Next on our merry tour of wonderful spaces, the dining room. Often reserved for more formal occasions, I would love to see this room evolve into a functional medley of sorts. For example, large tables work exceptionally well for puzzle making, crafting, homework, gift-wrapping, and more. A word of caution: be tidy and organized - you don’t want this to become the largest catch-all in your home.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: storage for specialty dinnerware/ linens/candlesticks/etc., layers of (dimmable) light can help create the right mood, and be mindful of chair movement and table proportions when selecting an area rug.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Another hot trend for 2014 focuses on the beauty of natural wood. Not only can this trend transition easily between styles, but it has the potential to be truly timeless. Personally, I’m in love.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

As usual, life is good - and BUSY! Although I hate to write and run, I’m afraid I must.

I love these mismatched seating groups. They add variety, color, interest, and a playfulness to the space. Maybe it’s also my fondness for the Weasley family or the Three Bears coming out as well - everyone has a chair that is unique to them :) What do you think?

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Since Thanksgiving is just a hop, skip and a jump around the corner, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to look at some lovely dining spaces. Feast your eyes on these beauties! (Get it?! Feast? hahahaha…. silly me).

This is one post subject I will have to revisit again - and soon! I found SO many fabulous fireplace images, I couldn’t possibly share them all in one sitting. Which style do you like best?

Next up, Arts and Crafts. One of my absolute favorites, this style developed in response to the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. At a time where machines were quickly replacing talented artisans with inferior products, the Craftsman Movement was about celebrating traditional skills and creativity as well as emphasizing the natural qualities of materials. Important names to note during this period are William Morris, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Gustav Stickley.

Qualities to describe the Arts and Crafts style: earthy color palette, natural materials and finishes (wood, stone, slate, leather), built in’s (cabinetry, shelves, benches), stained glass, dark/rustic hardware, beefy/tapered columns, handcrafted textiles and ceramics, and an overall emphasis on nature.

Honest to goodness, I love this style. Arts and Crafts is classic, a great balance of not-too masculine or feminine, it’s architectural, and I love the emphasis on nature. See for yourself.

My style? Mid-century/Bohemian. What does that say about me? I like to walk a fine, yet complicated line between classic-linear-graceful-modesty and artsy-funk-organic-fantastic. But that is just me.

Probably one of the best things about my job is the opportunity to explore, celebrate, and play with the variety of styles that exist. No two people or families are alike, and our interiors should honor that which makes us different.

So! Consider this the first in what will be a new series dedicated to style. First up, Traditional. What characteristics define this style? I would say Traditional is classic, sophisticated, possibly more on the formal side, with lots of symmetry. Check out these gorgeous images:

HGTV does have quite the cast of some very talented people nowadays. My most favorite of all is Emily Hendersen, host of Secrets from a Stylist, and recent winner of HGTV’s DesignStar.

Besides being cute and a bit quirky, I am fascinated by Emily’s approach to interior design as well as the format of her show. Her “Style Diagnostic” and layered approach to personalizing a space certainly helps this design professional to think outside the box. Secrets from a Stylist offers oodles of information - a definite must see.

My MOST favorite episode to date was the Bohemian/Mid-Century living and dining area. This is me, to a T.

Next up - Orange! (Sorry Orange, you didn’t get much of an intro there). Orange is one of those colors that most people either love or hate. Personally, I have to admit that Orange has found it’s way into my heart.

From Red-Orange to Yellow-Orange, this color is known to suggest humor, happiness, encouragement, adventure, spontaneity, creativity, and abundance. A common element in nature’s palette, Orange is frequently represented as the undertone of many wood grains, soil/earth, sunrises and sunsets.

I dare you to say “Pesky problem rooms are the perfect referral” five times fast

Last week my ever-so-talented painter friend mentioned tackling a pesky problem room before his inlaws came to visit. With the holidays quickly approaching, pesky problem rooms make for the perfect referral for me as well!

Perhaps the living room is showing signs of too much wear, the dining room is a diaster, the guest room is looking less than hospitable, and the bathroom - well the bathroom is just bad. You know who to call!

By the way … how is that tongue twister coming along?