Architecture & Web Art

Archive for the ‘Wall Coverings’ Category

Turquoise is one of the most beautiful colors imaginable and it’s often thought of nearly simultaneously with Southwestern style decor. But its soft watery shades are gorgeously appropriate and right at home in many other types of decor, such as shabby chic, modern interiors, cottage style and rooms that have exotic appeal. Here are some ideas from Southwestern and beyond.

Turquoise of the Southwest

Turquoise is a quintessential Southwestern color. Find it in sunsets or Native American jewelry. It looks fabulous when mingled with soft desert sands and pale sunset pinks, and it pops against white for a fresh, clean look. Turquoise is amazing when used as an accent color in Southwestern decor: For example, a turquoise Southwestern wall art will come to life when mounted on a natural stone fireplace façade. It also adds a vibrant kick in Native American textiles such as braided rugs or fabrics that can be used in anything from wall art to floor rugs to throw pillows.

Wall art collections can add lots of personality to a room. Related framed art or photos and other souvenirs and collectibles can look fantastic when displayed together, but how do you get them arranged on a wall, especially those items that aren’t designed to be hung. And what if you decide to change up the display later? Do you really want to patch all those holes, and then have to prime and paint the repairs?

If you spend any time at all shopping in consignment stores or browsing tag sales, you know that it’s pretty easy to find vintage dressers at great prices. While you may not need another dresser in your bedroom, a low profile dresser with drawers has lots of potential to add style and function to your home.

The great thing about these dressers, in addition to their low price, is their versatility. Since they are made of wood, they are easy to sand and paint, whether your style sensibilities cry out for the purity of shabby chic white or a glossy shade of jade green to go with Asian fusion style. So rather than pass by yet another ubiquitous vintage dresser, consider these fun and practical ideas.

Sometimes you look around a room and you know it’s time for a change. What once worked is no longer working and the room now looks tired and boring. But in the current economic climate, who has money for new furniture or the time and energy to install expensive upgrades like new hardwood flooring?  If the answer to these questions is, “Not me,” take heart because you can get a great new look in any room without breaking your back or bank account. Explore the exciting and affordable world of accessorizing, a.k.a. the lazy and inexpensive way to room renovation. Here are three examples:

A Warm and Welcoming Entry Space

If your entry or foyer is less than welcoming, try adding a console table with a stylish lamp, a tray for outgoing and incoming mail and a tasteful grouping of family photos. A wall mirror or sun metal wall decor above the table and a pair of wall candle sconces makes the entry more inviting than ever. If your foyer is not big enough for a table, a wall shelf can give you a similar look in a smaller footprint.

A kitchen can be what makes or breaks the sale of a house. If a home is otherwise appealing, but the kitchen is dated and ugly, potential buyers would rather walk away and keep shopping rather take on the work and expense of replacing the kitchen. However, a total kitchen replacement is not always necessary, particularly if the kitchen functions well but just needs a style update. Here are five affordable upgrades that can be used together or in any combination to update your kitchen.

Modern Wall Color:

Nothing says “1966” like avocado green walls. Refreshing your walls with new paint is one of the easiest and least expensive upgrades you can make, and it gives you lots of bang for your buck. Evaluate the space and the colors that must stay, then choose something new and fresh that complements those colors. You can never go wrong with serene neutrals like ivory or tan, but you can also add some panache with a focal wall in a trendy color like green tea, mimosa yellow or periwinkle blue.