. Soon I will be in my happy place....

The BEFORE pics.... a long and wide concrete nothingness with a sad little table and two miserable chairs. Stay tuned for fabulousness :-)

A Treasure on Ponce

This past weekend my good friend Ryan and I stopped in one of my favorite furniture spots called Paris on Ponce. They sell one of a kind, antique furniture and accessories. Most of the pieces just need a little elbow grease. For example, you can purchase a unique chair and repurpose it -- drop in a new seat cushion with a modern fabric... and you're good to go! For those of you that love to mix/match old and new, then this is the perfect place for you. When I purchase a larger home, I will definitely rack up in this store. Check out the gallery here: http://www.parisonponce.com/gallery.html    

Oh and another cool tidbit.... they have a very cool event space located in the back called Le Maison Rouge. 

Room of the Month

Design by Nate Berkus

What I like: 

1. Creation of many seating areas without overcrowding the space   

2. Use of color while still maintaining an open and clean look 

3. Use of shapes and texture

Pimp My Cube

I recently started a new job and have yet to decorate my cube. I haven't had a cube in a long time so it's taking me some time to embrace my space. In my previous job I had absolutely zero privacy due to the open lofty design. The design of the office was modern and cool, but let's just say a jar of pens and a few souvenirs from my co-workers was the extent of fanciness. I was told to never hang or tape anything to the walls... oh well that was my past life. Moving forward I plan to sprinkle a little sunshine in my humble abode and make it my home away from home. Hmmm... I wonder how I can repurpose the yellow lava lamp the previous tenant left.

I recommend just keeping your space simple. Don't hang items on every square inch of wall space, keep your work area clean and organized - no clutter, and don't crowd your desk space with a million photos (especially inappropriate photos). Think about it... do you really want the VP stopping by for a quick chat and you are nicely framed in a bikini from your college spring break days with a beer in hand? Photos are great, but keep it to a minimum and make sure it's work friendly.

I came across this cute little cube design and wanted to share. It's simple, organized, inviting, and colorful... just what I want! A nice cube to come home to after a long and tiring meeting. Stay tuned... I will post a photo of my pimped out cube soon.

And by the way... this is a major cube design DON'T

The Fifth Wall

Flooring can truly revolutionize a room. Some people refer to flooring as "the fifth wall" which defines a room's overall feel. Flooring can make a room feel warm, cozy, polished, strong, natural or even relaxed. Here are several flooring trends for 2011:

Bamboo
Pros: Durable, eco-friendly, easy to clean
Cons: Expensive, possible moisture damage, scratches easily

Cork
Pros: Natural shock absorber, durable, lightweight, mold/mildew resistant
Cons: Regular maintenance, absorbs stains (if not treated), expensive

Reclaimed Hardwood

Pros: Unique appearance due to age, eco-friendly, can increase home value

Cons: Expensive, requires research to find quality wood, refinishing is labor intensive

Modern Shag Carpet

Pros: Variety of color and fiber options, comfort, inexpensive, easy installation

Cons: Shedding, catches dirt and dust (bad for allergies), holds moisture

Concrete

Pros: Durable, versatile, moisture/bacteria/allergen resistant, low maintenance

Cons: Installation, hard, conducts heat/cold/sound

Marmoleum

Pros: Durable, color variety, natural materials, prevention of mites, anti-bacterial properties, comfort

Cons: Installation (heavy)

Anti-Bacterial Tile

Pros: Reduces air pollutants, easy to clean

Cons: Concern of long term effects of anti-bacterial product use