Using Deeply Discounted Holiday Decor For a Spring Tablescape

At the end of this post, I'd love to hear your ideas on re-purposing holiday decor throughout the year.  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.  We had absolutely gorgeous weather here in Detroit.  It was simply perfect.  After the long winter we are really excited about the change in season.  A few weeks ago I jumped the gun a little and cooked my family one of our favorite meals and put together a bright, cheery, spring inspired tablescape.  Even though it was still snowing at the time it felt a little like spring inside.  

I was able to put the table together inexpensively with some items I picked up in the discount aisle at HomeGoods.  I jokingly refer to this aisle as the land of misfits, but in honesty it's my favorite area of the store.  Not just because it's a sneaky alternate route around the more popular aisles, but because if you have a little extra time to dig for goodies you can find some beautiful things for next to nothing.  During my last visit I scoured this aisle for items to use in this spring tablescape. 

On this particular day, the aisle was filled with damaged merchandise and the last of the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentines Day stuff.  At first glance it seemed there would be nothing to use for spring.  But at second glance, there was.  It was just a matter of perspective.  Instead of looking at the holiday decor like it could only be used for said holiday I looked at it in terms of function and form.   

When it comes to purchasing damaged items, I asked myself three questions; "How noticeable is the damage?", "Does the defect affect the safety of the item or the way we will use it?" and "How long would something like this look new and perfect in my home anyway?".  For example, I purchased this beautiful gray footed cake plate with a small chip on the base.  The small imperfection took the price of this beauty down to $7.  It was a fantastic piece and the small chip was hardly noticeable.  

I topped it with pretty yellow cupcakes and used it as our centerpiece.

I found these adorable heart shaped bowls in the Valentines Day pile.  Just because they are heart shaped does not limit them to Valentines Day.  They blend well with my simple white dinnerware and soften each setting with their sweet shape.  They made perfect salad plates for our spring dinner and I look forward using them throughout the year.

These beautiful mercury glass candle holders were in with the left over Christmas decor which was deeply discounted.  Instead of looking at them as Christmas mantle decor (as they were advertised), I looked at them as a beautiful gray accent that picks up on the color of my linens.  At less than $1 a piece these are a gorgeous mercury glass accent that can be used anywhere, anytime. 

The last Holiday item that I re-purposed for our spring dinner was a Thanksgiving printable I had tucked away in a closet.  I leaned it behind the food serving buffet to remind us that we should be thankful and grateful all year long.  Why limit these words to the month of November?

Our spring dinner was heart warming, both figuratively and literally.  We ended up pushing the table in front of the fireplace to thaw the children out.  While I was busy preparing our dinner they were out enjoying the snow this one last time...

I'd love to hear how you have re-purposed holiday decor, please leave a comment here or join in on the conversation on my facebook page.  Happy spring everyone!  Thanks for stopping by.

For information on my affordable online design consultation service, please click here. 

 ® The Yellow Cape Cod   

Designing In Layers

Today, I'd like to share a recent three room design plan we created for an absolutely gorgeous home featuring a warm autumnal color palette.  The spaces I worked in were a large Gathering Room, Foyer and Formal Dining Room.   The Gathering Room is getting a complete makeover, including new furniture.  The Foyer and Dining Room already have beautiful furnishings, therefore they are just getting the final design layers.  The design we created compliments the colors used throughout the rest of the home, creating seamless flow between spaces. 

Here is a look at the design boards we created while working on this design plan…

Gathering Room

Foyer

Dining Room

After selecting the main furniture pieces for the Gathering Room, we began to add the other design elements throughout the three spaces in layers.   The first layer, custom moldings.  We suggested adding custom woodworking in the Gathering Room and a coffered ceiling treatment in the Dining Room.  The next layer...new paint colors and the incorporation of a beautiful grass cloth wallpaper.  This along with the gorgeous two story stone fireplace will provide amazing texture and interest.  These two layers create a fantastic custom design base and backdrop for the final layer…task lighting/art/accessories/drapery/rugs.

Designing a space in layers over time can make the process more enjoyable and can result in a timeless, yet always relevant design.  In this project, my client had beautiful furnishings chosen when the home was originally built 10 years ago.  To build on what they already invested in and to compliment the new design elements we are implementing in layers one and two, we chose large scale, carefully edited items to finish off each space.  

Collection of Three Layering Clocks

This collage of clocks is a unique, eye-catching way to fill a large empty wall in her dining room.  This collection of clocks in varying sizes are sold together with a special mount that allows the white clock to hang over the black clock creating a layered arrangement.  

Autumnal 100% Wool Contemporary Floral Rug

This gorgeous wool area rug was selected for the foyer.  This adds a layer of softness, color and pattern to the foyer.  The color palette found in this rug represents the colors used throughout the rest of the home. 

 Burgundy Wool Blend Down Filled Pillow

To keep the design clean and uncluttered, we applied the less is more approach.  Each accessory we chose had to make a statement.  These wool blend toss pillows bring color and interest to the neutral sofa in the Gathering Room.  The woven texture of the fabric used to cover down filled inserts reminds me of an heirloom hand woven rug.  The simple, but large and graphic pattern commands attention.  

Preserved Boxwood Potted Topiaries

Preserved boxwood topiaries bring natural foliage to the design.  This is a great way to introduce the look and feel of a live plant (versus using faux greens) without the upkeep.  

Rustic Wood and Wrought Iron Panels

Large scale wood panels with wrought iron detail were selected for a large wall in the two story foyer.  The real star of the show in this space is a dramatic staircase featuring iron spindles.  This pair of panels compliments the ironwork used on the staircase without competing with it for attention. The weathered wood finish adds a touch of rusticity in a refined way. 

Rustic Black Metal Cage Lamp

Speaking of refined rusticity, this lamp lends a rustic flavor to the Gathering Room design with it's iron cage base.  The tailored linen shade keeps it looking sophisticated and refined.  These lamps are large in scale which makes them a perfect choice for this grand, two story room.  

Six Framed Leaf Oil Reproductions

This set of six oil reproduction leaf prints chosen for the dining room speak to art my client already owns, a large tree silhouette in her foyer.  The distressed black frames surrounding each leaf brings in a touch of rustic charm to an otherwise formal space. 

  

These items are just some of the final layer elements used to give this home a fresh new look.

This full design plan also included a true-to-scale illustration of the space, a complete product source list with links to each item we selected, specific recommendations for furniture, paint color, drapery and more.  If you would like to get started on a design plan for your home, I am now taking new clients.  Please click here for more information.  

For information on my affordable online design consultation service, please click here. 

 ® The Yellow Cape Cod   

Purple Gray and Aqua, Together In One Two Room Design

Purple, gray and aqua come together in today's featured online design project.  This two room design features a glamorous take on transitional style.  Jennifer's dining room and living room has recently been painted a beautiful deep purple.  We created a design that compliments this dramatic wall color.  

Here is a look at the dining room we created...

This fantastic mirror from Home Decorators Collection will be a stunning focal point over the new buffet.  Especially when combined with a pair of turquoise lamps from lamps plus placed on the top of the buffet, flanking the mirror. 

Jessica loves to entertain so it was important that her new design is not only high in style, but also warm and inviting.  The new dining table we suggested has clean simple lines while the natural wood grain gives it warmth. 

A trio of contemporary, large scale candle lanterns will be a simple but eye catching centerpiece.   

 For the dining chairs, we chose a gorgeous linen upholstered parson style chair.  These chairs will look amazing next to the beautiful patterned rug we selected.  This rug is now available (and on sale) in my shop.  

Jessica's Rug

An elegant linen drum shade chandelier will be the star of the show placed in the center of the room over the table. The beautiful linen fabric shade compliments the chair upholstery perfectly. 

Jennifer's family room is adjacent to the dining room.  To keep the two spaces in harmony with each other, Jennifer asked us to design them both at the same time.  Here is a look at the design we created for her family room...

She is so lucky to have such a nice, large space.  We gave her two different furniture arrangement options… 

Design Tip:

You will notice that we used two rectangular coffee tables pushed together to form one large square.  This room is big and can accommodate a large coffee table like this which is perfect for everyday family life as well as entertaining.  

To ground the space and add color and softness we added a large, plush area rug in soft aqua.  This rug is not your typical solid colored plush rug.  The linear pile provides subtle pattern that gives this rug added interest and dimension. 

 

Since this room is big and Jessica hosts large parties we suggested two full sized sofa's in a beautiful neutral fabric.  A pair of chairs in a contrasting color like the gray shown here will break up the upholstered pieces and keep the design interesting.  

The accessories we chose for the space bring color and personality to the design.  This ultra soft throw features the beautiful color palette of this design.  This piece is now available in my shop.  

Extra Soft Throw

Down filled pillows covered in a graphic patterned fabric from Etsy will bring a pop of color and pattern to the space.  

  In addition to the items shown here, we provided Jennifer with specific product recommendations for a dining table, buffet, living room occasional tables, drapery and more.  We also gave her ideas for a new fireplace, advice on accessorizing her tables, and tips on putting her new design in place.  

Here is a look at the true to scale flooplan illustration of the dining room and living room using the items show in her design plan...

And here is a look at both design boards side by side to show how the two spaces look together…

Back to the design studio for me.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

For information on my affordable online design consultation service, please click here. 

 ® The Yellow Cape Cod   

Take Your Family Photo Gallery Wall To The Next Level

I have some really exciting news to share.  I'm sure you are familiar with Houzz.com (the largest collection of interior design photos on the internet).  The Yellow Cape Cod has just been awarded two prestigious awards at Houzz.  I'm humbled to announce that we have received the "2014 Best Of Houzz in Design" award and "2014 Best Of Houzz in Customer Service" award.  I am so appreciative to the Houzz community for presenting me with these awards and I look forward to another year of being a part of the amazing Houzz network of interior design professionals.

In addition to being a part of the Houzz professional network, I recently became a content contributor.  As I write new articles for Houzz,  I'll be sure to let you know so you can pop over and say hi.  Today, I'm sharing some ideas on giving your family photo gallery a fresh new look by adding depth and dimension.  Just a few small tweaks can give your gallery wall a dramatically different look and feel. You can view the article by clicking here.  

Guest Picks: Take Your Family Photo Wall to a New Dimension

Kitchen ideas, bathroom ideas, and more ∨

From Shabby Chic home decor to contemporary furniture and mirrors, browse thousands of decorating ideas to inspire your next home project.
Search for fun swivel stools, clocks, sectional couches and storage armoires to spice up your basement.

In addition to writing for Houzz, I have an exciting new series in the works here at The Yellow Cape Cod.  I can't wait to fill you in on the details.

Thanks for stopping by!

For information on my affordable online design consultation service, please click here. 

 ® The Yellow Cape Cod 

How Your Favorite Room Can Become Your Favorite Outfits With J.Jill Linen

 

   I'm so excited about today's post.  It's not often that I have the chance to write about anything other than interior design.  I do have other passions; it's just that most of them lead back to my love of interiors.  For example, when I was asked to participate in this campaign with J.Jill my reaction was, "Yes! I seriously need a new summer/spring time look".  The change in seasons has me ready for light layers, fresh colors, and cool, comfortable fabrics. When I saw the latest J.Jill catalog, the excitement over the opportunity to shop their latest looks and blog about fashion intensified.   

 

Then, I laughed as I remembered most things I enjoy relate to interior design in some way.  Putting together outfits is no exception.  I've always loved to shop for clothes, but once I began to apply interior design concepts to fashion, it became even more fun. 

 

 

 Below are two mood boards I created to show the direct correlation between a room I designed and my recent finds at J.Jill.  First let's talk about the room; I would describe this space as classic and comfortable.  The fresh color palette, nautical accents and gauzy linen fabrics give it a breezy feel.  Linen is one of the oldest fabrics in use today, so it's the definition of classic.  It brings a sense of lightness and lends pure, organic comfort to a space.

 

 

When this room is placed next to the fashion ensemble I put together at J.Jill, you can see how they have same look and feel.  Classic, comfortable, and breezy are words that I would also use to describe the fashion mood board.  There is a reason these boards look so similar.  Before I break it all down, let's start at the beginning.  I'll tell you how my new wardrobe came together. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I visited my local J.Jill and a friendly associate introduced me to pieces from a few different collections including their Love Linen line.  The Love Linen line includes blended knits, fresh details and watercolor effect prints that offer new ways to experience linen.  After trying everything on and falling in love with it all, the time came to make my selections. I was able to narrow everything down into a classic, comfortable, breezy wardrobe by applying interior design concepts to each item.  I treated each piece as if it were an element to a well-designed room.

 

 

Using the room I designed above, if each wardrobe piece were a design element then…

 

 

 This knit poncho is the throw blanket.  This soft, comforting, Textured Pointelle Poncho is my new favorite layering piece.  Just as a knit throw blanket adds a layer of texture, warmth and softness to a space, this wrap adds the same qualities to my wardrobe. 

 

 

 

 

 This scarf is the art.   The gorgeous color and pattern provided by this Linen-Blend Paisley Scarf gives my new outfits a layer of interest, color and personality.  Just like this nautical art gave the room a summertime feel, the watercolor-inspired paisley print of this lightweight scarf gives my new outfits the feeling of summer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 These earrings are the lamp.  Adding something shiny dresses up and finishes off any well-designed space, these gorgeous Artistic Teardrop Earrings are the perfect way to complete my new outfits.  

 

 

 

 

This leather bag is the baskets.  Both the J.Jill Leather Tote bag and the baskets provide storage for necessities.  Just as the rich brown color of these baskets provide contrast to the light elements in the space giving it depth, this gorgeous bag does the same for the wardrobe. 

 

 

 

 

These floral print pants are the toss pillows.  Adding patterned toss pillows is an easy way to give an overall neutral space interest and personality.  These Perfect Side-Zip Print Ankle Pants did the same thing to my new outfits in the fitting room.  Their fun abstract print is graphic and eye-catching.  

 

 

 

 

 

These solid black pants (and the solid black tank top) are the black drapery hardware.  No matter what is changed out in this room, the iron hardware (drapery rods, ring clips and tie backs) will stay.  They are a staple that ground the design.  Since black looks good with almost anything, these pants and tank ground this wardrobe.  These Pure Jill Boot-Cut Pants are amazingly soft and comfortable. They can be worn anywhere, whether dressy or casual.  The black Spanx Trust Your Thinstincts Tank top makes layering easy, not to mention it has slimming qualities.   

 

 

 

 

 

The sweaters are the sofa.  In my room design, comfort was one of the main goals.  Down wrapped cushions give this sofa it's amazing softness.  Once you sit on a sofa like this, you never want to get up.   When it came to choosing my new wardrobe pieces, I found the same qualities in the Perfect Cardi sweater.  Not only is it pretty, but once I put it on I didn't want to take it off. 

 

 

 

 

This linen button up shirt is the drapery.   As I mentioned, I love to incorporate linen into my interior design projects, especially in drapery.  Therefore, it's no surprise that this Linen Big Shirt immediately spoke to me.  It has an incredibly comfortable, casual, relaxed fit with a gorgeous draping quality.  No one knows linen like J.Jill.  Modern finishing techniques have lessened the tendency of linen to wrinkle (yay!).   This top feels cool to the touch, it's highly absorbent yet has natural wicking that makes it perfect for hot and humid days.  Another bonus, J.Jill linen is machine washable!

 

 

 

My shopping experience at J.Jill was wonderful.  The store associates gave me one on one attention and made shopping J.Jill a lot of fun.  Not to mention I'm in love with my new clothes.  Thanks for going behind the scenes with me to see how your favorite room can become your favorite outfit.   

 

If you would like to get these looks for yourself, please use my special discount code "BLOGHER" when completing your purchase.  This code is good for 30% off one regular priced item, valid through May 21, 2014.  

 

For a chance to win a $100 J.Jill gift card please tell me…

What is your favorite spring look?

 

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