Have You Discovered This Blog?

I love the artwork in Suze's dining area.

I'm talking about Dwellers Without Decorators , the blog written by fashion editior, Suze Yalof Schwartz. This is one of my new fav's. Just take a peek at a few images from Suze's New York home and you'll be smitten too.



See Suze's entire home transformation here.

Can Anyone Design A Beautiful Space?

A Room Designed by Candace Olsen

One of my favorite HGTV shows to watch is Divine Design with Candace Olsen. The rooms she designs never fail to impress. However, it is fairly evident from watching that the budget Ms. Olsen has to work with for her room transformations is a far cry from what the average homeowner has at his or her disposal. Every time I watch Divine Design I smugly say to myself, "If money were not a factor, I could do what she does!" But who am I kidding? I don't have her training or experience.

Designers of Ms. Olsen's caliber have to have that special quality that allows them to see the finished room in their mind's eye. There are plenty of amateur decorators, however, who do have that quality, many of whom have blogs where they showcase the rooms in their own homes and provide us with evidence of their talent.

I'm interested in hearing what you think, keeping in mind that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, do you think that anyone, given adequate time and financial resources, could come up with a beautiful design?

Creating a Mix and Match Plate Arrangement

Houzz.com

A simple and inexpensive way of filling an empty expanse of wall is with a collection of plates. Mixing and matching colors and patterns adds an element of fun to the arrangement. One of the best parts about a grouping of plates is that you can add to it as your collection grows.

Image via All Squared Away

I recently started collecting plates to put together my own arrangement in a small area in the corner of my kitchen. I was going to wait until I had a substantial number of plates, but one afternoon I decided to set them out to see if I could come up with an interim plan until I found enough pieces for a more interesting display.

My slightly wimpy display

My current arrangement is a simple "X" with a line running down the center. Once my collection has grown I'd like to come up with a more interesting display.

When you are putting together an arrangement of plates try not to get too caught up in coordinating everything perfectly. Colors, and even styles, don't necessarily have to match. The collection below is a good example. If you separated them in groups of threes, for instance, the styles would appear to clash, but somehow, as a whole, they work together beautifully.

Image via Bluelines

The old fashioned plate hanger is no longer needed to create your arrangement. I found these adhesive backed hangers at Hobby Lobby for just a couple of dollars each. Always check the back of the disc to see how large a plate the disc can hold. Adhesive backed hangers come in a range of sizes.



These couldn't be easier to apply, just add a bit of water to the disk with your fingers, allow it to set up for about 5-7 minutes then apply to the back of your plate. Let the adhesive dry overnight to be sure that it adheres properly and you are ready to hang your plate.




To find interesting plates for your display, check a variety of sources. Yard sales, flea markets, TJ Maxx, Home Goods and Pier I are a few sources that immediately come to mind. You could also check with friends and family to see if they have any stray plates that they wouldn't mind parting with. Don't we all have a few of those?

Image via Apartment Therapy

When it's time to hang your collection, treat it like you would any other type of wall arrangement. Experiment by laying out your collection on a large sheet of paper. (Try taping together sheets of brown packing paper cut to the dimensions you'd like your finished collection to encompass.) When you find a pleasing arrangement, trace around the plates and mark where the nail holes will go. Hang the paper on the wall and nail through your markings. This method is easier than using a level when you are going for a more symmetrical or formal arrangement. This is the same approach I take when hanging a grouping of pictures or a wall arrangement.




Collecting plates for an interesting display can take some time, but part of the fun of assembling any type of collection is the hunt.

Image via Discover: Interior Design

Happy hunting!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Is Pottery Barn the Devil?

Mama says Pottery Barn is the Devil.

Sorry, couldn't resist the Water Boy reference!

In the blogging community there seems to be two schools of thought regarding establishments like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Ballard Designs and Crate & Barrel. On one side of the continuum there are those who adore these establishments with their well merchandised vignettes and glossy catalogs that come by mail each month like clockwork. At the other end are those that detest the mass production of furniture and accessories and find these retailers lacking in a number of areas.

Designer Suzanne Kasler put together this look using merchandise from Ballard Designs.

While I think it's great to get ideas about styling from catalogs like those put out by Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel and borrow ideas from the arrangements in the store, the lack of creativity is where I think some critics of Pottery Barn and the like would find issue.

Personally, I think that there is a place for retailers like Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel. I own a sofa and console table from Pottery Barn, several pillows and a few accessories. The furniture pieces, while not inexpensive, are well made and simple enough that they won't look dated in a couple of years. The few accessories from PB that I've picked up were mainly sale items like pillows and the silver urn in the picture below. Would I go into a Pottery Barn, point to a specific set up and say, "One of each, please!" ? No, but I think that mixing items from Pottery Barn with flea market finds, antique store purchases and pieces from local boutiques is a good option for creating a look that is all my own.

My sofa and console table are Pottery Barn pieces.

Decorating (or redecorating, in my case) can be very expensive. As I work on updating the look of my great room (shown above), I have to look to a variety of sources for getting a look that satisfies me. My budget doesn't allow for picking what I want and checking prices later. Options like Ballard Designs and Pottery Barn work for me, and others like me, who can't afford to hire a designer or shop high end for every item. For me, it's all about balance.

Where do you stand on this issue?

Tell It Like You See it Day

Would you be willing to admit that you didn't like a room featured in Domino Magazine?

While I generally write about things related to interior design that make my heart sing, today I want to address a subject that seems to be a bit taboo in the blogosphere, admitting that you don't like something that everyone else seems to love. What comes to mind is the Hans Christian Anderson tale of The Emperor's New Clothes. Why aren't more bloggers like the little child who asks why the guy is naked?

Design is all about personal preference. One person's idea of fabulous may leave another wanting to gouge his or her eyes out. I could safely admit that I detest silk flower arrangements with a passion that extends further than the BP oil spill. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone on that one. But what if a blogger admitted that he or she didn't like graphic wallpaper, zebra rugs, anything with a quatrefoil design, the color turquoise, Lonny or the work of Jonathan Adler? Would said blogger be crucified?



I may be taking a risk here, but today I am hosting a first, Tell It Like You See it Day.






I know I'm' in the minority here, but I detest foo dogs, I don't care if they are the height of Chinoiserie chic, a style I admire, I think they are the most heinous looking things on the planet.
There, I said it. It feels good to get that off my chest.

Now it's your turn. Is there a popular trend or style that you secretly loathe? You can share, you're in a safe place.

If I Knew Then What I Know Now...

It's June again, the time of year for graduations and weddings. That translates into lots of young adults moving into the first home that they can call their own. I was a June bride myself, as a matter of fact, today is our anniversary, 22 years of marital bliss! Each year when our anniversary rolls around I can't help but think back on our early years of marriage and our first apartment. It was decorated in a style I refer to as "early marriage". Picture my in-laws earth tone hand-me-down furniture, circa 1976. A less than stylish home is the price you pay for getting married 6 months after college graduation. If I'd only known then what I know now!

Yes, my friends, I had 6 of these little beauties around my first dining room table.

If only the current me could have a talk with the young, newlywed me, this is what mature Karen would say to Young Karen:

Know where to splurge and where to save

Buy the best sofa you can afford. It may be tempting to run out and buy that sofa at Bargain City for $399, but resist the urge. Remember what Mama told you, you get what you pay for. A well made sofa should last at least 10 years. A bargain sofa is the design equivalent of plastic silverware, basically disposable. (Trust me on this one, Young Karen made this mistake.) Unless you want a sofa that shows signs of every bum that has ever perched on its arm, pony up for a quality piece.


Save money by shopping for accent pieces at flea markets, consignment shops and thrift stores. Often you can find well crafted pieces that just need a little sprucing up. A little sanding and painting and you could be the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind piece. When the budget allows, you can upgrade.

Make Craigslist a daily stop if you are looking for a particular style of furniture. To find creative ideas for turning your finds into treasures, check out the regular weekly feature, "What's Good in Your Hood?" written by Joi at Nuestra Vida Dulce.

Joi found this dinette set for $45 on Craigslist. A coat of paint and new fabric on the seats...I'm just saying...

Make friends with the sales people at your local consignment shops. Let them know what specific items you are looking for and ask that they call you if one becomes available.

High quality fabrics are worth the extra money. I learned this tip from a former neighbor, an interior decorator. If you can't afford a great deal of yardage, purchase a yard or two and make pillows or cover the seat cushions on your dining room or kitchen chairs. You can generally cover two chair seats with a single yard of fabric. You'll still get the impact without dropping a lot of cash. Great fabrics can be found by checking online for sales.

Calico Corners often has gorgeous fabrics on sale at the end of the season, check stores regularly.

Don't cut corners when purchasing a mattress. It may be tempting to put your money into a fabulous headboard instead, but all mattresses are not created equal. Make sure you test the mattress for comfort and support. Everyone has a personal preference; get the one that's right for you. You'll get a better night's sleep, your back will thank you and so will your massage therapist!

Look for quality when purchasing furniture.

New furniture, regardless of where it's purchased, can be very expensive. Ask a lot of questions of the sales people. For instance, why is one piece more costly than another piece that appears simila? Likely the pricier pieces were constructed with higher quality components or the craftsmanship is superior. This equals longevity.

Features like dovetailing show that a piece is well crafted and will last longer.

While I'm dispensing advice to Young Karen, I wish I could have told her that she should reconsider adding fine china, crystal and silver to the wedding registry. Good quality white dishes and heavy flatware is the way to go. Young Karen never threw swanky dinner parties. Real friends are happy to dine with Chinet. If Young Karen wanted the posh china and silver she could have scored some good deals by shopping estate sales instead.

Did you make any mistakes when decorating your first place? What wise advice would you give Young Karen?

Coffee House Style

Remember Central Perk from Friends?

A coffee house can boast the world's best espresso or latte, but if the atmosphere isn't right, its unlikely that I will become a regular customer. One of my favorite spots to meet friends for coffee is a local cafe in the downtown area of my hometown. From the exposed brick walls to the hardwood floors, Chandler Cafe is the kind of place where you feel at home. Paintings from local artists fill the walls, giving the establishment a personal feeling. Delicate crystal chandeliers hang from the ceilings and a gorgeous sideboard doubles as a counter for holding cream, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg to be added by patrons to their coffee.

Chandler Cafe during the holidays

(Wish they would have consulted me about the holiday decorating, but this was the only picture I could find.)

With coffee drinks running $3-$5 per cup, visits to the local coffee house can get expensive. Why not carve out an area of your home and give it a coffee house style makeover instead. My dream at-home coffee house would look something like this... *Cuing the dream sequence music from the old Wayne's World movies*

via Apartment Therapy

First things first, if I'm going to linger with my coffee for hours I'll need comfortable seating. My fantasy in-home coffee house would not be complete without banquette seating. Love the tufting, but I'd go for a patterned fabric-easier to hide coffee spills!

Since I like to read a good book while sipping my coffee, bookshelves on either side of my banquette would be a must-have element. Let's make them built-ins, shall we? I think I'd paint them white and style them with books, cups, saucers, decorative plates and pottery.

I'd want my coffee house to have that artsy feel. The coffee mugs and cups I'd select to be displayed on my shelves would be from individual Etsy shop owners. I'd want every mug to be different so that friends could choose the one that suited their personality.

Cups from SwirlyGarden

Mugs from marywibis

Mugs from shoshanasnow

My shelves would also hold the collection of tea pots that I'd no doubt start. I'd constantly be on the look out at art shows, thrift shops and flea markets for unusual or interesting ones like these:

Via Kristin Logan

via Teapotsteapotsteapots

Camel Tea Pot from Oren's Daily Roast, $18

One thing my coffee house would NOT include, cheesy paintings or prints of steaming cups of coffee.




Your turn, tell me about your fantasy in-home coffee house.

Adding Style to Bookshelves

Actress Alexandra Wentworth incorporated her collection of shells into the styling of her bookshelves.

My anniversary may not be until Thursday, but I already received the gift I've been wanting, new bookcases for my great room. They fill up the previously sparse wall and help camouflage the fact that my fireplace is hopelessly out of scale with the wall on which it resides.




To save a little of the green stuff, I went with a basic style and plan to add my own trim for a custom look, a suggestion from one of my favorite bloggers and a current design student, Dayka of Life & Style. I'm thinking a little crown molding is in order.

Platform bases, crown molding and paint transformed these previously unfinished bookcases.

Via Martha Stewart

Also on the agenda will be adding some personality with paint or wallpaper applied to the interior of the cases. I'm not sure which I like better, a solid or a pattern.

Patterned paper not only adds interest, it also cuts down on the need for a large number of accessories to fill out the look.

Via Apartment Therapy



via Design Sponge

Painting the interior of bookcases can change the entire feel of a space.

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A well-styled bookcase is one that looks effortless, not contrived.

Don't limit your accessorizing to just books. Include a variety of items.If you are stumped about what to put on your shelf, try grouping collections or items of similar shape or color.

Via Belle Maison


Items don't necessarily have to relate to one another. Look for pieces that add texture. Notice how the rough texture of the coral compliments the smoothness of the turquoise vase.

Get creative when styling your bookcases and choose items that have special meaning to you. A child's framed drawing, a shell you picked up on the beach or the wine glasses you used for the toast at your wedding are some examples of items with significance.

Vary the height of items and layer your look rather than lining things up.

Use books to add height or highlight a special item.

Even the humblest of bookshelves will shine with a well thought out plan for accessorizing.

Check out Style at Home for more tips for styling bookshelves.

One Day Projects with Big Impact

I call my blog Strictly Simple Style for a reason. I love simple projects that can be done in a day. I don't want to spend three days working on a project. It's not that I'm lazy, I just crave immediate gratification! If you are anything like me, you'll love these two projects I spotted last week on couple of my favorite blogs.



Jen from Our Fine House updated the look of a basic table from Ikea left over from her collage days. A homemade pattern and some spray paint created the magic. If you love makeovers, check out Jen's dining room reveal too.



Lisa from Hamptontoes used textile glue to add a Greek key trim to her sofa. The trim took a neutral piece and gave it a custom look. I like Lisa's tone on tone choice, but this treatment would be equally appealing with a trim in a contrasting color. Click on the link to see how Lisa embellished both her sofa and side chair in about an hour.

Don't you just love a project that isn't time consuming?