by Sarah Fallows | Feb 2, 2016 | February 2016, Retreat, Stuff
Contemplating bold decor? Check out designer Leigh Mosby’s North Raleigh townhome living room. Owner of MLM interiors and selections coordinator for Legacy Custom Homes, Mosby nailed her design with pops of pink, golds and greens.
Her inspiration comes from spending time at West Virginia’s renowned resort, The Greenbrier, influenced by mid-century tastemaker Dorothy Draper.
Bold colors and patterns mix with neutrals to play the high and low scale throughout the room. The fabric on the sofa pillow was the inspiration, and she built from there.
Top 3 tips for going bold:
1. Pick a neutral background to anchor your room;
2. Pick two to three color choices and repeat throughout the room; too many will distract.
3. Go with what you love and what makes you happy.
Remember: Your room should be a reflection of you; let your personality shine through in your design and you can’t go wrong.
1. All upholstery: Century Furniture
2. Sofa: fabric & pillows (green w/blue medallions) – both by Century.
Retail: $3,350.
Printed pillows (26” Chinoserie scene): Manuel Canovas- Dara-Turquoise
$200/yd retail.
3. Pink chair: Fabric: Robert Allen, Bend-the Rules-Fuchsia,
Retail: $99.90/yd
Chair: $1,650 retail.
4. Teal chair: Fabric: Robert Allen, Bedrock-Viridian
Retail: $80/yd;
Chair: $2,241 retail.
5. Draperies: Printer’s Alley $200/pair of panels (retail).
6. Cocktail table: purchased from Greenfront, made by Worlds Away. Approx: $695
7. End tables: Dorothy Draper (Espana bunching chest inspired) from LaChiffonaire Raleigh.
8. Ballet Table Lamps, Currey & Co,
Retail: $468 each.
9. Rug: Eatman’s Carpet- Antelope 6’x9’
Retail: $995.
by Sarah Fallows | Nov 30, 2015 | December 2015 / January 2016, Retreat, Stuff
No longer known for its association with 80’s office furniture, teal is big for 2016. Teal can be tricky, though, falling somewhere between green and blue, but it’s both beautiful and unique.
A dynamic color that makes any furniture or accessory a bold statement piece, pair it well with deep purples, dark wood and grays; don’t be afraid to show it off!
“It has a rich depth to it that works well with neutrals, blacks and bright colors.”
— Betty Nelson, Eatman’s Carpets
“Tidewater captures the tranquil feel you get from a spa or visiting the beach. In working with a palette of blues, grays, greens and neutrals, Tidewater is perfect in achieving a calm and serene setting. Coral colors also pair well with Tidewater for a more energetic feel in a room.”
— Linda Boylan, interior designer for Peri Nicole Interiors
“Amy Howard High Performance Furniture Spray Lacquer in “Belize” is a beautiful, soft teal that goes on smooth as silk with a fantastic glossy finish—just one of many awesome colors that will update any tired lamp or chandelier. It works great on furniture too!”
— Laurie Ledbetter, Owner of Affordable Chic
“Color is the most basic way to update a traditional room; combine this teal with a chic gray for an updated crisp feel.”
— Designer Tula Summerford
“Teal Zeal is wonderfully versatile and can look playful or sophisticated depending on what you pair it with. Mix this bold hue with pops of fuchsia or nectarine orange for a modern look, or combine it with a rich espresso and shades of cream for an elegant interior.”
— Elizabeth Burns, Elizabeth Burns Designs
by Sarah Fallows | Nov 30, 2015 | December 2015 / January 2016, Retreat, Stuff
The fireplace is the focal point of the room. But decorating it can be challenging. Here are some tips from Raleigh designer Julie Korp for creating the perfect mantel:
1. Picture a triangle. This is the basis for choosing your décor. Choose one large piece as the focal point of your fireplace. The most commonly used items are mirrors, artwork, pictures and even TVs. Center this piece either directly on your mantel or hang it centered over the mantel. Make sure it fits the scale of your fireplace. This piece should be the tallest object in your design.
Winter mantle decor for after the holidays.
2. Next, on the right and left sides of the mantel, add objects whose height is shorter than your large piece. These items can be symmetric; such as candlesticks or plants. You can also add asymmetric objects. Just make sure the objects are similar in body and scale.
3. Accessorize. Don’t let this part scare you. Play with the look a bit. You may end up tweaking it several times before you get it right. The objects used for this area should be smaller than the objects on the sides of the mantel. The mantel is a great place to display family heirlooms, collectibles and holiday décor. Pinecones and bulbs are great around the holidays. Pumpkins are always perfect for fall, and flowers add the perfect touch in spring/summer.
4. To complete the look, add an item to the hearth. Baskets filled with pillows, blankets or even firewood give a cozy feel.
by Sarah Fallows | Nov 30, 2015 | December 2015 / January 2016, Retreat, Stuff
Red and green Christmas décor is losing steam this season (don’t worry; it’ll be back!).
But white actually adds a hint of winter’s beauty to your home—and helps extend holiday décor into February. Blending white and cream elements brightens during those dark, cold winter days. Mix items like these — greenery, metals that shimmer and natural textures to add variation.
Or go natural for a rustic homespun feel. Bring the outside in. Weave pinecones, burlap
and wood throughout your displays, adding shimmer with white ornaments, metal décor or mercury glass bulbs.
1. Garland with pinecones and bells, Affordable Chic
2. White sparkle star Christmas tree topper, ($19.75), Affordable Chic
3. Metal star and ornaments ($.99-$5.99), Michaels
4. Bark napkin rings ($8.99), Target
5. Merry sparkle pillow ($24.99), Target
6. Cable-knit fur trim pillow ($34.99), Michaels
7. Mercury Glass candlesticks ($30), Affordable Chic
8. Script ribbon ($55), Davenport at Five Points
9. Birch sticks ($3 each), Davenport at Five Points
10. Mercury glass ornaments ($4.99-$14.99), Atlantic Ave. Orchid and Garden
11. Wood DIY ornaments ($.99-$4.99), Michaels
by Sarah Fallows | Nov 30, 2015 | December 2015 / January 2016, Retreat, Stuff
While homeownership constitutes the American dream for some, others don’t want the upkeep.
The Raleigh-Cary metro area ranks among the top 10 strongest rental markets in the U.S., with just a 3.1 percent vacancy rate (compared to a national average of close to 7 percent). Check us out:
Top 10 U.S. rental markets
1. Seattle
2. San Francisco
3. San Jose, California
4. Denver
5. Portland
6. Nashville
7. Raleigh
8. Salt Lake City
9. Austin
10. Columbus, Ohio
Source: All Property Management’s Rental Ranking Report (second quarter).
