For this little boys bedroom we refinished every piece of furniture! Headboard, night stand, and dresser were sanded and painted with new hardware installed. The desk to the right was painted, and a new wood top was added. The art we ordered online, drapes from Westelm, and bedding from Target.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

The chance to build a lakeside weekend home in rural NC provided this Chapel Hill family with an opportunity to ditch convention and think outside the box. For instance, we traded the traditional boat dock with what's become known as the "party dock"… a floating lounge of sorts, complete with wet bar, TV, swimmer's platform, and plenty of spots for watching the water fun. Inside, we turned one bedroom into a gym with climbing wall - and dropped the idea of a dining room, in favor of a deep upholstered niche and shuffleboard table. Outdoor drapery helped blur the lines between indoor spaces and exterior porches filled with upholstery, swings, and places for lazy napping. And after the sun goes down....smores, anyone? John Bessler

Our luxurious 100% American made New England Shaker Furniture Collection features traditional, clean lines with lovely graduated, crown-style moulding on the top and bottom edging. Contrasting black walnut knobs are standard with natural solid cherry wood furniture, although you may choose any combination of hardwoods for the case and knobs. Use our drop-down menus to customize your hand-made furniture, or give us a call to see just how easy and affordable it is to have unique, custom New England Shaker Solid Wood Furniture crafted especially for you. This furniture is crafted in Lyndon, VT as part of the New Traditions Collection.

Tuscany Ceiling with Hand Painted Designs. Learn how to faux at www.fauxonline.com
Mountain style living room photo in Houston

The homeowner has a love of old arcade games and what a better place to stage them but this glow in the dark room!!
Example of a large transitional walk-out carpeted basement design in Cincinnati with blue walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

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Basement - transitional look-out vinyl floor basement idea in Minneapolis with gray walls

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

David Duncan Livingston
Example of a mid-sized eclectic open concept slate floor family room design in San Francisco with white walls and a media wall

TEXTURAL VIBES Time Frame: 2 Months // Design Fee: $1,875 Evan and his wife Karen were looking for professional help in designing/decorating their master bedroom in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. I was not referred to them, but they were impressed by my website, reviews and pictures of past projects. I’m always excited to work with new clients who were drawn to me by my style of past projects and online presence. When I first met with them, I immediately felt comfortable and knew this was going to be a great project. They were very open to suggestions and requested only a few things – TEXTURE, a seating area for TV viewing/gaming, a clean design without clutter and an overall well-put-together feeling. They told me not to hold back on my design vision, so we just went for it! I had a custom ceiling height headboard constructed in a velvet for drama. We splurged on luxurious bedding with tons of layers and texture. On that same wall I had shimmery, grey grass cloth installed for added texture. Custom, black out, silk Roman shades, layered with pleated sheers were hung. Grey-washed hardwood flooring was installed. I had a custom grey built-in installed in the niche to serve as a dresser and TV storage. Recessed lighting, reading lights and crystal pendants were added. A soft grey was painted on the walls with a contrasting darker slate on the ceiling. An over-sized wall mirror, wool rugs, metal-wrapped furniture, a custom sofa and ottoman with nailhead trim and professional photos of the couple framed in silver with linen mats tied everything together.

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Basement - transitional look-out vinyl floor basement idea in Minneapolis with gray walls

TEXTURAL VIBES Time Frame: 2 Months // Design Fee: $1,875 Evan and his wife Karen were looking for professional help in designing/decorating their master bedroom in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. I was not referred to them, but they were impressed by my website, reviews and pictures of past projects. I’m always excited to work with new clients who were drawn to me by my style of past projects and online presence. When I first met with them, I immediately felt comfortable and knew this was going to be a great project. They were very open to suggestions and requested only a few things – TEXTURE, a seating area for TV viewing/gaming, a clean design without clutter and an overall well-put-together feeling. They told me not to hold back on my design vision, so we just went for it! I had a custom ceiling height headboard constructed in a velvet for drama. We splurged on luxurious bedding with tons of layers and texture. On that same wall I had shimmery, grey grass cloth installed for added texture. Custom, black out, silk Roman shades, layered with pleated sheers were hung. Grey-washed hardwood flooring was installed. I had a custom grey built-in installed in the niche to serve as a dresser and TV storage. Recessed lighting, reading lights and crystal pendants were added. A soft grey was painted on the walls with a contrasting darker slate on the ceiling. An over-sized wall mirror, wool rugs, metal-wrapped furniture, a custom sofa and ottoman with nailhead trim and professional photos of the couple framed in silver with linen mats tied everything together.

Ceiling in Metallic Texture-Hand Painted Design. Learn how to do this finish at www.fauxonline.com
Inspiration for a timeless dining room remodel in Houston

Robert Powell
Bathroom - large modern master bathroom idea in Los Angeles

The original crossover, chaise bridge the gap between sofa ans chair beautifully and functionally. Equally suited for any situation from an elegant dressing room to a middle-of-the-action family room, the chaise ups the ante in your style game.

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Inspiration for a transitional look-out vinyl floor basement remodel in Minneapolis with gray walls

A family requested a creative solution for unique moveable study and lounge areas for their school aged kids. The solution was the design of 2 rolling cushioned seats with multiple accessories. The rolling seats are 6 feet in diameter and combine an upholstered cushion, adjustable desk, LED lighting, rear whiteboard, locking blocks and superior craftsmanship to supply the family with an eye-catching piece. The seats have become a favorite location for the kids to attend online classes, view social media, play games, and is always an excellent spot for reading a book.

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Transitional look-out vinyl floor basement photo in Minneapolis with gray walls