Accessorizing Consoles

A well accessorized console is like the little black dress with the perfect jewelry. When it all comes together its classic and gorgeous! Start with an interesting console and add some of your favorite elements. Here are some ideas, coffee table books, picture frames, art, objects d'art, or vases. I like combining finishes as well. Mix something shiny with something textural, something matte with something crystal. Here are few examples that pull it all together!

Brian Watford ID

Dana Wolter

GRADE

Laura Kirar

James Thomas

Square Seat

Square little ottomans make a perfect place to sit for minute or put your feet up. Small ottomans can add another layer of design by their use of fabric and shape. Here are some rooms that use small ottomans and the results are awesome!

Chad Eisner

GRADE

Eileen Kathryn Boyd

Sarah Richardson

Phoebe Howard

Phoebe Howard

Vanishing Appilances

I am seeing more and more kitchen designs with a sleek, modern look. The appliances are no longer a status symbol or focal point. Although I still think there is a place for that look, the new trend seems to be hiding appliances. Low profile cooktops and panelled refrigerators are taking the place of giant ranges and fingerprint-ridden stainless steel. What do you think of this trend?

Source Unknown

Source Unknown

Source Unknown

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Troy Adams

Troy Adams

Phoebe Howard

Royal Flush

Flush mount lighting fixtures have come a long way. Who hasn't seen these light fixtures? Boring, typical and ugly.

The new flush mount fixtures offer a range of styles and finishes. I just love these designs!! These are great for hallways, walk-in closets, bedroom or smaller entry ways.

Vaughn

Vaughn

Circa

Vaughn

Here is a bedroom that successfully used a flush mount fixture!

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Bedtime Story

I love wallpaper in a bedroom. It tells the story of the room right away. Whether the room is soft and feminine, young and playful, or masculine and geometric, wallpaper instantly makes a statement. Sometimes wallpaper isn't such a statement but adds depth and texture that paint just can't compete with. Wallpaper has come a long way in design and style. Gone are the tacky borders and plastic-like feel of the old school papers. Today they are rich and sophisticated with tons of options. Here are a few bedrooms that use wallpaper effectively:

Atmosphere Interior Design

Camilia Molders

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Lovejoy Designs

Elizabeth Dinkle

Chandos Interiors

Redefining Rustic-Guest Post

When you think of rustic furniture what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Chandeliers made of deer antlers? Bear skin rugs? Uncomfortable wooden chairs? A space that is just way too masculine? If you said yes to any of those, you wouldn’t be alone in your opinion; however, you would be wrong. It’s so much more than any of that. Rustic furniture is one style that needs an image makeover - fast!

handmade glass and ironworks chandelier

Like any style, it seems just about everyone has a different definition. Let’s try to bring the real rustic furniture style into focus though; in the simplest of terms, rustic furniture is furniture that is handcrafted from natural materials. Sometimes (especially in more modern times) this definition has been expanded to include furniture that simply appears to be handmade. Think of furniture made out of wood, certain metals, glass, stone, and leather - not deer antlers and bear skins.

 Italian leather sectional

Due to the typically subdued shades of rustic furniture (since it’s made out of natural materials), this style is often thought of as heavily masculine. That isn’t quite true, or at least it isn’t accurate in a negative way. Rustic furniture brings rich, warm, and earthy tones to any room which instantly adds a touch of comfort and coziness. Rustic furniture is sure to make any room look inviting. After all, no one is afraid of kicking back and relaxing on a sturdy leather couch - there’s no spindly legs or delicate frames here!

hand chiseled marble dining room table with hand forged iron base

The handmade furniture of this style is typically very resilient and long lasting. In fact, the nicks, dents, and scrapes that may accumulate over the years will only add character to the pieces. This is furniture you can really live with, furniture you can interact with on an everyday basis without fear of ruinous wear and tear.

handcrafted wood buffet finished in cinnamon brown with cast iron door panels

Perhaps the most beautiful characteristic of rustic furniture is it’s one-of-a-kind appearance. When furniture is handcrafted you can be assured that no two pieces are exactly alike. All of the materials from hand blow glass to hand forged iron to hand finished wood have variances and imperfections that create an exquisite uniqueness.

handcrafted mesquite wood table with hand forged iron base

Rather than masculine, heavy, and rough, rustic furniture is natural, warm, strong, and unique. It brings the outdoors in and makes any room feel like, well, home.

Article contributed by Alex Webb on behalf of Blue Moon Rustic Home Furnishings. Alex is an HGTV addict who loves exploring different interior design styles. Follow her on Twitter @alexandriakwebb.

Animal Attraction

Animals are frequently featured in sculpture, paintings and photography. All kinds of animals from man's best friend, majestic horses, exotic cats, feathered friends or regal elephants have all been the source of inspiration for many artists. Whatever your preference, there is an accessory or art piece representing your favorite creature.