Guest Post: Tara Free of Free Interiors Blog!

Get The Look: 

Hampton’s Show House 2012, Master Bedroom

Hello! This is Tara Free from FreeInteriors blog, where I share original color palettes, design tips, color trends, inspirational finds, and ways you can "get the look" from stunning high-end interiors. Today I am guest posting for Rhonda about the Hampton’s 2012 Show House, and how you can “get the look” of this dreamy Master Bedroom, at a reasonable price!

First thing to consider when re-creating the look of a room, at a lower cost, are recognizing the key elements that make up the room. For example, the green upholstered bed is a strong element in the master bedroom of the Hampton Show House, and that bed is what makes the room unique.

So I will start with the bed, which is the focal piece of the room. Because this bed is so unique, it’s going to take a little D.I.Y. on your part to get the look. I picked out a bed from Z Gallerie, which would work as a great base, and would then need some green velvet upholstery.

http://www.zgallerie.com/p-11802-pierre-bed.aspx

Next thing I will focus on are the nightstands. They are mismatched, with makes the room more unique. I found two reasonably priced white nightstands, one at Crate and Barrel, and another at Z Gallerie. When picking out furniture, especially when you’re trying to match the look of another furniture piece, you will need to keep in mind that you’re most likely not going to find an exact replica. Looking for similar features, though, will help you get the look.

Here are my picks, which I think have similar features to our inspirational room, and match with the original look the designer was going for.

 http://www.crateandbarrel.com/mimic-white-cube/s212795

http://www.zgallerie.com/p-12850-vision-end-table.aspx

Next on this list: lighting.  I picked out a white base from Pottery Barn, and a peach shade from  “Sweet Peaches Bedding”.

 http://www.potterybarn.com/products/gemma-milk-glass-table-lamp-base/?pkey=ctable-floor-lamps

http://www.sweetpeachesbedding.com/product/tall-max-cinamon-lamp-shade/

After lighting, you can’t forget about the bedding! I picked out this simple white bedding set from Pottery Barn, and a yellow throw to match. 

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/hadley-ruched-duvet-cover-sham-white/?pkey=cwhite

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pick-stitch-quilt-sham/?pkey=cwhite

To finish off the room, I would suggest painting the wall behind bed (as an accent wall) with a fresh coat of paint in a peachy shade. These colors I found from Benjamin Morre, and you cant paint your accent wall a softer or bolder peach, according to your taste.

I hope with this post I was able to inspire you to change things up in your master bed room with inspirations from the Hampton’s Show House 2012.  When it comes to decorating, never be afraid to take a few risks, and go bold. –That’s how some of the best designs happen!

That’s all for now!



Read More

Happy Monday! Back To Work...

I hope everyone had a terrific weekend filled with fun, sun, and relaxation!  I did a little bit of work on Saturday and on Sunday, I spent most of my time outside reading.  I only came inside because it began to rain!  I am so glad many of my magazine subscriptions are now available on tablets.  It makes it a lot easier, since I am a magazine hoarder!

I wrote an article, 3 Simple Ways to Increase Page Views on Your Blog, that you should check out if you're new to blogging or interested in making the most of the traffic that comes your way!  Click here and it will take you directly to the article.

Make sure you stop by tomorrow as I will have Tara Free, editor of Free Interiors blog, as my guest!  She will be sharing with you how to get the look of an expensive designer bedroom for a fraction of the cost! 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



Read More

Thank You!

Since posting the series My Decorating Madness, I have received numerous emails wanting me to publish more design oriented solutions and talk more about the design process.  I have heard you loud and clear, and I plan to do just that.  I haven't decided if I want to make it a weekly or bi-weekly series, as I am trying to gather my thoughts on where to begin.  I suppose we will begin with the basics and make our way from there, however I'm just not certain as to how basic?  I will include resources relating to each topic where you can go to get even more information, as well as include as many relavent images as possible.

Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for taking the time to send your comments!  Many of them have made me laugh, as you were able to relate to the Spanish Moor dilemma!  And yes, he is still on the mantle (for now)!  Many of them asked questions about items that were featured or wanting opinions on ideas and solutions.  If you have questions about anything that is featured or would like for me to go into more detail, please continue to reach out, but also remember to include an email where I can reply!

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

Read More

Modern Romance: Bedroom Inspiration in Black On Black

I'm always looking for new and innovative ways to create inspiration boards for me and my clients.  One of the bigest reasons is because this is how I am able to sell my design concepts to the client.  I can talk to another creative and describe my vision for a space and nine times out of ten, they'll get it.  Most people can't get a feel for the direction that I may be trying to go in without some type of visual aid; and that is okay!  I mean, sometimes I even have to sketch out a thought to really understand where I'm trying to go with it.

Polyvore is a lot like Olioboard in concept.  It's used more by those in fashion; fashion bloggers, enthusiasts, etc.  Olioboard is more widely used by those interested in interior design, landscape design, and so on.  I look at some of the boards of some of these people and I am totally blown away!  They are so creative and detailed until I wonder exactly how much time did they spend doing it!  Did they knock it out in one sitting or was it something that they did over time?  Whichever the case, me being me, will carve out time to get better!  

 

This board's inspiration comes from the dark and beguiling bedroom layered in black.  At first glance it's a bit wicked, don't you think?  Upon closer observation, one notices the curve of the bed's frame; the voluptuous bend of the bedside chest, the sway of the sinuous vines in the wallpaper, and the dark softness of the rug; all while being transported into a dream of intrigue, uncertainty, and romance.  I'm not a huge fan of red, however I do love it with black, gray, beige/tan, and white!  Allow me to be a bit more specific; black, white, red; gray, white, red; beige/tan, white, red!  I only like it in a splash here and there.  It's personal!

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

Dark Romance: Inspirations in black on black by rhondaepeterson featuring nina ricci perfume

8"x8" Clear Stamps Backgrounds Family
fiskars.com

Read More

Plans For The Weekend?

Last weekend I unplugged (all electronic devices), and cleaned the house.  This weekend I will be working trying to wrap up loose ends before my parents come to town!  I'm excited and the kids are so beyond!  We enjoy hosting visitors in our abode; just so long as you call before you come!

I am the guest blogger today at Free Interiors, an awesome blog where Tara Free, editor and designer extraordinaire, gives the latest insights in design and how to achieve the most from your space utilizing the principles and elements of design!  You probably already use these fundamentals and didn't even know it!  I'm totally a fan of her blog and I hope that you will become one too!  Today I'm talking about space planning before you shop and the importance of it!  So, without further ado, click here to read all that I have to say!  Surprisingly, I kept it to a minimum!

Have a fantastic weekend and as always...

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

Read More

I Desire A Butler's Pantry!

I've longed for a butler's pantry for quite some time, however my kitchen is pretty small and doesn't yield the space that I would like to design one.  Unfortunately, my budget isn't allowing for a kitchen remodel so that is not an option!  My thoughts have now turned to the space underneath my stairs.  My stairs are located in my family room, however I can access this space on the other side, where the hallway that leads to my laundry room and garage are located.  I'm seriously considering opening up this unused piece of real estate and having it serve two functions.  One, of course, will be for my butler's pantry and the other for additional storage.  Athough, I'm not absolutely certain, I think have nearly eleven feet in length and close to four feet in depth to work with.  My home is an open floor plan, so the pantry will be accessible to my kitchen and dining room, as all well allocated butler's pantries are.

I like the idea of this butler's pantry, as it is hidden behind a frosted glass pocket door!  The pocket door is going to be the best solution for me because there is no need to factor in the spatial requirements of a door swing.

This one is like a secret room because the door looks the same as the surrounding cabinetry!  You would never know the pantry was located there!  This would be a great idea if I had the space and depending on how I designed the additional storage area to make both appear seamless.

I love the charcoal cabinetry and the patinaed brass countertop!

Again, the cabinetry finish, brass drawer pulls, and marble countertop and backsplash are beautiful!  This is a perfect example of understated elegance.

Like the pantry prior to this one, I love the glass cabinet doors; not only to display all that I've collected, but also to make finding what I need easier!  Because of the location I'm considering for my pantry, glass cabinet doors would make much more sense than open shelving, don't you think?

This isn't a bad idea.  I would just recess the shelving and lower cabinets further into the space so that it would create it's own little nook.

This is what I love about interior design!  The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and your budget!  Sure there will be structural details to consider, but working with a professional contractor will make finding solutions easier and all the more worth while.  I will keep you updated as my journey to getting my butler's pantry continues!

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

*images via my Pinterest "Kitchens" board

Read More

My Favorite Photo Apps!

Hello my friends and happy first day of August!  Boy, the summer is rushing by isn't it?  I don't think any other season flies by as quickly as summer, but to tell the truth, I am looking forward to the cooler temperatures of Fall!  Not to mention the amazing fashions!  Umph, umph, umph... Anyhoo, yes my favorite photo apps!  If you're not already using the ones I talk about, give them a go!  I'm sure many of you are like me, where you have to categorize all of the apps on your phone and iPad so they don't completely take over the screen and have pages upon pages of apps!  That was a brilliant idea that someone came up with!  As the saying goes, "There is an app for that"!  And I probably have it!

By now, I'm sure you're all at least familiar with Instagram!  I've been a user of this fantastic app for almost a year and I've had so much fun with it!  My holiday pics from Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2011 are some of my best!  Instagram offers many different filters that can be applied to your photos before sharing them with your followers!  That's right, you can have followers on Instagram!  It's really pretty cool because you're able to snap a quick photo and instantly share it for all to see!  And of course, you can share on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Flickr, and I think a couple of others!  Another great thing about Instagram is if you want to add a filter to an existing photo that is stored on your camera roll, you can.  I've done this with pics I've featured in blog postings as well as shared with my followers.  Don't have the app, but want to get it, click here to go straight to the iTunes store.  If you would like to follow me, I would love to have you; I can be found under the username of rhondaepeterson, of course!

Photo Mess is another great app that I love to play around with!  It enables you to import three images for free and more than three for $.99.  I enjoy creating collages that I can share on all of the social media platforms I am on, as well as e-mail to my inbox, print, and create whatever crafty idea I have in mind!  I have used this as a fun way to show a client different ideas for their project, but I have the Moodboard app on my iPad that acts in much the same way.  You can add borders, a signature label, and there are many backgrounds to choose from!  If I've piqued your interest in the Photo Mess app, click here!  Oh and yes, there is the ability to share with all of your followers on the most popular social media sites!

Label Box is one that I don't use as frequently, but will use it on occasion if I'm out and snap a pic of something of interest to me.  I will then open the pic in the Label Box app and place a label to help me remember why I snapped the photo.  Of course, you are able to just go into this app and take the picture, but I'm usually moving at speeds that forgets efficiency!  I do need to work on that!  This app comes with a variety of labels and many more can be purchased.  The kids use this one more than I do because they love to use more silly descriptions for the images they take!  Want to know more?  Click here!

Photoautomat is definitely one for Noah and Gillian!  As you can imagine they love this one!  When they get together with friends, this is one of the apps they want to use to be goofy!  I must admit, it does make you feel as though you're sitting in that tiny box giving your best and worst faces for the camera!  I haven't printed any of these yet, but I can see using this for a craft or something fun!

Okay, Cards is by far my favorite!  I apologize for not having a better pic above, but the actual cards are wonderful!  The images that you select are printed on heavy card stock and the resolution is terrific!  The above card, I created for the kids to give their dad for Father's day.  It is now pinned to the wall on his side of the vanity in the bathroom!  I know, I know, but what can I say?  He loved the card!  You have got to check out this app!  The app comes with different occasion templates or you can compose your own.  The cost is $2.99 and it is mailed to the recipient of your choice.  You can even access your contacts on your phone for convenience!  I have begun sending these to clients when completing their project, and I can't tell you how well this has gone over!  Really, their room on a printed card that they are able to share with their friends!  So you know, they think I am a creative genius, right?  I have used photos with Instagram filters on many of these and the result was fantastic!  You are able to view the actual card, inside and out, before purchasing.  Oh, I forgot to mention, you are able to place a personalized message on the inside as well!  Again, by far my favorite!  Click here to discover that I am sooo right about this app!

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

*All apps can be purchased in the iTunes store

Read More