Art : Off the walls

I've recently acquired several new pieces of art and have also recently moved into a new house (yay!). I've slowly been hanging pieces, moving them around, trying to find the perfect section of wall for them to live. 

Have you ever noticed that artwork tends to know where it wants to be, if you take a while and let it tell you?

Several of my pieces have decided that they just don't want to be hung on the walls. They are perfectly happy sitting on ledges, cabinets and on floors. I'm a casual person and it just seems to work!

I've you've always had your art on the wall, I hope these images below will give you some ideas on how your own pieces might feel in new locations.

A console or credenza can be a great place to prop up a piece of art. 

Source: http://www.paper-collective.com/product/sound-creatures-by-janine-rewell

I am always a fan of layering art in front of each other. Make sure yours has a common theme such as frame style, matt color, etc.

Source: http://style-files.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ricard-dark-5.jpg

You can always hang some art and prop up others. The single resting piece becomes more of an accessory and can be moved and changed as needed.

Source: http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?blog=10947105&post=2320896269

Another great way to display art is on wall ledges. This would allow for a revolving collection, which is always nice if you have an abundance of pieces. 

Source: http://www.onekindesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Art-Gallery-Wall-Ideas-16-1-Kindesign.jpg

I love India Hicks' style and I love her gallery wall. She made a comment with this picture "Family, friends & relatives. And when they annoy us, we move them to the back."

Source: http://eclecticallyvintage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/12.-india-hicks-bahamas1.jpg

Adding trinkets and display items can really tell a whole story.

Source: http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr02/2013/7/7/22/enhanced-buzz-31059-1373249395-18.jpg

For the bohemian in all of as, you can always simply rest your art on the floor. *Swoon*

Source: http://p-fst2.pixstatic.com/506b0a3874c5b64af7001598._w.540_h.812_s.fit_.jpg

Want to see more? Come see our Pinterest board with more ideas and pictures.

http://www.pinterest.com/VirginiaBDesign/art-location/

*Need help with your own home? Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and visit our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

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Strap it up!

Some times, as a designer, I get fixated on some design idea and can't get it out of my head. At the moment, I'm kind of obsessed with leather straps.  I want to use them on everything! Luckily for all of us, we have blogs to post fantastic images of concept ideas, so we don't scare our clients too much... at least not today. Hopefully.

So!  Let's all enjoy some leather straps together, shall we? 

A simple addition of a leather strap to a pillow:

Source: http://elv-s.blogspot.nl/2013/06/crushed.html

Intricate leather detailing on the side of a sofa:

Source: http://www.casamidy.com/

A fantastic dress detail:

Source: http://mandula.com/

A DIY wall shelf:

Source: http://www.designsponge.com/

These amazing lights:

Source: http://sarahillenberger.tictail.com/

Leather straps as handles on gorgeous cutting boards:

Source: http://www.jaysonhome.com/

Source: http://www.jamieyoung.com/default.asp

Gorgeous:

Source: http://www.stephenkenn.com/

I love a good leather cabinet pull: (and these are great!)

Source: http://www.remodelista.com/posts/rugged-leather-pulls-heritage-edition

Want to see more? Check us out on Pinterest! 

http://www.pinterest.com/VirginiaBDesign/leather-strapping/

*Need help with your own home? Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and visit our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

We're Social!  

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/virginiabinteriordesign

 Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/virginiabdesign  

Twitter @VirginiaBDesign and Instagram @VirginiaBDesign

Design Concept : Unexpected Chairs!

One of my favorite design trends is traditional framed chairs that are upholstered in an un-expected or modern fabric.  Use them as an accent in almost any room in your house to create a great statement!

Let's take a look at some ideas!

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664891268/

I love that the front of the chair is a solid and the sides are done in a great artistic print.  Would be great in a room that you walk into and see the backs of the chairs.  Don't put these up against a wall!

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664891324/

Sometimes all you need to do is upholster the backs of the chairs!  Love this look for a dining room.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664891355/

You will definitely make a statement with this fabric!

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664891276/

A solid fabric in a bright color also works well!

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664891343/

Afraid a whole chair might be too much? How about just the seat?

Here are some other great examples!

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664891357/

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664891365/

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664891269/

Want to see more? Check us out on Pinterest! 

http://www.pinterest.com/VirginiaBDesign/furniture/

*Need help with your own home? Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

We're Social!  Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/virginiabinteriordesign

 Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/virginiabdesign  

Twitter @VirginiaBDesign and Instagram @VirginiaBDesign

D I Y' ers need Designers too!

A case for the Interior Designer.

Growing up, one of my favorite things to do was paint old furniture and make it new.  I hauled some brightly painted coffee table (with a sponge painted tile design on top) to college with me and displayed it proudly in my dorm room. I'm sure my roommates loved it!

Luckily, my taste has evolved over the years and I do not feel the urge to attack everything I see with sponges and primary colored paint.  However, the need to do-it-yourself still remains.  And this need is extends to not only us in the design industry, but to other people, just like you!

My personal feeling is that home renovation projects need creative balance.  This balance comes from the integration of field professionals and the home owner.  You may know that you want that opening in between your kitchen and living room, but how big?  How high off the floor should it be?  Should the top align with adjacent door or window openings or not?

Home renovation in and of itself is like roulette.  You never really know what you are going to get in the end.  You are just hoping for the best and want it done as quickly as possible.  With an Interior Designer's help, I assure you, your end result will be better than you ever expected.

Without further ado, may I present my list of WHY you should hire a designer!

1. We will keep you organized!  

I keep a binder for all my clients which houses the drawings, copies of invoices, specifications for all items selected, etc. It's the manual for the project!

2. Discounts!

Love that lamp you saw on online?  Well, lucky you!  We have accounts with many manufactures and can save you money!  

3. Whoops!

Did something go wrong with the table delivery or was an item damaged? Don't worry!  We'll deal with the vendor and have it replaced or fixed.

4.  Are you busy?

Don't worry, that's why we are here!  We'll meet on site with the contractors and furniture delivery crews to make the sure the job runs as smoothly as possible.  

5. Think we cost an arm and a leg?

We probably cost less than you think.  Most designers (myself included!) do not charge for an initial meeting to gather information and see the scope of work.

6. It's about the details!
Yes that tile you selected for your new shower is lovely, but how do you lay it out?  We will draw a layout that explains perfectly how to center the tiles, where to start (floor or ceiling) and how to incorporate that accent mosaic in a symmetrical way.

7. It's what we do!

Most of us went to school for this and are in love with what we do.  It's important to hire a licensed designer (just like a contractor) to make sure you are getting a professional.  It takes several years of working experience and extensive testing to call oneself an Interior Designer and not just a Decorator.

Thank you for reading! I hope this entry has perhaps given you a different perspective on hiring an interior designer.  Don't be shy! 

*Need help with your own home? Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

We're Social!  Find us on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/virginiabdesign  
Twitter @VirginiaBDesign and Instagram @VirginiaBDesign

Set to Life : The Big Lebowski

"That rug really tied the room together"

The Big Lebowski is one of my favorite movies of all time.  My husband and I still laugh at the jokes after all these years.  Here is our modern take on The Dude's living room in his California bungalow.

Our inspiration!

(Note: watch the move during the police interview scene to get some great shots of this part of the living room)

Our room!

Let's start with the 50's style dinette table for the dining area.  For our purposes, we'll only need the table from this set.

Add in a chairs with a bright pop of color!  I'll keep all of our chairs the same color and style.

A simple bamboo bar cabinet with mirrored doors will be perfect for making White Russians. 

Find yourself a vintage silver ice bucket!

Bonus point for a bowling Nixon picture over the bar!

Let's add in a metal bamboo style console for under the window.

In the living area, we will need a bamboo armed sofa.  I like this vintage inspired one in a chartreuse leather.

Now, instead of having a colorful torchiere lamp to the right of the sofa, let's do this set of colorful nesting tables. 

Our floor lamp can be left just one color, but all the different arms keep it fun and playful.

Since we brought some green in with our sofa color, we will keep the reclining chair a neutral color.  This one has the feeling of a regular armchair, but can recline!  I love the overstuffed back and simple arms. 

Lets bring in two additional accent tables in a fax bamboo style.  One for the left of the sofa and one for next to the recliner.  These will work well with the console from the dining area.

A black table lamp for the table next to the sofa.

For the final piece, you'll need a great Persian rug that will, of course, tie the room together!

I hope you enjoyed this modern take on "The Big Lebowski" living room.  

If you have a TV show or movie you'd like to see broken down in a modern way, let me know!

Cheers! - Vee

*Need help with your own home? Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

PS, if you would like to see more ideas, we're on Pinterest!  http://www.pinterest.com/VirginiaBDesign/boards/

Pulling out the plaid

To me, there is nothing better about the fall and winter seasons than the sight of plaid. I love it and would use it on everything if I could.  My dear cousin is getting married in a few weeks and it is a kilt friendly wedding.  Also, my son is turning two this November and I am jumping on the opportunity to have a Scottish themed party. 

Come! Let's enjoy some Scottish flair together!

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664694126/

I love this use of plaid as an accent wall. Mixed with solid color bedding and textural accents, it's a great space to relax.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664694117/

A wing chair upholstered in plaid against a modern desk is always a winning idea.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/471666/CLASSIC-traditional-staircase-new-york

An equestrian inspired foyer is accented with a single plaid chair. 

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/123168/la-jolla-muirlands-home-traditional-bathroom-other-metro

An intricate floor pattern created by mosaic tile. 

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/2569166/Country-Home-in-Westchester-traditional-entry-new-york

A settee upholstered in plaid and a traditional foyer are kept fresh with the use of light colors and white trim.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664694104/

There are not many things better than tartan accents in a traditional library setting.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664694119/

Another example of plaid as an accent wall. Love that the furniture and other accents are contemporary and have been kept monochromatic except for the pop of lime green.

My love for plaid is not only limited to home decor!

Source: http://tnuck.com/products/scottish-plaid-tassel-smoking-slippers

A plaid smoking slipper. Divine!

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664694089/

Rolled tartan, ready for kilts!

Source: http://www.adclassix.com/a4/40chryslerhighlanderconvertible.html

1940's Chrysler with plaid interior.  

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664694105/

A fun way to add plaid to your wardrobe.

Source: http://vignettedesign.blogspot.com/2013/09/tartan-on-my-radar.html

Tartan bar-ware.

Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/tribute-alexander-mcqueen-hot-actresses-mcqueen-839435

Alexander McQueen

We can't forget to take a look at the beautiful Scottish landscape.  I can't wait to go back.

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2svOpoXzt6Cd6FUt0RU0dOGwT-WomQLdAcGvy4JRQDjuIziw_D0-CWfL7R5rVBLEotsIweO2SDUJLHCnzKuZ8uspjQw2-dUfUH29o8R7AN2eOLoLab9TGU_pHwSfsEwuiq11IJPFzqCg/s1600/glencoe+best.JPG

Source: Personal Photo

Source: Personal Photo

Source: Personal Photo

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers! -Vee

*Need help with your home?  Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com