Che Bella Interiors

Old is New!

What was old is new again…

Lately, an array of glamorous antique-style chandeliers and pendants has been sweeping the interior design world. Following the comfortable form and function trend so evident over the last year, modern trends will continue with the “old is new” attitude into 2012, while blending in a bit of traditional and 21st Century influences.

Adding some twinkle

Traditionally, decorative light fixtures were positioned as the main light fitting in the middle of a room. They featured cascading crystals and gilded gold metalwork that exuded an air of wealth and status. Today however, homeowners can enjoy the beauty of similar fixtures without breaking the bank. Modern chandeliers and pendants in old-fashioned styles feature a collection of sparkling droplets generally made from acrylic, and sometimes glass. The gilded gold metalwork of the main body of the fitting has been replaced with a modern chrome or pewter-coloured finish.

All places, all spaces

Previously, it was unusual to see decorative chandeliers and pendants anywhere except in the power positions of the home – they were often reserved only for grand rooms, such as ballrooms, sweeping foyers and dining rooms. Today, however, they are staking their claim throughout the modern home – they can add drama to the kitchen, the guest bathroom, the living room, bedrooms, reception rooms and hallways, and even patios can go upscale by adding some chandelier sparkle.

A variety of sizes

Mini chandeliers and pendants are a great way of bringing some light and glamour into small or awkward spaces in the home. In fact grouping these smaller light fixtures is a popular design technique – for example, you can hang several fixtures above a kitchen island or bar counter for a great display and excellent task lighting. Another novel idea is to hang them from the ceiling on either side of your bed to replace the traditional bedside lamps and in the process, free up some space on your bedside table.

Larger Scaled Pendants Create More of a Statement

Until recently many kitchen islands have been lit by small pendant lights that were too small of scale in comparison to a large island. Often times smaller scaled pendants don’t provide much for task lighting and they also don’t provide much of a statement. We are loving the idea of larger scaled pendants over islands – if you currently have small pendants try changing up the scale and style to give your kitchen a wow factor!

A lot of people get nervous about the use of dramatic/ bright colors taking permanent residence in their home. If you find that you are one of these people and are much more comfortable with neutrals in your home, here are a few tidbits to help you amp up your space.

Try A Graphic:

In this space this person decided to make their statement in their natural colored room by adding a leaf or palm graphic on the focal wall. Notice that the graphic makes a dramatic statement in the room, but at the same time it’s a very soft white. Mixed with the different variations of neutrals on the bed set and the contrasting color of the light wood finish, this room has an overall finished look that is gorgeous yet comfortable and neutral.

Use A Dramatic Wood Finish:

Every finish in this bathroom is a natural color, yet there is still contrast and it’s been executed beautifully. This goes for all spaces not just bathrooms, but another way to make a statement with a monochromatic color scheme is to use an exotic wood that adds interest. Zebra wood for example can have two to three different colors in it, and on top of that has a striped pattern that can be used horizontally or vertically. With an exotic gorgeous wood like that, to add a contrasting stone into the room would be the final touch on a successful design.

Green Is Natural:

Sometimes people find that the biggest hump to get over while updating a room is finding the right color to paint the walls. If you realize you’re stuck on the paint color and would rather not take the leap, you can still have a great looking room with white walls. The key here is to take a leap somewhere else that isn’t permanant, this will help those who find themselves scared of color. The tip here is to get a contrasting dark wood in the room then on your sofa have pillows with different variations of browns or neutrals. Try adding some white accent pillows on the sofa in with the neutrals to keep the design flowing throughout the room. The last tip which might be a stretch for some is to try and get out of your comfort zone; green is a natural color too and if you’re feeling confident add in avocado green draperies. The darker or more muted you go with this green the more comfortable you will be with it and your end product will be amazing.

Mix Wood Finishes:

In the kitchen above, this person decided to keep the walls white and add their statement somewhere else. The statement is in the dramatic cabinetry; any color on the walls in this space would have made it over-done, but with the creative use of lighting over the cabinets, in the soffit and over the counter tops etc. it pulled off a really warm, inviting neutral space where the walls don’t contradict the cabinetry. Some think that mixing wood finishes will look bad or they just don’t know how, but using complete opposite finishes with some added stainless steel pulls off a well rounded modern space. Switching it up from the usual with curvy lines and geometric patterns also adds to the room making it unique, and completely your own.

Decorating a dorm can be the most fun.. and a very stressful endeavor. Whether you’re in a single and decorating for one, or a double and you’re trying to collaborate with your roommate because it’s a person you actually enjoy… or someone who you plan on barely talking to. Decorating your dorm is a time to show your new and improved post high school self. It’s a time to fully express who you are without the influences of anyone around you. Below are a few things you need to remember about creating the perfect atmosphere for your room.

1. Think about yourself!
The first step to creating a space that you will truly enjoy going back to and having as your “home away from home” is to think about what you want from it. Do you want to feel instantly calmed when you walk in by using cool colors, dimmer lights for ambiance, and fluffy pillows for accents. Or do you want to play off your playful side and use bright bold colors, posters of Lichtenstein paintings and fun message boards. No matter what style you are going for just remember to think about you.

2. Get the layout of your room
Most colleges now conveniently show their dorms on their website so you can find the exact shape of the one your looking for (example shown below). For instance my dorm is pretty rectangular with 11×17 dimensions. My roommate and I decided we were going to bunk our beds to get the ultimate floor space because neither of us care if we have to sleep on the top bunk.

3. Flooring
Now not all dorm rooms are lucky enough to have carpet. Or are lucky enough not too?… it depends on how you look at it. Either way, if you have tile flooring its probably going to be cold not to mention unwelcoming, and you’re most likely going to want a good rug. Now I know some schools have regulations on rubber backing on rugs, so make sure you check into that before making your final purchase. Whether you’re looking for a bold pattern or something to just add comfort to the room, dorm rugs can be found just about anywhere you look.

On the more expensive end of things search these sites (although they are generally expensive… you might be lucky and find a sale so check them out!)
Pottery Barn Teen – Rugs

For my fellow deal searchers
Target – Dorm Rugs
Dormco – Dorm Rugs
Ikea – Rugs

4. Alternative Storage
Although your dorm closet may be smaller then the one at your house, there are still ways to pack all the clothes you want and save space!
Starting with the closets there are so many items to help you save space!

These hangers from Bed Bath and Beyond are my new favorite thing, the little extra hook allows you to hook another hang onto it, staggering the clothes and making more room. It’s 3.99 for a set of 10 but I’m sure you can find them elsewhere for a better deal!

There are flexible storage items for everything imaginable. Whether you want hanging shoe/folded clothes storage or something you can shove under the bed and collapse when you aren’t using it.

There are always the more basic options of getting a chest of drawers, they come in all sizes shapes and styles. Whether you need something wider or tall and skinny chances are you will be able to find it without a problem.
5. Bedding
Depending on the school you go to you may have to look for twin sheets in extra long. Be sure to check and see if you need the extra long! Any places that sell stuff for college will typically have extra long bedding available. Sometimes the school may have a store that you can buy sheets from that as well. If you have a roommate you should see if they want to coordinate bedspreads or go with a color scheme.
*Memory foam toppers (found at most everywhere that sells bedding… Kohls, JCPenny, Bed Bath and Beyond etc.) or any extra support you can get for your bed will be a good idea because chances are, the bed will have no comfort factor.*
6. Wall things
Communication boards are always fun for leaving messages to your roommate or for yourself so you can remember things! They come in calendar forms, colors, as well as stick ons that don’t require hanging!
Although you chances are you can’t use nails don’t forget posters or any other art work to make your room at home! Command picture hanging strips are a cheap and easy way to hang posters without ruining walls! They also come in hook form for any of your other hanging needs.
7. Fun Extras to make for an easier living

This bedside caddy is perfect for top bunk people or anyone without a bedside table!

8. Remember the little things!
There are so many things that it’s almost impossible to remember all of them. A mirror is one that I almost didn’t remember. Also a bath robe, shower caddy, garment bags for when you are washing something delicate, color catching sheets so you don’t end up with pink-supposed-to-be-white clothing, plates, utensils and if you are a caffeine-addict like me then a coffee maker will be an essential.
These are the basics for the perfect dorm! However don’t forget to talk to your roommate so you don’t double up on large, expensive items such as TV’s, DVD players, fridges, microwaves, etc. etc.
For anyone looking for more information, Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, Wal-Mart, PB Teen and about any other store you can think of generally have a “college” tab that will have tips as well as their own idea of a “college check-list.”

**CREDIT TO DEVON C. FOR WRITING UP THESE TIPS AS SHE HEADS OFF TO HER FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE IN OHIO**

Now that 2012 is coming soon the new colors have been thought over and decided on. Almost every single color has been tweaked or added to to make next years colors even better than before, and add to creative new designs. There is also a new trend coming next year which is all about preservation; you’re probably thinking what does preservation have to do with next years colors and design trends? Well to answer that question, a new trend coming with next years colors is an attempt to try and bring back our heritage and the journey’s our families have taken through time back into the home. It’s a great design idea and it honors our history and where we’ve been. Some of the trends coming from that trend will be native/ heritage to it’s earliest; rugs and furniture that look worn and could tell a story, deep and more saturated colors, allegiance to our american flag, and southwest influence. It will definately be an interesting and exciting year for design.

Now that we’ve talked about the upcoming color trends for next year, let’s get into a little more detail about the alterations in specific colors. Neutrals for next year will be more saturated and rich, which will start becoming more popular. Browns will start having more yellow and red undertones, and reds will still be timeless, but darker reds will start becoming more prominent. As for golds and sunny yellows they will have more of a red influence. We will start seeing more sophisticated palettes in homes with colors like navy, indigo, and royal blue. Metallics and pearlized colors will still remain strong in everyday design as well as bronze and silver, and gold will start to make it’s comeback, but in more of a satin finish. The undertones in a lot of colors will become deeper than before, but also better than before. So there are a few tips on how next years colors and trends will affect us, hopefully this will inspire you to lay down some tarps and start a new trend in your own home this next year.

Sisal and other natural-fiber rugs have evolved from beach-house flooring to that of being a staple in home decor. Sisal Rugs have become the jeans of home decor. You can dress them up, dress them down and layer them. And they are affordable! There are other natural fiber rugs like sea grass, jute, hemp and coir that are being used throughout the home. Here are some quick pros and cons to determine the right fiber for you.

Sisal (From agave cactus plant)
Pros: Probably the strongest of the natural fibers. Classic look. Good for high traffic areas, especially stairs.
Cons: A little scratchy for bedrooms. Stairs should be cleaned immediately to avoid discoloration. Cats might claw it.

Sea Grass (Tropical Grass)
Pros: More forgiving of stains. Stills dry quickly. Sheds least of all. Attractive matte finish. Some pet owners say getting stains out of sea grass is easier than from sisal.
Cons: Not great for stairs or damp areas.

Jute (Vegetable Fiber)
Pros: Often the most in-expensive choice. Gives a chunky look and adds texture. Softer feel. Good for medium-traffic areas.
Cons: Sheds. Not good for rooms where kids roll around on the floor. Has a tendency to fall apart with heavy use because it is loosely woven.

Hemp (Mountain Grass)
Pros: Its natural taupe color is a very hot neutral right now in design magazines and blogs. Minimal shedding.
Cons: Because it’s still mostly hand-woven and not widely available, prices tend to be higher than those of other natural fibers.

Coir (From Coconut Husks)
Pros: Functions well as a doormat in covered areas because it’s abrasive and mildew-resistant. Good for entrance halls.
Cons: Not great for family rooms or bedrooms because the coarseness that cleans the bottom of shoes would be painful on bare feet.

Source: Washington Post – Star Tribune