What I'm Reading Today

While in the airport yesterday I picked up the latest copy of Domino Magazine, special edition Small Spaces.  I thought it would make for an interesting read while on the plane, but a quick nap got my attention instead.  So, today after I've gotten caught up with a few projects, I plan to sit and have a leisurely browse through one of my favorite magazines.  I was so glad to know that I wasn't the only one out there that sorely missed Domino when they ceased publication a few years ago, and was thrilled to have them publish a special edition (now their third), for we who find inspiration in their pages.

 

 

This issue is on newsstands until June!  Plenty of time for you to pick up your copy!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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Oh The Places You Will Go! Entry's, Foyers, and Hallways...

Not that I've not ever given entry's, foyers, and hallways much thought in the past, I can honestly say not as much as I have in the last couple of months.  Since submitting my proposal and being selected to do the lower hallway of the upcoming 2013 Cathedral Antiques Show Inspiration House, I've imagined, sketched, and researched to create just the right concept and theme for my space.  The Inspiration House is all about integrating antiques and vintage furnishings and elements into our more contemporary interiors today, and doing so seamlessly.  So, I think it only natural for me to notice these spaces more than I have in the past.

 

 

It is quite common to overlook these transitional spaces; not giving them the thought and consideration they deserve.  We often look at them as a means to move and transition from one space to another, not recognizing the wonderful opportunity to create something that makes this journey through our homes more adventurous, exciting, and beautiful.

 

 

I know, I know, typically these spaces aren't very large, so coming up with great ideas may elude us.  These are some of the most difficult spaces to design because you do want to consider the size, where they're located, and to what areas they lead.  But these obstacles shouldn't deter us from being creative and designing the most impactful spaces that we can.

 

 

Doing a faux finish, a beautiful wall covering, tile even, or a mural is a wonderful way to go.  If this isn't possible, there are numerous designs that can be done with paint; whether it be stensiling, stripes, etc., etc. just find what works best for your home and your lifestyle.

 

 

Zushing the space with art, interesting lighting, appropriately scaled furnishings, plants, you name it, will also make a tremendous impact and probably one that is completely unexpected to those who experience the space for the first time.  Also, be sure not to neglect the ceiling and floor!  Let me tell you, a little here and there on these two planes go a very long way!

 

 

If you're fortunate to have a larger space, go ahead and treat it like a room!  Add the furnishings, the rugs and draperies, and all of the elements that make a room an incredible place to live in.  There is no reason to do less just because you don't spend a great deal of time in them.  In fact, you should do more to make your travels from space to space one that is pleasureable and makes you happy that you did!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Original image credits can be found via my All In The Detail board on Pinterest



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How To Make A Dramatic Entrance

When I was in school I had an instructor that would get so irritated when a student would say drapes, instead of draperies.  She would say "drape is what draperies do"!  Not very long ago there was a discussion on Facebook, I think it was, Women In Design group, that talked about the very same thing, as well as what the difference is between draperies and curtains.  I happen to think the difference is that curtains aren't lined and don't fall below the window sill; whereas draperies are fully lined and fall to the baseboard or the floor.  Hmm, I must research this!  I suppose I should have before composing this posting, but oh well, it'll give us all something to do!
 

Moving on!  Since I love sunlight so much, I'm not a huge fan of using draperies as window coverings unless it is necessary for privacy (obviously), to add a layer to drafty windows to keep the chilly air out, or to block harsh sunlight.  I do love them for framing windows.  Framing both the outside view and adding beauty to the inside.
 

 

I also think draperies, drapes, curtains, sheers, whatever (did you feel my eyes rolling?) are so striking when used to divide spaces; adding drama and importance to what lies just beyond them.  It's a great way to soften a doorway, create an air of romance, and futher a theme.

 

 

 Using them in entry's and hallways can be totally amazing and so unexpected!  I love it when they puddle on the floor, but caution should be used when doing this!  You don't want to bring the whole thing down on you or someone else because it was an accident waiting to happen!  Every puddle has it's dangers, my friend! 

 

 

So, what do you guys think about adding draperies to doorways and pass-throughs?  My home is an open floor plan, so my foyer opens into my living room, which opens into my dining room, which opens into my... well you get the idea!  I have really been thinking about framing the pass-through between my living and dining room with a pair of draperies.  It would be unexpected and add a bit of prettiness.  Hmm, as I am typing this I'm thinking this may be something worth experimenting with for the holidays.  I'll keep you posted on the developments!

 

 

 How very pretty, rustic, and just down right special, right!

 

 

 I not only love the light fabric used here, but also the vine of ivy used as a tie back.  I can't get enough of fabric casually draped on a table to make eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner a little more special.  Oh, and it must puddle just a wee bit on the floor!  Remember what I just said about puddles!  Proceed with caution...!

 

 

I love the rope tie backs here!  It looks great with the rustic look of the wide plank floors.

 

 

 I know that I've shown images of flowing fabrics, but more structured fabric can be used as well.  This would be great for a more masculine space.  Think about it...framing the entrance to his closet or his home office even, would be so handsome.  With the right fabric and hardware a brilliant look is created!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*All images via my Pinterest boards 



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Classical Architectural Moldings in Interiors

I attended a classical architectural interiors class a few weeks ago, which focused on the correct way to use moldings in interiors.  Prior to going to this class whenever I would walk into homes, especially new construction, I would notice the moldings and trim and think how nice it looked.  Now after having taken the class, when I walk into some of those same interiors I notice the mistakes!  Yikes!

 

 

Knowing how to properly select and design moldings is a skill.  There are rules that should be followed and followed to the letter!  Brent Hull Of Hull Historical, in Fort Worth, TX instructed the class and gave very useful information that is a great foundation for knowing what to look for and where to start when designing and installing.  If you love the look of moldings in interiors and are thinking of installing it to architecturally enhance your home, I would suggest you visit

brenthullcompanies.com before you begin!  It is a great place to start!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Image via architecturaldigest.com

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Design Influence: Modern Glamour

 

 

The striking contrast of the dark finishes used on the moldings and floor gives the room structure to seamlessly carry the cream and ivory color palette used in the furnishings and the wall finish.  The singular painting and arched built-in shelving was all that was needed to punctuate the look.

 

 

The chandelier, mirror, and silhouette of the chairs injects feminine flair giving the room character and depth with elegant sophistication.

 

 

The curve of the stairs along with it's railing and the custom tufted banquette in a lush fabric furthers the Hollwood regency style.  I love the birdcage-esque crystal chandelier!  Very glamorous!

 

 

 

 

Using draperies to line the walls is another glamorous touch.  I would feel like I'm in an old black and white movie lounging on the chaise and drinking a glass of wine (white wine)!

 

 

Marble flooring, glass, and antiqued mirrors grounded by rich dark wood finishes...can you think of anything they missed?  I cannot!  Well, maybe I would have considered using different lighting fixtures, but the work here is beautiful!

 

 

Mission accomplished in this home that was built in the 1930's.  The color palatte of ivory and cream with dark finishes and details, such as the furnishings, moldings and cabinetry enhance the look and feel that the homeowners were after; 1920's Hollywood regency.

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via At Home In Arkansas magazine



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What Does It Mean To Further A Theme?

I really love the images of Ivanka Trumps Upper East Side Manhattan apartment featured in the October issue of Elle Decor.  Ivanka collaborated with Kelly Behun to create the comfortable "warm modern" home she shares with her husband, Jared Kushner and new baby girl, Arabella Rose.  The apartment overlooks Central Park and only blocks away from her office.  Talk about having your cake and eating it too!

 

This is by far my favorite of all the images featured!  I am so in awe of this foyer!  The driftwood table was designed by Behun and has an amazing mosaic glass top.  Don't you just love the contrast of something so rustic and something perceived to be as fragile as glass?  I adore branches of any kind and to have these sitting atop the table in silver glass vases with their voluptuous silhouette, leaning towards the mural that was handpainted by muralist Bob George Studio is nothing short of striking!  I am struck by how the mural looks like the shadows of the branches on top of the table!  I love it! The narrow bench (although beautifully upholstered and properly scaled for the space) isn't much of a perch to sit on and enjoy the room, but I suppose it would do for a bit!  While this isn't your typical spot in a wooded park, it does bring the outdoors in in the most glamorous way! 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 



*Image via Elle Decor



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Inspirations in Black And White With Dashes Of Gold!

I can't believe it's Friday already!  This week has gone by like the speed of light!  Wow!  I must admit, I am finding it very challenging to keep all of the balls in the air with the days flying by so quickly!  Good grief!  Time definitely does not wait on anyone!  The kids are out of school and I want to spend as much time with them as I can.  May I speak candidly?  Gillian, my seven year old, makes me tired!  She has a story for everything!  Dear Lord!  Don't ask a simple question!  Well, I guess she got that kind of honest, huh!  And I wouldn't have her any other way!  Noah, on the other hand, is my helper, assistant, and partner in all things needed!  He's a great kid!  

I have a couple of projects that need my attention, and I just can't seem to find my motivation.  Of course I am totally excited about them and I have put together some incredible inspirations!  But it's the sourcing for these inspirations that I don't enjoy!  At least not right now with everything else I've got going on!  I love blogging because I love to talk!  So this is my way of talking to you!  Sometimes, I really don't  have anything I want to talk about specifically, but I can always find something to talk about!  Even people who have only known me for a brief moment can attest to that!

One of my favorite places to visit!  I loved working at Louis Vuitton!  It is a great company and I totally embraced their philosophy, and use it in my own business!  I learned a great deal while working there!  One very important thing was not compromising the integrity of the brand!  Met many wonderful people and made life-long friends! 

I've always been drawn to a black and white checker board floor!  It is classic and when paired with the elements in this entry, makes for a welcomed greeting for all who walk through the front door!  This is what a home that has been "collected" looks like!  Random bits spread about here and there to make an incredible composition of loveliness!  This is what home should look and feel like!

Breathtaking!  What other word(s) would you use to describe such a sight?  Electrifying?  Surreal?  Powerful?

Absolutely stunning!  The lace bodice with flowing skirt on this dress is nothing short of stunning!  I would love to saunter down an old world street wearing this!  Her tan is the perfect accessory!

"Love"!  Simply said and beautifully framed!

I want this anywhere in my house, right now!  I love it!  This is what HOT is to me!

Classic.  Beautiful.  The detailing of this dress is...!  The expression on her face is...!  There is so much power in being a woman and owning all that you are! 

My office!  When I close my eyes, obviously!  A girl can dream!  I've always adored layering floor coverings!  The natural fiber rug with a zebra hide on top!  Check out the lovely curved chrome metal legs on the desk!  What gorgeous sleek lamps!  The bowl that holds the white roses is so refined!  Another HOT French chair, upholstered in black and white fabric!  Yes Ma'am!

How sleek, refined, polished, sophisticated, and modern is this bathroom! 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

*via my Tumblr

*via my Pinterest

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Step Into The Foyer!

I am so excited to have Mari from Design Shuffle as my guest today!  She is going to share with you some amazing ideas for your foyer! 

 

 

Hello, everyone! It's Mari here from Design Shuffle, a fabulous social networking site for interior designers and design enthusiasts to upload their work and receive lots of exposure. One the most interesting aspects of being a writer for Design Shuffle is visiting interior design blogs like Rhonda E. Peterson to share some of my favorite rooms.

Today's guest post is all about foyers—one of the most important spaces in a home. Whether it is grand and glamorous or small and sedate, the foyer gives guests a glimpse of what's to come. It can create intrigue and excitement—showcasing the style, color palette and personality of a home's décor. Can you tell I love foyers and all the possibilities they offer?



Grand in its simplicity, this lovely foyer takes full advantage of architectural elements and scale. But for the glamorous crystal chandelier, this space is a study in the elegance of neutrals and understatement.



This inviting entry shows that not all beautiful foyers are large separate spaces. The chandelier above and rug underfoot create that foyer feel. A long narrow see-through table adds visual interest without impeding the traffic flow from the front door.



How beautifully filled with the homeowners personality is this entryway corner? Guests immediately know this is going to be an interesting adventure in interior design.



A massive floor mirror can be used to give the illusion of more space in a foyer while it reflects available light for an open airy feel.



An inviting space filled with decorating ideas, this foyer is at once stylish and comfortable. What a creative use of wall paper, a charming way to add paper without overwhelming the eye.



Not often seen in a foyer, mirror image vignettes seem perfect for this long wide foyer. Placing floor tiles on the diagonal is an easy way to add visual width to an entry hall.



This stylish banquette takes full advantage of an arched niche and makes this foyer much more than a space to pass through on the way to another room.



Here a glamorous circular foyer offers entrance to the rooms that surround it. From the inlaid wood floor to the decorative painting on the ceiling, this space is all about using circles to create excitement.
It seems there are as many different interior designs for foyers as there are spaces to be made into beautiful entryways. What will we see if we step into your foyer? Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

The foyer is the first place your guests see when entering your home. How do you style your foyer? Find a surplus of ideas at Design Shuffle! You'll have the opportunity to see inspiration and connect with San Diego interior designers, Chicago interior designers, and many others!

Thanks Mari!  What an amazing post!  You definitely have me taking a closer look at my foyer!  I hope you guys enjoyed this posting as much as I did!  Have a fantastic weekend and we'll talk very soon!

Rhonda

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