Traditional crown molding defines a room.

We are big fans of crown molding at Style on a Shoestring. Crown molding defines a room, setting off wallpaper and wall color. Not only do I suggest it for a room’s ceiling, I also like to design larger baseboards for where walls meet the floor, which gives the room a finished touch.

Some people think their ceilings are too low for crown molding. In fact, a molding that fits partially at the top of the wall and projects onto the ceiling can create an illusion of height. It also gives a sense of elegance to a smaller space.

Crown molding doesn’t always have to be white, and it doesn’t have to be the same in every room. For example, if your windows are trimmed in dark wood, you wouldn’t want to use white molding along the ceiling. Instead, choose a molding that complements existing woodwork, such as a fireplace surround, wood floor or stair banisters.

A dark-stained crown molding complements this room's wood floors.

You can use decorative molding in other ways too. It can be extended across your ceiling to create a really dramatic effect. Or it can be placed on walls as wainscoting. We also create “pillars” from molding and attach them to wall corners, which further delineates the space. Patterns on walls — different shapes and sizes of rectangles, for instance — are another interesting way to use this molding. Even window cornices and ceiling medallions can be created from molding.

The key to successful crown molding is installation, which involves intricate miter cuts. Because of its linear nature, crown molding must be crafted and mounted perfectly or it detracts from the room’s appearance. We have the best molding installer — Tim Larkin of T.F. Larkin does impeccable work for us.

If we can advise you on decorative molding for your home, or with any of your design needs, please contact us.

Trading out chairs for a bench creates flexible seating in your dining room.

When your home has a formal dining room and your family mostly eats on barstools at the kitchen counter, the dining room might seem like wasted space. However, there are ways not only to make your dining room family-friendly but multi-functional too.

Furniture is key to what happens in any room, but especially the dining room. If you have high-end woods and linens in your formal dining room, you won’t want kids using the space. Instead, a popular new alternative is reclaimed wood, which has more of a natural look that can be dressed up or down. What’s great about reclaimed wood is you can’t really hurt it – a spilled glass of punch just adds to its character.

A reclaimed wood table and a wall with chalkboard paint make this dining room inviting for a family.

If you want to continue using the table you have, simply order custom table pads to keep moisture, scratches – and markers – away from the surface. They have felt or velvet on the side that faces the table, and a flat surface on the other side that can transform your table into more usable space once it is properly protected.

Try benches in addition to chairs at the table for flexible seating arrangements. Also, consider using an indoor-outdoor rug under the table. These are now available in attractive patterns that look nice but have the durability to be hosed off outside if necessary.

In addition to sharing meals in your dining room, the space can become an extra office and homework area as well. For several of our clients we have created custom built-ins that are actually hiding places for a computer, shredder and other supplies. When you aren’t dining, you simply pop open and slide back the hutch’s doors and you have a fully operational desk.

Also consider using a sideboard as a storage area. The top can be left clear for serving food while the inside houses a printer and fax machine that you access via a wireless connection from your laptop.

It is possible to have a beautiful dining room that serves several purposes for your family’s day-to-day life but is also elegant for guests. If we can help you design your dining room to better fit your lifestyle, please contact us.

The backsplash is a terrific place to use your creativity and it provides a pop of color.

I’ve been designing a lot of kitchens lately, and one of my favorite parts of doing that is helping clients choose a backsplash.

Your backsplash can really be the fun part of your kitchen design because it’s more of an accent than a part of the working kitchen like your countertop is. Except for the space over your cooktop, the backsplash – despite its name – rarely gets dirty.

Glass backsplashes are really popular right now, although you have to be careful with glass because the color combinations can become dated. If you are in your “forever home,” you can go Technicolor with your backsplash against your white cabinets, for example, but if you plan to move within five years, play it safe with neutrals. Also, consider moving away from 1×1 glass tiles and go for something more interesting, such as staggered colors in a rectangular shape placed in a mosaic pattern.

A combination of backsplash materials and textures makes your kitchen unique.

But glass is only one type of backsplash. I recently designed a kitchen (see picture at right) that used several different kinds of materials. Over two areas that wouldn’t see any water or cooking, I used 1×1 wood in a mosaic pattern that provides texture and movement. Plus wood is unexpected in a kitchen, which makes it more creative. Over the areas where the homeowner might splash while cooking, I used glass and stainless subway tiles. The subway tile size and the metal material are both a trend right now. And why not? It’s a sleek, unfussy look.

Backsplashes are also higher than they used to be. Forget about the 4-inch height—we’re taking them up to 7 or 9 inches now, which protects the wall and also gives the room more design. But beware: using the same material—such as the same color of granite—for your backsplash and your countertop is a no-no.

If your home has a Mediterranean style, travertine tile in a glazed, pillowed effect can make for a beautiful backsplash. The “fluffiness” of the pillow helps the wall feel less flat than old-style ceramic tile. This is a great choice if you need to stay neutral, because the tile’s shape provides the visual interest without creating a color barrier that might turn off your home’s next potential owner.

If we can help you choose a new backsplash, or with any of your design needs, please contact us.

This leather chair with its lived-in look is comfortable and surprisingly durable.

The chairs in your home might seem like the simplest part of your décor, but they can actually be the star of the show.

For example, retro chairs are coming back in style. Remember the bubble chairs from the 70s? They are finding new life in mid-century modern designs and other contemporary homes. And that’s a chair that makes a statement, even if it is stuck in the corner!

Of course, most houses can’t manage such a distinctive chair but that doesn’t mean your seating has to be boring. In a living room or family room, a good way to give the space a custom look is to use different arm styles and fabrics on your chairs and sofa rather than a matched set. For your sofa, for example, you might select a thicker, padded arm, while the chairs get a more elegant arm that doesn’t take up as much space.

Chairs can make their own design statement, like this gray-washed dome chair.

Nothing looks more inviting than an aged leather chair—so why not group four of them facing each other for a conversation area? Or flank either side of a living room fireplace with chairs (see photo) that might not be super comfortable like those in your family room but that really make a striking design statement. Just be careful that your chairs are proportionate to their surroundings—they should be accents, not overwhelming. If the chairs are much larger than the sofa, your room takes on an Alice in Wonderland effect.

Your home's chairs shouldn't be boring – they can be artistic and useful.

And don’t forget the backs of your chairs if they don’t face a wall. One of my most recent favorite custom chairs had an inside back and seat upholstered in gray velvet and the back (the exterior portion) covered in a large cherry blossom pattern. The chair was like a piece of art floating in the room, which was a dramatic space itself with a chandelier and dark wood floors. Gorgeous!

When you are buying chairs, keep their use in mind. As I said earlier, a formal living room chair doesn’t need to be as useful as a chair where you’ll be watching TV every night. Always “test drive” a chair in your home before you commit to it so you can assess it for your own personal preferences and fit.

Looking for the perfect chair? We might have it at our exclusive Style Marketplace (click here). If not, we can help you select or custom-design just the right chair for your space. Please click here to contact us.

That luxury hotel look can be yours with a fluffy duvet, coverlet and comfy pillows.

An easy and relatively inexpensive way to freshen up your bedroom for spring is simply to switch out your bedding. As the nights get warmer, you’ll want to remove some of those heavier blankets and sheets anyway, so why not swap your dated linens for something new?

People are surprised that we rarely suggest custom bedding for our Style on a Shoestring clients. While I love that option because you can be very specific about what you want, and that is important in some cases, most of the time we can find gorgeous fabrics “off the rack,” saving you money and time.

That said, however, we almost never buy a matched set with duvet, sheets, shams, pillows, etc. Instead, we do a lot of mixing among different bedding lines to get a more unique look. For example, we might use a duvet with its shams but then add shams from another line and pillows and sheets from yet another, creating a custom feel.

Bedding that already has a gathered, pin-tuck effect eliminates the need for ironing.

Many clients like to go for that luxury hotel approach with fluffy layers and a folded-back duvet with a coverlet underneath. This is a super-plush style that looks and feels comfortable. Another popular trend right now is pin-tuck bedding—stitched pleats—that doesn’t require a lot of ironing or maintenance because it already looks “messy.”

Surprisingly, all-white bedding is much more user-friendly than you might think. I recently added a white duvet to our master bedroom because I wanted to test the durability since a lot of clients request it. What I found is that even a splash of orange juice from one of my girls who crawls into bed with us on Saturday morning is easily bleached out, something you can’t do with colorful bedding. That duvet, which I picked up for less than $100, still looks as crisp and clean as the day I bought it.

If you’re on the market for new bedding, think of it like you would clothing. In the same way that you wouldn’t wear silk every day, you probably want to reserve those silk bedding fabrics for the seldomly used guest room. Is green-living a priority for you? Seek organic or all-cotton fabrics. Consider shopping discount stores such as HomeGoods or Tuesday Morning to find great deals on high-thread-count sheets. And then pull from various lines at your favorite home decor favorites (West Elm, Pottery Barn, local boutiques, even Target) to create the style you want. Just remember not to buy too many extras—you want your bed to be comfortable, not an overdesigned nuisance.

We can help you select new bedding, or with any of your design and remodeling needs. Please click here for how to contact us.

You can buy see-through book shelves to fit your style and create the room separation you need.

Living spaces that include “great rooms” or combination living/dining areas are terrific for entertaining and for families, but sometimes they can appear cavernous and cold if they aren’t designed properly. And on the other end of the spectrum, a small condo or apartment needs to have delineated places for living, dining and cooking. Fortunately, in both of these situations it’s possible to use furniture and accessories to divide the space without creating permanent walls.

Back in the ’60s and ’70s, it was popular to partition a home’s entryway with a half-wall topped by pillars so you could see through to the door but still have a sense of separation. Of course that look is dated now, but the same concept remains. By using a simple partition, you can give the feel of boundaries but you don’t block off light and views.

A fireplace makes an ideal space divider.

For example, I really like to use a freestanding bookcase that is open from both sides. IKEA’s Billy line works well for this approach, or you can use a more high-end version in a variety of styles and materials. Either way, the bookcase lets in light from both sides and it provides a showcase for holding accessories and accents, such as vases, trinkets from your latest travels, books or plants.

A large screen is an obvious choice for dividing a space. Look for a screen that complements your décor but still allows light through rather than a completely opaque screen that forms a wall. Instead of anchoring the screen from wall to the other, bring it in six to nine feet so it generates its own space.

Simply installing a swivel TV can give the feel of two rooms in one.

You can also use items that can be arranged to give the impression of a wall. For instance, a group of large pots in different sizes sets space apart. I also like wide floor lamps uplighting tall bamboo plants that add texture and bring in the outdoors. If you are remodeling, consider a two-sided fireplace that gives off warmth and ambience to both sides of the room, or install a swivel TV.

As you can see, there are many ways to creatively assign your living space without giving up an overall feeling of airiness. Just be sure to think from both sides of the “wall” so you aren’t facing a beautiful view from one side of the unit and a less-than-desirable look from the other.

If we can help with any of your decorating or remodeling needs, please contact us.

Mixing solids and prints gives your patio furniture style and helps hide wear and tear.

As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, we will return to our patios for outdoor living. If you are thinking toward summer like I am, here are some tips for improving your patio space.

Most outdoor furniture lasts a long time because it is made to be durable and withstand weather’s worst. But even if your cushions are covered in outdoor fabric, they take a beating from sun and rain. Fortunately, it’s easy to get your outdoor cushions recovered, and it gives your whole patio a new feel and look. We work with a couple of outstanding area upholsterers who will recreate your cushions using in-stock or special-order fabrics.

Group your patio furniture into "rooms" to give the space purpose and flow.

I like to mix up the patterns a bit on those fabrics. For example, if your outdoor furniture includes a sofa and chairs, you might use a solid fabric on the sofa and stripes or another print on the chairs. Toss in some colorful pillows to add even more interest.

As you choose outdoor fabrics, remember the dirt factor. That light beige might be really pretty on your dark furniture, but it won’t be so great after your kids climb on it. Instead, look to patterns for hiding wear and tear.

If you have a large patio space, consider grouping furniture much like you would inside your home. For example, you might have a sitting area, a dining area and a firepit area. Lay outdoor rugs within each space to provide room “borders,” and add potted plants in various sizes as accents. And don’t forget to block the sun—if you don’t have a patio cover or pergola, an umbrella offers yet another punch of color to your outdoor living room and keeps those rays at bay.

Need new outdoor furniture? Turn to iron first. It lasts better than wood outdoors, and it can be painted. Some coated rattans are also quite durable. We favor Vista-based Sunset West, who offers several patio lines that are really great quality.

Most important: once patio season is over, be sure to cover your furniture and store your cushions. If you do, you’ll find they are fresh and ready for the next season, saving you time and money.

If we can help spruce up your patio for spring, or with any of your design needs, please contact us.

Mixing butcher block and solid surface countertops gives your kitchen a more diverse look.

It’s not necessary to completely gut-renovate a room to freshen its look. For example, just replacing your kitchen countertops can make this important space look brand-new and make it more user-friendly too.

Selecting countertops really depends on the style of your kitchen. For example, a Tuscan or traditional kitchen is perfect for granite. Look for granite that has “movement” in it due to the flowing colors, or a really pretty combination of color shades in general. Since granite is natural, every piece is unique so you should browse around to find the mixture you want.

If your style is more transitional or contemporary, think about countertops that have a clean look, unlike the busyness of granite. For example, a smooth stone might work well, or even concrete. I’ve also seen stainless steel tops. The more modern your kitchen is, the more leeway you have in selecting counters that reflect your minimalist design.

Consider mixing two types of countertops in your kitchen if you have enough surface square footage to warrant the dual look. I recently used a manufactured solid surface for my client’s main tops and then butcher block on her island, but you could also combine granite with butcher block, or two colors of the same surface type.

Granite remains a popular choice for countertops, although it is porous and does require annual upkeep.

Durability is a big issue for kitchen countertops. Although marble is my favorite because it is so beautifully dramatic, we rarely use it for counters because it is soft and stains. Instead, we might design that into the backsplash and choose a more realistic Caeserstone or Silestone (both are made from quartz, which is stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant) that will stand up to knives, spilled wine and other cooking activities. Even granite, which is durable, needs to be sealed once a year to avoid ruining its porous surface.

Butcher block is a very utilitarian choice because your counter becomes a giant cutting board. However, it does need some maintenance to retain its look, and you should be prepared for a weathered appearance as you use it over time. I especially like this top with a coastal kitchen style.

What is “out” with countertops? The 4×4 tiles we often saw in houses built in the eighties are no longer popular. That said, if you have a Spanish hacienda style of home, colorful pillowed tiles might work well, but perhaps just as a pop of color in your backsplash.

Speaking of backsplashes, I will be talking about those in a future post because they are a key design element distinctive from countertops in kitchens. Meanwhile, if we can help with choosing new countertops for your kitchen, or with any of your design needs, please contact us.

A custom cabinet maker can install space-saving units like this to help organize your kitchen.

Regardless of whether you have a large kitchen or a small kitchen, it is probably the center of your home. Families tend to gather there, and we all know the kitchen is the place where people congregate at parties. That’s why it’s so important to have an organized, clutter-free kitchen where everything has its place and you have room to maneuver.

Drawer inserts reduce clutter and make cooking easier.

If you are building a new kitchen or remodeling an existing kitchen, it is imperative that you talk with a kitchen designer about how to best maximize your space. Since kitchens can be expensive, you want to make sure you get the most for your money. A designer will ask you questions about how you use your kitchen and then design the space around your preferences. For example, if you cook a lot of pasta, it makes sense for you to have a pot-filler over your cooktop. Or if you love to bake, the designer will create a baking area for you in your kitchen that holds your electric mixer, baking sheets and other supplies.

A kitchen designer will also suggest conveniences such as a Lazy Susan (rotating shelves) in a corner cabinet or pull-out drawers for larger items. Cabinetmakers can fashion custom additions such as wine glass drawers, knife drawers and, yes, even a special bin for dog food.

One of the spaces we tend to overlook actually overlooks us in our kitchen: the ceiling. If you have room, a pot rack can be tremendously space saving because it frees up two or three cabinets. But “pot racks” don’t necessarily need to hold pots—I recently saw a Plexiglass version of a pot rack over an island that held beautiful, colorful dishes. Not only was it useful but it created a work of art too.

Home improvement stores sell pull-out racks you can easily add to your cabinets.

If you aren’t remodeling but simply want to take full advantage of your kitchen, visit the Container Store or Home Depot for ideas. Sometimes just adding drawer inserts (organizing food, silverware or cookie sheets, for example) can make a big difference in reducing clutter. If you need to free up a drawer, consider placing a pretty ceramic jar on the counter and storing utensils in it.

Perhaps the easiest way to streamline your kitchen is to remove what you aren’t using. If you only pull out that fondue pot twice a year, move it to a garage shelf where you can retrieve it when you want it. Or maybe you are over your dried food phase and can place your giant food dehydrator in the giveaway pile. Whatever your situation, just eliminating a few larger items makes room for what you use every day, making your life in the kitchen a whole lot easier.

If we can help you remodel or reorganize your kitchen, please contact us.

A contemporary candleholder offers a compelling design by day and warm ambience in the evening.

I recently visited a potential client who had lived in her home for five years and had never hung anything on the walls. She was so concerned that she’d make a mistake that she just left them bare! Maybe your walls are needing a little love too. Even if you like what you have on your walls, rearranging or redesigning your wall décor can be a great way to freshen up your room and give it new life. Here are some tips on decorating walls to their best potential.

• Use a variety of wall art—such as framed art, mirrors and iron work—to give that blank palette some interest. Just as you wouldn’t use one fabric throughout a room, you shouldn’t hang only photographs or only paintings on your walls. One of my favorite sources for whimsical wall art is Sugarboo Designs, a creative company in Georgia making unconventional pieces that fit well with today’s styles.

Framed sayings like these from Sugarboo Designs make a fun, casual wall art option.

• Size matters. Most people hang art that is too small for the wall space. Think bigger!

• Rather than a traditional, staged photo, consider a close-up shot of a face—such as a child blowing out a dandelion—or an action shot.

• Make your own art and have fun with it! Melt crayon wax on a canvas and let the drips become your splash of color for the space. Or have your kids make painted handprints on the wall in their playroom.

• Offer one consistent element for whatever pieces you choose. For example, if you are using a combination of contemporary paintings and photos, use black frames to tie the items together. Or perhaps your theme is landscape, in which case you might have landscape art and photos with different frames but similar content.

• Silly sayings (“Be good but if you can’t be good, be careful” or “Kindly refrain from whining”) are fun to hang on the wall in a casual family room, child’s bedroom or even a laundry room.

Recycled bike wheels with mirrors added to them create unexpected wall art.

• Don’t get stuck thinking frames are the only things that hang on walls. Any collection that is hangable works for a wall, so look for your unique statement. Rustic doorknockers offer a foyer an unexpected design, while old hubcaps make perfect wall art for a man cave.

• Still not sure what to do with that blank wall? Add wallpaper or tile—and you’re done!

If you need help with wall art—or any of your design needs—please contact us.