Backsplash Ideas

Incorporating one material throughout a room is a great way to unify the design and establish a distinct focal point. For this contemporary kitchen, Herzlinger used large slabs of marble to create a monolithic look, thus allowing the dark cabinetry and floors to pop.



A backsplash can also be used to separate one area of a room from another. In this modern home, Herzlinger brought in stainless tile to designate a butler's bar within the oversized kitchen.
A smaller budget doesn't have to mean a sacrifice in style. Graphic designer Jen Ramos selected honed Carrara marble for her backsplash, which she found at Home Depot and installed via independent contractor.



For designer Jamie Herzlinger, a backsplash is the finishing touch that can make or break the room. "So often I come across backsplashes that aren't in sync with the rest of the kitchen," laments Herzlinger, "and that's a missed opportunity to make a big statement." For this space, Herzlinger chose a mustard yellow and oxblood red pattern to accent the Mediterranean decor.



Design blogger and fine artist Nicole Cohen had her work cut out for her when she took on a gut renovation of her apartment. She selected miniature stainless steel tiles for the backsplash, which gave an industrial edge to the Calcutta countertops and white lacquer cabinetry in her kitchen. A twist on traditional subway tile, the metal is modern and easy to keep clean.

Read More

Headboards

Trash to Treasure

A headboard made from salvaged materials can add tons of charm and unique style to a bedroom. In this space, an old door found in a burn pile was paired with a vintage gate — reclaimed from a dump and brightened up with a mist of white spray paint. The end result is a whimsical, one-of-a-kind headboard with enough substance to balance the king-size bed. Design by Funky Junk Interiors.

Industrial Chic

Who knew metal roofing could be so stylish? Designer Kara Paslay created a rustic yet glamorous headboard by cutting an ornate shape out of corrugated tin, bringing out its subtle sheen and wavy texture. The silhouette may be traditional, but this headboard is anything but ordinary. Best of all, this DIY project only cost about $30!

Rustic Romance

In this airy bedroom, a headboard made from a pair of reclaimed doors adds visual weight and a hint of ruggedness to an otherwise dreamy space. The weathered doors retain just enough white paint to complement the room's crisp bedding and sparkling chandelier. Design by Dreamy Whites.

A Good Sign

After a thorough scrub and a bit of paint to touch up the faded lettering, this reclaimed convenience store sign looks as good as new and makes an eye-catching backdrop for a daybed. Not only does the vintage sign provide a theme and color palette for the room, but its historic significance also makes it an exciting conversation piece. Design by Funky Junk Interiors.

Organic Element

Sometimes, an unexpected headboard can be just what a bedroom needs. In this modern loft bedroom, a slab of roughhewn wood adds a natural touch and warms up the industrial-looking space. Design by Daniel Bodenmiller.

Soaring to the Ceiling

To make the bed the focal point in a small studio apartment, Rate My Space user 4oclock created a striking headboard by securing 1-1/2-inch MDF pieces to two strips of iron. A headboard that extends all the way to the ceiling creates visual interest and defines the space.

Coastal Chic

Shutter headboards are a perfect fit for a beach house or cottage-style bedroom. To give new, unfinished shutters a weathered look, paint them with a "dry brushing" technique, then sand the outside edges and the front edge of the louvers.

Pallet Perfection

Echoing the navy-and-white stripes painted in the closet, a headboard made from wooden shipping pallets is a standout feature in this nautical-themed boy's bedroom. To create a coordinated look, designer Lakeitha Duncan paired the pallets with two wooden nightstands in a natural finish.

Country Goes Contemporary

Who would guess that this modish headboard was once a barn door window? The window was first fashioned into a mirror, which designer Jessica McKay of Birdhouse Interiors frosted to reduce distracting reflections. With a modular look and monochromatic color scheme, this formerly rustic window now makes a distinctive, modern headboard.

Bonus Shelving

This salvaged door not only serves as an attractive headboard, but also provides a small shelf above the bed for displaying vases and other accessories. Even against a bold, custom-painted harlequin wall, this headboard makes a statement. Design by Suzanne Lasky, S Interior Design.

Read More

Instant Room Part 2 of 2

Interview with Designer Joe Nye (Continued)

Babylone in Lin

"I've never been a big fan of embroidered fabrics — many sins have been committed in their name — but this one changed my mind. It has a particular elegance, and the luminous flowers add a note of glamour. They're in various pleasing shades of taupe, so it's not a screaming floral. The billowy quality of the linen background makes it great for curtains

Power's Court in Antique Green

"A dressy taffeta like this would be stunning on a bergère or fauteuil. I'm nuts for them, I use them in every room in every house. They're like jewelry."

Recamier Taffetas Stripe in Bleu Vert

"My favorite silk stripe ever. It adds richness to a room. I'd do two squishy down-filled sofa pillows with an extravagant fringe — this is your frothy moment."

I LOVE how this stripe pulls in all the colors from the floral. Joe really knew how to compliment the floral. This is how I design......great job Joe.

Semis Montrichard in S157

"I'm sitting on this right now in my living room! It has a quiet elegance, and it's great on a pair of slipper chairs pulled up to a coffee table, Billy Haines style."

Eaton Plain in Leaf Green

"It's got a watermarked strié, almost like a subtle moiré, that sort of shimmers. Dress up a club chair with it. The bonus is that it's hardy and easy to maintain."

Colorado in Anis

"To offset the shininess of BABYLONE curtains, upholster walls in this coarse-weave linen. The flat finish brings the dressiness down."

Indochine in Champagne

"I see this on a pretty, tufted round ottoman with lots of silk-covered buttons and a dressmaker's skirt — wide 6-inch pleats — that goes to the floor."

From the eyes of a designer, this is a good example of how it is done from our minds eye to reality!!!

Read More

Instant Room Part 1 0f 2

Interview with Joe Nye

Los Angeles-based designer Joe Nye creates a room inspired by florals from Manuel Canovas's latest collection, and McKinnon and Harris furniture: "Using outdoor pieces inside — in a sunroom or even a living room — is fun and fresh."

Curtain Lining:
"I chose VANESSA'S FOLLY to line the striped curtains. Most people get lazy and just do white lining, but a contrasting color has a more finished, couture effect — like you thought about it."
Chairs:
"BEAUVOIR is the key fabric in the room, the starting-off point. You can pull lots of colors from it. But you have to be careful not to overwhelm the room with it — it's not a timid pattern. I see it on a pair of duVal Club Chairs."
Sofa:
"BRASILIA is a divine color, a wonderful mucky green, and the texture is really cushy. It's comfortable to sit on, even when you're in shorts, so I'd use it in a big way, on a sofa."
Curtains:
"Striped curtains are always a winner, and a turquoise lining would really kick off the bright raspberry. With a bold stripe like ELOI, I wouldn't do much in the way of trim. You want to keep it fresh, not fussy like silk curtains."

Beauvoir in Fuchsia

"These colors are loud and brash — but in a good way!" Nye says. "The pattern is a new take on an old standard, the Jacobean tree of life. It's fun, but it's busy, so it could get dizzying if you used a lot of it. The trick is to use it in a restrained way. On a pair of chairs, it would look special — it would be the focal point of the room."

Cotton Club II in Framboise

"It looks like a coarse sailcloth, but it's so soft you want to put your head on it. I would make two 22-inch-square pillows with tiny French pleats, one for each end of a sofa."

"I'm crazy for animal prints, so chic! They never seem to go out of style. I'd use this for a skirted table. It's a stylish way to add punch to a room

Eloi in Fraise

"Because it's all cotton, Eloi looks informal and canvasy, like a tenting stripe. For curtains in a sunroom, it's exactly the right look

Vanessa's Folly in Turquoise

"I use this all the time to line curtains — it comes in so many colors. I'd do pillows with it, too. Repetition is good — it ties a room together

Read More

Design Touches

Add Seating

A chaise longue (French for long chair) is a relaxing addition to the bedroom. Designed for reclining, they're the perfect spot for reading a book or catching a quick snooze.

Creatively Use Space

A converted  seldom-used attic was transformed into a sprawling master suite complete with a spa-like bathroom, entertainment lounge and bedroom proper. The suite's three areas are clearly defined yet still feel connected, courtesy of partial wall dividers like the floor-to-ceiling draperies separating the bedroom from the rest of the suite.

Opt for Old World Elegance

A custom canopy and rich drapery panels make the bed the dramatic centerpiece of this luxurious master suite. Certainly a high-end look, a bed crown is a relatively easy project to accomplish. Simply attach a fabric valance to a wooden shelf to create a cornice, then suspend the drapes from a cafe rod mounted within.

Don't Forget the Ceiling

Often overlooked, the ceiling is a room's fifth wall. RMSer kblalock gave hers the custom treatment with coffers, tray molding and recessed lighting.

Create an Escape

True, we can't all have an oceanfront view, but we can take a few cues from this laid-back, coastal style. Add a touch of the tropics with a seagrass rug, exotic accessories and gauzy sheers surrounding the bed.

Read More

Spring Accent Trends

Filigree

Inspired by a global appreciation of ironwork scrolls and delicate embroidery, filigree is popping up on walls, bedding, and textiles. The finely wrought designs, full of swirls, curlicues and flourishes, are as fresh as a sweet pea tendril. Pierced and intricately carved designs fall under this highly decorative look. I love the cool colors, classy and warm!

A Bit of Spice

Bands of filigree criss-cross this Moroccan pendant light, found at Horchow.

 Every room, whether traditional or modern, needs a dose of ethnic design.

Asian Interlude

Asian motifs compose a patchwork of design across the back and arms of a rattan chair. Flank a round skirted table with these exotic imports.
$525
Available atGump's San Francisco

A Dose of Damask

Laser cutting has enabled the filigree trend to flourish. Here, a rug is cut into an elegant damask pattern, perfect for bringing a note of whimsy to a modern room.
$99 to $499
Available at Brocade Home

Bold Beauty

A boldly carved bed frame, painted black, gives your bedroom a fashion-forward edge.
$349-$449
Available at Brocade Home

Read More

Coastal Carolina Estate

Living Room

Elements such as upholstered walls, an oversized ottoman, and a woodsy fireplace make this large living room feel cozy. Designer Philip Sides used limed oak to surround the fireplace, giving it a look of sun-bleached wood. The symmetrical styling and lounge-like seating add to its peaceful feeling.

Dining Room

Soft colors and objects continue into the dining room, where a stylized teapot pattern engulfs the small space with softness, covering the walls and hanging as draperies. A Chinese pot as a table base and a hand-carved egret further emphasizes the room’s relaxed character.

Kitchen

Stained black cabinets recede into the background of this kitchen that opens to the dining room. A contrasting island with a medium stain looks like a rehabbed antique table. Nail heads on the barstools give them a designer look, and handles on the seatbacks make them easy to move around.

The Master Suite

The curtain’s leaf-print fabric was the inspiration for the bold yet soothing chartreuse and gray color scheme. A four-poster bed gets the royal treatment when nestled in swaths of two different gray fabrics, a color that is present throughout the house.

Watch the video

The Master Bathroom

The glass mosaic tile backsplash and the vanity’s mirror-paneled doors provide touches of sleek sophistication. Tall, slender, curvy proportions of the vanity’s sconces play to the high ceilings.

The Guest Bedroom

Because of the shape of this room, the only space for the bed was underneath a set of bay windows. Swing arm lamps were attached directly to the headboard, upholstered in a bold orange. The low-slung alcove headboard runs the entire length of the window.

The Rec Room

Bocce balls for giants are whimsical accessories for a room dedicated to fun and games. The large room calls for big-scale prints, like the flowery curtains.

The Sleeping Porch

A wall of windows shows that this large room was originally an exterior space. A hanging bed feels like an indoor hammock. Every detail, from the whitewashed floor to the shellacked beaded-board walls, is designed to look like a porch that has been enclosed.

The Screened Porch

Wicker furniture in streamlined silhouettes turns this beach house must-have into sophisticated pieces. Gauzy curtains filter harsh sunlight and add elegance to the casual space.

More About the House

Love this house? From paint colors to furniture, everything you love about the house is listed here in the Coastal Living Idea House Style Guide.

Read More

Winter Colors

Neutral Sophistication

A neutral living room was given a striking edge with sophisticated hues of gold and brown. The vaulted ceilings are the most eye-catching element of the room with double crown molding and an umber-toned accent wall. Simple beige walls allow the gold accompaniments and brown accents to stand out. Design by Rate My Space user Liv By Design Interiors.

Deep Pink

RMS user artelfin created a feminine and posh space by integrating red-violet tones with sterling silver accessories. The white sofa pops against the rich magenta walls and accent pillows. Periwinkle carpet tones down the bold color of the room, while still maintaining that lovely pink-purple hue.

Perfect Pair

An olive green accent wall paired with an aubergine duvet creates a relaxing tone, perfect for a bedroom environment. Seal brown hardwood floors and furnishings deliver wintertime warmth. Design by Andreas Charalambous.

Snow White

Say "yes" to white in the winter. Neutral tones come together to create a simple and modern space. Warm elements are introduced with a rust-colored sconce, a creamy shag rug and natural hardwood floors. Design by Ron Nowfel.

Rich and Warm

Nothing says warmth more than rich, chocolate brown tones mixed with gray, aubergine and pumpkin orange. Designer Andreas Charalambous added lights behind the wall to illuminate the room with a soft, intimate glow, allowing the orange accent wall to stand out among the deeper elements of the space.

Cozy Colors

Warm shades of eggplant create an intimate, inviting gathering spot within this traditional living room. Soft, gray-toned purple walls allow deeper shades of aubergine, like the lamp base, throw pillow and candles, to make a bold statement. Design by Joseph Pubillones.

Silver and Cold

Black, white and silver combine to create an ultra-modern dining room. Aluminum-gray walls and silver window treatments visually expand the space, while crisp, white furnishings add an unexpected pop when paired with black accessories. Design by Erinn Valencich.

Charcoal Heaven

A color palette of charcoal gray and aubergine in the living room carries into the kitchen and other adjacent rooms for a uniform and balanced look. Designer Gregory Augustine says, "the reflective hues of the surrounding city buildings at dusk were inspiration for the color palette."

This is one of my personal favorites!!! The colors are warm and calming.

 

Golden Dreams

Designer Judith Balis combined various hues of tan and brown with soothing gold and copper accents throughout this modern bedroom retreat. A rich, chocolate brown accent wall complements the shimmery gold duvet and accent pillows for an ultra-relaxing feel.

Love this, I did a very similiar painting scheme for my own bedroom, love it!!!

Read More