Trends We Love: Pattern Your Organizing!

One trend we love here at the Grande Design, is using non traditional supplies to create great design. Awesome patterns can be found in everything from wrapping paper to tape. So here are a few ideas to brighten you home and put a little pep into spaces you want to keep organized.

First Patterned Trend We Love: Washi Tape!

It is great to use for scrap-booking and other crafts, but can also be an easy way to help organize your closet. Just pick a few patterns you like, designate each one to a certain type of clothing, i.e. long sleeves, short sleeves, formal etc. Then wrap tape around the top of the hanger. Once inside your closet it will be easy to identify which is which with just a quick glance. No more shoving a pushing things out of the way!

Second Patterned Trend We Love: Scrapbook Paper!

Think out side the box. Scrapbook paper and a mod-podge have been long time friends and have been joining forces to add fun to many things. In our next tip we have added scrapbook paper to boring old paper boxes to help our organizing look a lot more exciting. Simply trace cut the scrapbook paper to fit the out side of the box. Adhere with some mod-podge and add some lettering for a fun way to label. Now you will have a decorative spot to put all those papers that clutter your kitchen counter or office.

Our Last Patterned Trend We Love: Wrapping Paper!

Not just to be use to conceal presents anymore. We took an old mass produced bookcase and revamped it by adding some great designed wrapping paper to the back panel. It was as easy as removing the backing, using some spray adhesive and reattaching the back panel to the frame. This easy project took a quick 30 min. but added so much to the craft room. A great idea for a kids room or a reading nook.

Look Whats Just Around the Corner This August!

Easy Living & Design: Design High

 I often have friends and visitors to my home ask how it is possible to have a decorated home when the bulk of the occupants are under the age of 3!  My answer is acclamation.  The more exposure your children have to “things,” the less curious they become.  For safety sake, you do need to baby proof your home; but baby proof doesn't have to mean style proof.  

Think lofty thoughts.  Create vignettes in high spaces like a mantle.  The kiddies will have a difficult time accessing areas out of reach.  Rather than a formal fireplace screen, opt for a barrier of cleverly placed suit cases and bird cages; or any other bulky, safe decorative items.  Decorations like these make it more challenging for little ones to find their way into a potentially dangerous fireplace.  Parents sacrifice many comforts for the sake of their children...  Style doesn't have to be one of those sacrifices.  Now that's easy living! 

Design Psychie: Dinning Al Fresco

From tea parties to birthday celebrations to back yard BBQ's, dinning out doors has been a wonderful summer tradition. 
In this case we created a space for a late afternoon lunch. Overall it kind of reminds me of an "Alice in Wonderland" vibe. We wanted a space that was functional with a little chic added to it. Eating out doors allows a little more freedom to relax and linger. Maybe its because all the prep can take place elsewhere and you can forget about clean up and live in the moment!
Whatever the case may be, I say seize every opportunity to Dine Al Fresco; whether it be at your a yummy restaurant, in your back yard or at the park.
For this particular event we wanted to create a space for girlfriends to gather and chat the afternoon away. The accessories where use to make one feel like the indoors had literally been transported outside.  No walls to confine you, yet still classy and chic.

Chatter was the second most important element to us...behind the delicious food of course! So plate settings were kept to one side of the table as it was rather long and it created a more group like setting, perfect for conversation.

We used a combination of textures in the linens as well as in the plate settings to create warmth and an inviting atmosphere. A little side tip: your dishes do not need to be a matching set. Mix a few from various table settings to create a whole new look. We do it with outfits, why not dishes. In this case white dishes from all different sets were used to create a more vintage feel.

Lastly, don't forget color! Being outdoors is  the perfect opportunity to use bold beautiful colors. Colors you might be too afraid to use inside. Colors that stir emotions and feelings. Colors capture nature and make it pop! This table runner from Pier1 has great colors, from mustard yellow to bright pink. It was to perfect compliment to the wild flowers and greenery all around.

So remember Dinning Al Fresco is a great way to feel amazing. Just look at this list of benefits:
*A Dose of Vitamin D- essential for a healthy life style.
*Color- Just having blue skies and green grass can create tranquility and healing. Adding other colors will cause additional positive vibes.
*Sociability- Dining outdoors causes us to slow down and enjoy a meal with great company. No eating in the car, in front of the T.V. while outside. But rather a chance to enjoy conversation and good company.

So for your next get together, think about moving it outside and enjoy the beauty mother nature gave us!

Design Spotlight: Great Spaces From Top To Bottom with Carrie Leavitt!

Welcome people!  

Come one come all to the DIY spotlight!  The DIY spotlight is devoted to those who have enough gusto to tackle those projects on their own, have fun, save money, and beautify their environment. Carrie Leavitt is a self taught design diva.  Not a day goes by that she isn't diving head first into a home makeover project.  Carrie has invited The Grande Design team into her home to showcase her canvas and the masterpiece that she, her husband Andrew, and their three children, Dee Dee, Sissy, and Allie, call home.  The living room is the pioneer in a series of posts that will feature the many rooms of  “Leavitt Crossing.”  Rescued from the clutches of 6 college students, this 1970's rambler in suburban Orem Utah, was anything but beautiful.  This potential frat house was transformed from it's tract build appeal to a custom villa. 

Carrie and Andrews living room has morphed through the years to this butterfly of a space.  Hand scrapped hard woods adorn the entry way.  The couple opted for solid wood doors over the builder grade doors that were original to the home; it just supplies a custom look.  The color is a neutral tone that was practically stolen from the local Habitat For Humanity, ReStore...  five dollars!  

The fireplace is marvelous!  The grand mantel is a concrete finished to mimic a solid limestone piece.  Carrie found it post in the online classifieds for seventy five dollars.  After a grueling install, this fireplace was finished off with honed travertine tiles.  Accessories purposefully placed are the icing on the cake.

Carrie was able to find budget furniture and make it shine.  She repurposed a night stand as an end table and painted it a soothing cream.  Carrie was able to find an over sized coffee table at a local consignment shop.  She left it in it's original state and simply accessorized using a department store mirror as a cleaver tray.

The two arm chairs are an Overstock.com purchase.  They were sold as a two pack for just over six hundred dollars.  A slash of turquoise paint refreshes a simple console table between the two chairs.

The Leavitts received a free grandfather style clock when they purchased furniture at a local home retailer; Carrie couldn't be satisfied until the honey stain was covered by this warm olive green.

 Along with the doors and the floors, this entry way was given the royal treatment with a large black credenza, over which, Carrie hung an ornate mirror...  Of course restyled using flat chalky gray paint.  This over-sized beauty grounds the space.  Every room should have a black element.

Carries design advise: use down-filled pillows always!  They fluff and crease perfectly, not to mention, down pillows don't slid around on leather furnishing.  Carrie says to splurge on a few nice throw pillows, they beckon comfort and are perfect for design pallet inspiration and add a finishers touch.

Money saving tip: find accessories at thrift stores and spray paint them a solid color to cover ugly and create cohesion.

Visit Us At The Pleasant Grove Promenade!

Hey Everyone!

We are going to be at the Pleasant Grove Promenade, Thursday evenings from 5pm-9pm We will have everything from restyled furniture, to custom home accents. We will also be able to answer any decorating questions and set up appointments on the spot! We look forward to getting to visit with you all in person, so come see us all summer long at the park off Main Street in Pleasant Grove for an awesome time! 

Check out our great deal below, available the whole month of JULY!

Trends We Love: In the Lighting World

Lighting can create the perfect ambiance in any room and right now many of the trends you will see in lighting are allowing the combination of  multiple styles into one. The juxtaposition of metal with soft, modern with traditional, industrial with fabric are allowing two style senses to come together as one. So as you are planing how to fuse all the great senses of style in your home, light might just be the way to do it. 

Below are some great finds of how this trend is being showcased all around. And don't forget about how something old can be restyled to be something new, just like the 80's chandelier redone in our previous blog.http://www.thegrandedesign.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-80s-can-still-have-luxury.html.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you choose your next lighting fixture:

1. Don't be afraid of combining styles. A metallic base can go great with a soft fabric.

2. If you find something you absolutely love but the proportion is too small, try clustering it in a group of three and varying heights. It could make a great statement piece.

3. Remember the purpose of your lighting. If it is for the living room- light up only 3 of the 4 corners and then use some light to showcase some art. If it is for the dining room- bring people to the center, hang a chandelier above the table. The bedroom- create a cozy affect, nothing too bight on each side of the bed. And the kitchen-over head lighting is a must, so your work space is fully illuminated. .

Coming This July at The Grande Design!

What post are you looking forward to most?! We'd love to hear in out comments section below!

A "Cool" Restyled Fan

Sometimes all you need to make your space a little more great is some spray paint. This fan had seen better days and with spring and summer just around the corner, I was dreading bringing it back out, displaying front and center on my night stand. BUT with a little spray paint, this fan has been restyled and classed up, making it a great addition instead of an eye sore.

-B.Petersen

Spring into Summer

It is interesting how something as simple as your bedding can help you embrace the season. In the before picture I have a rich color of bedding with great texture that is thick, warm and a inviting, tell you to escape the cold of fall and winter and get cozy on up! The after picture shows bedding that is light, breezy, bright and echos the light we see outside during the spring and summer. The great thing about these simple changes is that they are inexpensive and every 6 months gives you a new change and feel to your room. Makes you think -- 'what else can I do to help me Spring into Summer?' 

Bow Storage: Fun Way To Declutter That Bathroom Counter

My morning routine is littered with kid activities. One of these is playing “hair salon.” This is the manner in which I achieve compliance from my 3 year old to get her hair done. My bathroom counter is covered in a variety of containers holding bows, clips, brushes, whatever... It is maddening! I was able to eliminate clutter on my counter by taking 30 minutes to create this hair clip display. So simple!

• 1^st... Start with a picture frame (this one was 50% off at Hobby Lobby... $20!).
• 2^nd... 2 varieties of non- wired ribbon (the yardage will depend on the size of the frame).
• 3^rd... Cut the ribbon to size and arrange it in the pattern that is desired.
• 4^th... Use glue to adhere the ribbon to the underside on the frame. I secured it to the frame with a generous dot of glue under the ribbon and then outlining the ribbon with the hot glue.
• 5^th... Allow time for the glue to dry, hang on the wall in the desired location, and fasten clips!
  
  
  
  -B.Ballard
  
  

Personalize with Hand Made Accessories

It seems to me these days, that there is an epidemic of DIY projects everywhere, especially with the rise and fame of pinterest. I understand that it is becoming more and more difficult to live amongst all these "easy to do" projects, when you, yourself may not be a "crafter", or "do it yourself-er". Its rough and I understand that. When the chances of you gluing your fingers together before reaching the checkout line at your local craft store is higher than you knowing the difference between emerald green and teal green...it is not a good sign. BUT...I say there is hope and there is a way to personalize your home with some of your own creations. Take this flower box for example. 

In three easy steps you can have a home accessory with some of your personality.

Step 1: Choose a container that has your style: for me it was a very tailored tweed covered box. What can I say the textures just popped out at me.

Step 2: Choose some of your favorite flowers. ( The best part about this is, you can change your choice depending on the seasons. Its the home accessory that keeps on giving.)

Step 3: Arrange them by cutting the stems at various lengths and positioning them into your base to create a beautiful arrangement made all by yourself.

See how easy is that?! Not to mention there was no glue involved. leaving your fingers free and happy.

Project time: 30min 

Cost:  As little as $15.00 depending on your choices.

-B.Petersen

If you have any DIY "glued finger stories" we'd love to hear about them. So go ahead, don't be shy and leave a comment! 

Family Room Color Scheme

I have owned this rug for about 6, maybe 7 years. I love it! I love the color scheme & the pattern. Design tip: Find a piece that you love & build your room around it! I was able to pull accent colors out of this rug for the living room in my old house and now the basement family room in my new one. 

 I loved the rusty coral of this pillow, which I used for years, however I was never fully satisfied with the pillow in general. I wanted to freshen up my color scheme and give an updated feel to my family room while still keeping the color scheme. Design tip: Many store sell pillow covers in a variety of sizes. Hobby Lobby and Ikea are 2 off the top of my head. This cover was purchased at Hobby Lobby for $6.99. I payed $3.50 for it because every other week or so they are 50% off; just check their website for sales and 40% off coupons. I stuffed my old pillow in this new cover... and voila! A fresh new look for very little money and very little time!

 -B.Ballard

Ta Door! A Unique Idea for a Headboard

A family member has recently updated all of their doors in their home and we had some left over white doors. In thinking about what we could do with these leftover doors, I thought about a headboard. First the door was painted and antiqued. Then a iron design element was added to it. And now... Ta Door! A great new headboard. 

-S.Pectol

Love Love Love Seat

I absolutely love this love seat. I fell in love with it when I saw it for sale by owner. It currently resides in my family room, but it will soon be at the end of my dinner table, or in  my bedroom, or as unique little sitting nook in my kitchen. Just because something is used or not a design name doesn't mean its value is any less. When you find a unique piece of furniture that could be multifaceted then take it home and experiment. You may just have the perfect piece to complete your room or rooms in this case. 

-S. Pectol

Picking a Color Scheme: 5 Tips For Choosing Color.

So many times, I walk into a home and everything is white, beige, tan, brown, cream, and oatmeal, layered on top of each other, with either a little blue or red thrown in. I'm not sure what it is with blue and red but they seem to be the color of choice. Personally I say, save the red for Christmas. Anyways I thought I would share a few tips on how I choose a color scheme to decorate a space.

5 Tips For Choosing Color 

1. Find an inspiration piece, like this amazing chair from Z Gallery.

2. It is much easier to find paint to go with furniture than the other way around. In this day and age paint comes in every bold, bright, muted, fun, crazy, calming, color you can think of. Not to mention every shade of that color as well.

3. Think out side the box. there is no rule against having two bold colors. In fact having more than one can add a little life to the room

4. Balance. Find a combination of light and heavy. In this collection a tangerine orange and an emerald green will add a little weight to the room, giving it a strong foundation. The grey and golds are far lighter, helping fill the room by complimenting the other colors rather than consuming them and becoming overbearing.

5. Don't be afraid. Color can go any where in a room. For a more conservative look use color in your accent pillows or home accessories. For a more bold look use the heavier colors on your walls or in strong statement pieces.

Color is one of the best ways to make your room feel like yours, so be adventurous and incorporate your favorite colors into your next space.

-B. Petersen

One Fine Day In The Emerald City!

According to the very trusted and reliable source of pantone.com, Emerald is the "IT" color this year. How spectacular is that?! What is even better, are the accent color trends this spring. Home accessories are going to be so much fun with this color pallet. Here are a few I have discovered and can not wait to use is some design plans.

Top left to right:

• Linen: Baxton Studio, Sussex Linen Loveseat: 899.99
• Lemon Zest: Pier 1, Cabana Geometric Pillow: 20.00
• Nectorine: Hayneedle, Collegiate Locker: 79.89
• Poppy Red: www.homedecorators.com, Kerby Area Run:699.00
• African Violet: Crate & Barrel, Marimekko Pippurikera Wisteria Bedding:119.00

Bottom left to right:

• Emerald: Lamps Plus, Ovo Table Lamp: 99.99
• Tender Shoots: onlinefabricstore.net
• Greyed Jade: Dwell Studios, Gate Rug: 347.00
• Dusk Blue: www.efurnitureshowroom.com, Ikat Fabric Accent Chair: 297.70
• Monaco Blue: etsy.com, Colorblock pillow by JillianRenee Decor: 45.00

There you have it, just a little sampling of the amazing things you can find in the hottest colors of this season. Hope you are as excited as I am.

-B.Petersen

Doors to Open

I love unique, old, antiqued or glass door knobs. This is a perfect way to showcase some of your favorite door knobs that you find at antique stores, design stores, garage sales, thrift stores or your grandparent's house. 

-S.Pectol

The 80's Can Still Have Luxury

If you ever had the luxury of living in the 80's, you've probably seen... or had, a lovely geometric chandelier, in brass, with tinted, beveled glass.  I know I did.  Just when I thought that natural selection had taken care of all of the aforementioned lighting fixtures... The previous owner of my house had so generously preserved the last of the 80's dynasty.  This chandelier owes it's life to an issue of "House Beautiful" magazine. 

 

 Just as it was headed to the local donation center, I happened across a spread in the magazine that showed a living room with a beautiful fixture in wrought iron, with... the same shape, just no beveled glass; this one was $1300.  I promptly pardoned the chandelier from death row with the hope of re-purposing it in my dining room.  I broke the tinted glass out of the frame.  When I was through with that therapeutic process, I taped off the sockets and sprayed the whole thing in a satin finish, fiery orange.  In order to fit the fixture in my dining room I had to add a length of cord and chain.  Once the fixture was installed, I wrapped a natural burlap ribbon around the cord to hide the mismatched cord and chain, from the extension process.  To remedy the issue of 8 blaring light bulbs, blue burlap ribbon was affixed in a band around the chandelier, creating a shade. 

 Total project time:...  about 3 hours. 

 Total cost.:.. free ninety nine!!! Well, I spent $15 on paint, hardware, ribbon and light bulbs (the light bulb were the most expensive part).

Far Too Chic To Be Shabby: Repurposed Door

 This door cost...wait for it...wait for it...only $5 at a local thrift store! Steal of a deal! However it was older than old and very rough around the edges. But sometimes its whats on the inside that counts. After sanding down a layer and applying some accessories, this door now functions and a great coat rack.

Some tips and tricks about this door:

• Your local hardware store can cut mirror in any custom size as long as they can cut glass.
• A thin layer of wood sealent will prevent your coats from getting snagged on the older wood.
• It looks great leaning against the wall, but can also be secured with a few L-brackets for a more permanent fixture.

Here's a look at it in use. This piece has definitely been utilized this winter season...not to mention helping me not to loose my keys!

-B.Petersen