How to Decorate a Console Table in a Foyer

Interior design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

Console tables are such versatile pieces of furniture and look great in practically any room of your home but they are especially nice in a foyer. Having a piece of furniture with a countertop and some storage is also a practical idea. These tables can be the focal point of the foyer and look spectacular.

Interior design by Kimberley Seldon Design Group

The collections of items displayed on a console are often referred to by interior designers as tablescapes or vignettes. Many home owners are not certain on how to create these lovely arrangements. Positioning and assembling your mementos boils down to creating a pleasant composition and interior designers use the basic tools of balance, color, contrast, texture, scale to fashion these vignettes. Here is an assortment of some of my favorite tablescapes and some tips on how to create them.

Interior design by Phoebe Howard

This classic vignette features a collection of etchings that are each framed differently. Even though all the drawings are slightly different sizes there is symmetry. For more information of hanging a gallery style wall take a look at my earlier post How to Hang a Picture Wall.  Symmetrical arrangements usually look more formal and ordered and they are easier to pull off if you are doing it yourself. Take note of how the lampshade, sculpture and flowers over lap the bottom picture. This is called layering, and creates depth and shadow. The overall effect is a restrained, tailored, classic look.

Interior design by Suzanne Kasler

Ornate furniture gets casual in this asymmetrical foyer arrangement. Leaning the drawing in front of the mirror keeps it from feeling too proper. When designing foyers in our Calgary Renovations, I like to also add a chair or bench. The position of this chair balances the height of the mirror beautifully.

Interior design by Elizabeth Kimberly Design

The crispness of this arrangement is what catches my eye! The contrast between the grey wallpaper and dark wood credenza with the white wainscoting, mirror and ceramics is very fresh. Take note of the variety of heights of the objects on display. When arranging your items include an assortment of items that are different shapes and sizes. Also, I really like the flexibility for seasonal changes in this composition. Replace the white ceramics and floral arrangement depending on the time of year and you have a completely different tablescape!

Interior design by Jan Showers & Associates

Repetition is a design tool that is very simple to use and helps to create an interesting display. In this foyer, the pink color is repeated in the lamp, bowl, flowers, painting and chandelier. This is a very simple arrangement and since each object is the same color, it reinforces the importance of the vignette. The ultra rich dark chocolate walls contrast against this color making it pop out. I love this color scheme because the femininity of the pink is balanced with the masculine brown. Just lovely!

Interior design by Ashley Whittaker Design

Summertime is completely embodied in this simple and clean composition. If you have a collection of items, consider showcasing them all together for more impact. In this photo, the blue porcelain makes a much more powerful statement because there are three vases. Sprinkling these items around the room would lessen their importance. Notice how the mirror provides a bit of sparkle and makes the flower arrangement look fuller.

Interior design by Jeffers Design Group

This unusual piece of furniture is quite interesting on its own so it’s best to keep the display of accessories very simple. I like how there is a theme stringing these items together – can you see it? Every piece aside from the flowers is about the human form.

Interior design by Jeffers Design Group

Heavily patterned wallpaper is the backdrop for this retro console in a foyer. The mirrored panels on the console resemble the shape of the vases on the wallpaper. A tray has been used to corral the vases on the left side. Trays are a terrific way of adding weight to an arrangement and creating a composition within a composition. This foyer is spunky and fun. It gives visitors a glimpse into the character of the rest of the home and its home owner’s personality.

Interior design by Windsor Smith

Don’t you just feel like you know the person who lives in this house after seeing this console? The items have such personal appeal and this is one of the reasons I am so drawn to this tablescape. The simple color palette and high contrast of the dark and light items are very dramatic.

Interior design by Markham Roberts

Here is another example of how a collection is more powerful when grouped together. These shells are sculptural and interesting. Mixing textures is another design element that needs to be incorporated into your arrangement. The shells, faceted shiny mirror, ribbed lamp, glass bowl, glossy walls and cut velvet on the chairs are a variety of textures and keep this monochromatic scheme interesting.

Interior design by Jonathan Adler

In a very stark foyer, this grouping provides all the interest and gives your eye a place to rest. Everything is neutral in this room except for the accessories. The overall effect is that the space is quite colorful. Don’t be afraid of color and use interesting items that can be a conversation piece.

Interior design by Tobi Fairley

High contrast, shape and form play a major role in this impressive foyer. The black outlined dresser plays up the pretty shape of this bow front piece of furniture. Displaying the unique sculptures in the acrylic box makes these items feel important as well as protecting them. In order to layer the sculpture in front of the painting, a stack of books with graphic titles gets the acrylic box at just the right height – a little trick used by designers all the time! The books used provide additional insight into your personality.

Photo courtesy of Decorpad

Yet another collection! This grouping of turquoise items is stunning! Each vase is different in height and shape which is crucial when mixing like objects. It adds visual interest to this tablescape.

Photo courtesy of Decorpad

This ultra simple and modern white parson’s table is mixed with the rustic benches below. The stools ground this arrangement keep it from looking too light. There is a great mix of textures in this tablescape. Displaying rustic and modern, traditional and casual pieces together creates an unexpected, dynamic display.

Interior design by Kimberley Seldon Design Group

What’s not to love about this arrangement? Of course I adore the zebra print bench and glam mirrored obelisks! But the best thing about this arrangement is that in a traditional home these items freshen up the look. The symmetrical composition is loosened up with the animal print and objects on the mirrored tray.

Foyers are your first impression. Normally, we do not linger long in these spaces so have some fun and amp up your design choices. A console or dresser is the perfect spot to show off your collections, inject some personality and provide some storage. I hope that this post gives you the confidence to boldly march forward and decorate your foyer, but if not – call Corea Sotropa Interior Design for some help! We are at your service!

Cheers!

Tips and Inspiration for Decorating a Nursery

 

Interior design by Sarah Richardson

 My sister is about to have her second child, a boy, and our whole family is happily anticipating his arrival. His nursery is all set up and ready to go and now we are left to sit on pins and needles until we are finally introduced to him! Decorating the nursery is one of the biggest jobs for an expectant mom, but also one of the most rewarding. There is so much that needs to be finished, and there is a serious deadline looming! Luckily there is that extra burst of energy at the end of the pregnancy that enables moms to complete their to do lists just in time. Newborns require very little in terms of gear. There are only a few things that are necessities. All the rest comes down to style.

Interior design by Elizabeth Kimberly Design

 When working on our client’s Calgary renovations we are often asked to help design the baby’s room. It is so exciting when we are able to work on a nursery since it is all about fun and our imaginations can run wild! There are only a few things that I feel are vital elements for a nursery. Here they are:

 1)      Change Area – a safe place to change the baby with nearby storage for diapers, creams and other accoutrements. Think about reusing an existing piece of furniture with a change pad on top, or a dresser that can be later used as the child grows.

2)      Storage – a well-organized closet with double hanging rods is ideal along with shelves for books and toys.

3)      Firm Crib Mattress – it might not sound very comfortable, but a firm mattress is better for baby’s back.

4)      Black Out Lined Window Coverings – a dark room makes it easier for baby to go to sleep during the day or in the summer when the sun sets late. Watch out for the pull cords on blinds and have a method to get them out of the way.

5)      Comfortable Chair – this doesn’t necessarily have to be located in the nursery, but make sure you have a comfortable chair to feed the baby in. Avoid those ugly gliders – there is no reason why you can’t have something nice to look at that is comfy too!

6)      Safety – make sure any bookcases are bolted to the walls if you have a climber! It’s a good idea to have a professional check your room for hazards and help you make this room as safe as it can be.

 And now on to the inspiration! A baby’s room is the perfect opportunity to try out some color and pattern. Go for a mural, grid of color or add wallpaper. Don’t forget about the ceiling – some of these rooms have some ingenious ceiling details that can’t be missed.

 Photo from Domino Magazine via Habitually Chic

Photo from Domino Magazine via Habitually Chic

Photo courtesy of Ohdeedoh

Interior design by Windsor Smith

 Interior design by Sarah Richardson

Interior design by Sarah Richardson

 Photo courtesy of HGTV

 Interior design by Jeffers Design Group

 Image courtesy of Spearmint Baby 

 Interior design by Little Crown Interiors

Interior design by Little Crown Interiors

Interior design by Little Crown Interiors

Image courtesy of Parents Magazine

Image courtesy of Parents Magazine

Image courtesy of HGTV

A baby’s room that is fully decorated and organized is an expectant moms’ dream come true! Having a special place for your little one is a real joy. There’s no better way to welcome your new family member to your home then to have a special place that is all their own.

Cheers!

Upholstered Headboards

Interior design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

Upholstered headboards say luxury. If you want your bedroom to be sumptuous, comfortable and plush an upholstered headboard is the answer. Nestling into bed and leaning against one of these beauties is a real treat at the end of a busy day. Headboards are the natural focal point of a bedroom and these upholstered options are definite eye catchers!

Interior design by Elizabeth Kimberly Design

Recently I was introduced to the gorgeous work of Elizabeth Kimberly Design by the blog Elements of Style and I was blown away by their beautiful portfolio. This oversized headboard caught my eye. This kind of color palette is frequently requested by our clients and is very popular in Calgary. Isn’t this just the most serene, elegant bedroom?

Interior design by Amanda Nisbet Design

Headboards are very dramatic if done in a bright color like this lovely violet. Against a chocolate brown wall this color is fantastic. There is no reason not to choose a vibrant shade or a pretty patterned fabric for your headboard.

Interior design by Amanda Nisbet Design

This is a sharp look for a teenage boy’s room. The upholstery tacks and contrasting edge detail are striking. A side note – check out the wallpapered ceiling, a trend I wrote about in a past post. It looks terrific in this room.

Interior design by Amanda Nisbet Design

Scalloped edges, contrast piping and buttons on these twin headboards make this kids room magical! The green and yellow combination is wonderful too.

Interior design by Tobi Fairley

This handsome headboard is reminiscent of a wing back chair. I think it would be the perfect thing to snuggle up against while reading a book on a cold winter’s night.

Interior design by Sarah Richardson

Canadian design maven Sarah Richardson designed this wingback headboard. She has created a line of upholstered furniture including headboards that are available at shops across Canada like Maria Tomas one of my favorite haunts in Calgary.

Interior design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

Headboards are most often custom made. They may have an upholstered base which the mattress sits inside or they may have no base and sit on the floor or attach to the wall. If they are not made with an attached base a bed skirt is required. The bed skirt may be made of the same material of the headboard or a fabric which complements the bedding. The headboard in this room that we designed has no base and sits on the floor behind the bed.

Interior design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

This tiny master bedroom was a challenge for our design team and a custom headboard was the answer! We designed the headboard to fit precisely underneath the angled ceiling and stained its frame to match our custom designed nightstands.

Photo via Things That Inspire

This image was taken from a wonderful article brimming with very elegant photographs of bedrooms from the blog Things That Inspire. I highly recommend that you check out this article which features so many lovely upholstered headboards.

Interior design by Noel Jeffery photo via Things That Inspire

An entire wall has been upholstered and then the luxury has been doubled by placing an upholstered headboard in front of it! I’ll bet that this bedroom is whisper quiet because of all the fabric which helps to deaden noise.

Interior design by Tobi Fairley Design

I love this coral damask fabric used for this headboard. It is pretty and fresh on this very simple headboard style. It is making me think of spring!

Interior design by Palmer Weiss photo via Anh-Minh.com

This headboard has a traditional shape, but has been upholstered in a mod patterned fabric. I love the contrast between the two which creates a very unique focal point. Here the bed skirt has been manufactured out of the same fabric as the headboard.

Photo via Canadian House and Home

If you are planning on making your own simple headboard, Canadian House and Home featured a handy DIY Upholstered Headboard article which outlines the steps and materials required.

Since your bed is the most important feature of your bedroom, why not make a statement with an upholstered headboard? Choose an interesting shape, upholstery tacks, tufting, a patterned fabric or an exciting color to highlight your focal point. Add some luxury in your life with an upholstered headboard.

Cheers!

How to Hang a Picture Gallery

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Hanging your artwork or photographs gallery style is a daunting task for most home owners. Our clients frequently request that we arrange and hang family photo galleries or collections of framed art work for them because they are terrified of doing it themselves! It is difficult for most people to create these compositions and they are not even sure where to start. Here are a few tips to give you confidence to create a gallery wall.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

The first thing that you need to tackle is rounding up all of the photographs, mementos, and artwork that you would like to group together. A gallery may contain only photographs, art or a combination of both. Collections that contain both photos and art are more intriguing then just one or the other and draw the viewer in. Including personal mementos or unusual objects makes the arrangement more casual and individual. Comic strips, children’s art, love notes, four leaf clovers, funny want ads, postcards, and concert tickets are examples of items that our Calgary interior design firm, Corea Sotropa Interior Design, has included in amongst the galleries of our clients. This creates a really personalized, quirky and fun gallery that has special meaning to our clients.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart via Under a Paper Moon

Your next step is to decide how all of your items should be framed. Using the same frame for each piece can be dramatic, but usually only works if you are solely planning to display photographs. If you are planning to display both photography and other items then frame all the photographs identically and select frames for the other items that complement the object. Pottery Barn and Ikea have a great selection of basic frames for photographs. A framing shop can help you to select the color of matte and frame that highlights the art or memento. Selecting an ornate frame is a whimsical way of drawing attention to items that are special or very different from the rest of the collection.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Galleries may be displayed in a random fashion or in a very ordered layout. When all of your framed pieces are identical in size a grid pattern layout is extremely dramatic. It can be tricky getting all of your pieces lined up straight, but the result is a simple, unified arrangement. If your collection has a variety of different objects, frame sizes and frame styles then an asymmetrical arrangement is your best option. These layouts are more difficult to organize on the wall, but result in a very personal display that is charming and more casual.

Photo courtesy of West Elm via Apartment therapy

Before hammering into your wall, arrange all of your pieces on the floor and create a layout that is balanced. Then start in the center of the composition and hang that piece first. The center should hang at around 5’ off the ground at eye level. Then, piece by piece hang the other pieces moving from the center outwards. Sometimes it is very useful to draw a plan of the arrangement which measures the spaces between each item so that you have a reference point. Be prepared that you may need to make more then one nail hole to get it just right!

Photo courtesy of  Steven Gambrel via Coco + Kelly

The trick to laying out an asymmetrical arrangement is to have a common axis which the pieces are lined up on. Lining up the frames along the bottom is a great way of keeping some order to the chaos. When displaying a collection on a staircase, the composition of frames should mimic the steps of the stairs. The above sketches featured on the blog Design Formula detail how this can be achieved.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart via Under a Paper Moon

Keep your frames close to one another. Depending on the arrangement, somewhere between the width of the frame and 5” is more then enough. The arrangement should read as one unit and limiting the spaces between the frames keeps the composition pulled together instead of looking scattered.

Photo courtesy Beth Webb via Desire to Inspire

If you are including family photographs keep in mind that you may want to add new photos to the grouping as your family grows up. Including frames that enable you to replace the photograph is a good way to accommodate for this. Another idea is to add more photos to the edges of the compositions at a later date.

Photo courtesy of  Domino Magazine via Under a Paper Moon

Gallery walls are interesting and showcase the personality of the homeowner. They can be delightful and quirky collections of photographs and beloved treasures or a dramatic grid creating repetition and rhythm. Have fun gathering your items together and creating your composition of favorite things!

Cheers!

Selecting Artwork for the Novice Collector

Most clients of ours who have not purchased original art work before find it an intimidating and daunting task. Even entering a gallery can cause nervous jitters. I believe this is because original art tends to be a high ticket item, and clients are afraid to make a wrong choice or have little experience in the art form itself. But here’s the secret. You don’t need to know a thing about the technique, and biography of the artist before you enter a gallery. You don’t need a degree in Art History or personal experience in creating art. All that you need is to follow your instincts and look for something that moves you. There is no wrong choice if you like something. The first purchase is always the most painstaking and frightening but after you buy your first piece, you may find that collecting artwork becomes a new hobby and a passion. You will look at your blank walls and have the uncontrollable urge to adorn them with something amazing. Here are a few of my tips to help you gain confidence before taking the plunge into purchasing original artwork.

Painting by Timothy McDowell available at Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art in Calgary.

Before shopping for art work, find out where the galleries are in your area. Ask your interior designer or friends whose collection you admire for a list of their favorite haunts. It’s also great idea to spend a bit of time researching the kind of art you are drawn to. Most galleries have amazing websites now featuring pieces from the artists they represent. Take a look at the website and see if you can pinpoint a few artists that you are drawn to. If you are looking for a piece for a particular spot in your home, snap a photograph that you can bring with you to the gallery with the dimensions noted on it. Your interior designer or the gallery representative can help you determine the overall size that the piece should be if you are not certain.

Painting by Aleksandra Rdest available at Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art in Calgary.

Art galleries usually have a show going on – a collection of work from a particular artist or group of artists with a common theme. Most galleries carry several artists, and if you are not enamored with the pieces in the show, then ask to see work by other artists. Galleries often have a room which stores additional art work that is not currently on display so don’t worry if what is on the walls doesn’t appeal to you immediately. There will be tags beside the pieces or sometimes a price list nearby for you to review. A dot beside a tag means that the piece has already been sold. Ask lots of questions, gallery owners and representatives love it when you are interested in the art work, how it was created, the inspiration behind the piece and the artist themselves.

Painting by Ronald Boaks available through the Weiss Gallery in Calgary.

Another tip that is not well known is that most galleries will bring the art that you are considering to your home for you to look at in your own environment. They will even hang the paintings for you. Also, they frequently can work out a payment plan for you over a period of time. One more piece of insider information is that if you like a particular artist but the pieces available are not the size that you are looking for the artist can sometimes create a custom piece to suit your needs. The gallery will coordinate this for you.

When you are selecting an original piece of art, go with your gut. It should evoke a strong reaction, remind you of a time or place, intrigue you, or just please you when you look at it. Don’t worry about the painting matching your interior design scheme. Sometimes the most successful art installations are the ones where the art work is in stark contrast to its surroundings. This accentuates it and can create a really interesting tension in a room. If you are selecting a piece for a particular spot, think about how you would view it. A painting above a fireplace needs to be seen from a distance so a highly detailed piece that is best viewed up close wouldn’t be the best choice. Save the detailed piece for the powder room or hallway and go for something more graphic over the fireplace.

Painting by Charles Malinsky available through Herringer Kiss Gallery in Calgary

Artwork is an investment and its value will increase over time. Ask the gallery if the artist you are interested in has pieces in any national or international collections. Also, ask about other galleries that represent the artist. If their work is included in notable collections the value of the piece will be higher. The gallery should provide you with a biography of the artist, an article on the inspiration behind the art and a list of notable collections that the artist has been included in. Keep this information somewhere safe, and have your artwork insured.

When hanging your artwork, the center of the piece should be around 5’ off the ground. If you are hanging a painting over a sofa or other piece of furniture you may need to hang it lower then this. The artwork should be viewed in conjunction with the items around it, and too much space in between them creates a disjointed vignette.

Although beginning an art collection may seem overwhelming, think of it as an adventure. As with any high priced investment, you want to make an informed decision so ask questions and take your time to decide. Art is meant to be enjoyed and it brings people together to discuss it, appreciate it and savor its beauty. Relish the hunt for that piece that speaks to you; trust your instincts and you can’t go wrong.

Cheers!

White Ceramics

Trends come and go, and generally, I don’t advise jumping on the band wagon unless it is something that can be changed easily. For instance, I would recommend using a trendy fabric on your accent pillows instead of on your drapery. That is of course unless you change your interiors every five years. In that case, go for it – you are fabulously reckless (in a good way) and your interior should be too! However, that is not the case for most of my clients. If you want to have trendy items, accessories are a great spot to inject that “of the moment” look since you can change them without difficulty. One trend that I have been seeing everywhere lately is white ceramic. I must admit, I have jumped on the band wagon too and recently bought every white ceramic vase I can lay my hands on from HomeSense and Chintz & Company for some niches I have in my kitchen. I had a lot of fun purchasing my collection and mixing crisp graphic shapes, cheeky sculptures and an array of textures. Here’s a look at the finished product.

Here are some more great white ceramic pieces to enjoy!

These Easter Island-esque sculptures look great with the vases. When creating a collection, remember that the pieces should be a variety of heights. Picture via Decorpad.

The texture on these vases is really interesting. A collection should contain pieces of various textures and patterns if they are all the same colour. Picture via Apartment Therapy.

White ceramic collections don’t have to be ultra modern. These vessels have a vintage quality. Photo courtesy of Country Living.

You can also go a little bit country too. I adore the simplicity of using white flowers in this arrangement. It’s all about form and texture here. The fireplace mantle and crackled urns are charming and casual. Photo via Country Living.

Add the ceramics to a bookshelf for interest, extra storage and as bookends.  This photo is courtesy of Terramia.

How about using simple white china and flower vases for dramatic impact in your dining room? This photograph is from California Wedding Wave and I must say that this blog has some astounding inspirational photos for flower arrangements.  Check it out!

You’ve got to love Jonathon Adler’s white ceramic animal collection. He is the king of pottery! I love the cool shapes that he creates with these pieces. Think about adding an unexpected piece of white ceramic sculpture like these in your collection. You can purchase Jonathon Adler’s ceramics at Sojourn in Calgary.

Now this is a model I would like to add to my collection!  Chanel makes this gorgeous white ceramic watch and it is completely dreamy! Interior design trends usually follow fashion so I wonder if this is the piece that started the movement.

White ceramics come in such a variety of styles that it is easy to add to either a traditional or modern interior. If you are creating a collection of white ceramics, or any item of a single colour for that matter, remember to use a range of sizes, shapes, textures and items. It is this variance that makes the collection appealing to the eye. Follow these tips and your white collection will be anything but boring vanilla!

Cheers!

How to Make an Easy Floral Arrangement

There is just nothing like fresh flowers to brighten your interiors. I adore having fresh flowers around me and I find arranging them to be relaxing and rewarding.  I often create flower arrangements for the photo shoots of our interior design projects in Calgary. Here are my tips on creating a lovely arrangement like the one in the photo above.

This particular style of arrangement is really easy to make if you have the right tools handy. All you need is pretty container, some floral oasis (the kind that can be soaked in water), a knife, and flowers!  When you are choosing your flowers go for a variety of bloom sizes, textures and shapes.  Think about mixing roses, lilies and mums together.  If you are worried about putting different colours together, try using a single colour like coral or yellow.  A floral arrangement in a solid colour is so vibrant!

Start by soaking the oasis in water and then cutting it to fit into your container.

Begin with one of your flower types.  I love roses in these arrangements because of their saturated colour and they open so majestically.  I chose yellow roses for this arrangement.  Also, I think it is more effective if you bunch or group several blooms together.

I used 2 dozen roses in this arrangement.

Add in each flower type one at a time.  In this arrangement I added some lovely lilies that were a citrus yellow.  Mixing the differing shades of the colour you choose makes the arrangement more interesting. There were five stems of lilies used in this arrangement

Next I filled out the arrangement with alstroemeria . This is a great flower to use because it is inexpensive and really fills up the arrangement.  It is really important to keep turning your arrangement as you go and make sure that the proportion feels good.  It doesn’t have to be completely symmetrical (nothing in nature is!) but it should be balanced. I often will push in or adjust the positioning of the blooms to get the size of the arrangement right. In total, this arrangement took eight stems of alstroemeria.

I thought this arrangement needed a bit of contrast, so I used a simple white crysanthamum with a chartreuse center.  Since each stem of the mum has multiple blooms they are hard to control.  I tend to chop off each bloom individually and group them together as shown.

Fill in the blank spaces with mums and add some greenery at the bottom of the arrangement.  Simple!

This arrangement will be used during a photo shoot of our client’s new kitchen. The flowers are quite tightly packed together so that they make big impact in the pictures. I thought that the yellow would look amazing with her cream cabinets, grey walls and French Country style.  Here are some more photos of the finished French Country kitchen.

For inspirational floral arrangements check out these websites which are some of my favorites!

Blush Floral Design from Connecticut has a gorgeous website with amazing photography.

Hilary Miles out of Vancouver has a great gallery of simple arrangements.

Calgary interior designers like myself often use Anne Patterson’s Flowers when we need the professionals to handle the arrangements!

Style Me Pretty is a wedding blog featuring fabulous floral ideas. I love perusing their postings for arrangement ideas.

For over the top floral inspiration check out Preston Bailey’s website.  It’s absolutely incredible how he transforms a space.  The events he creates are breathtaking and awe-inspiring!

Cheers!