St. Patricks Day Tablescape~Step by Step

The weekend before St. Patricks Day is a dual celebration in the Macklem house.  Not only do we have traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner in honor of St. Patrick,  but it's also my husband's birthday.

A meal that is visually unappealing (like boiled meat) needs a little help to look as good as it tastes.  

 Good thing for pretty tablescapes, right?

This year, thanks to an after Christmas sale at Target, I was able to put together a sophisticated green tablescape inexpensively.  Green and brown crackled votive candle holders and a green tablecloth (folded in thirds to look like a runner) are Christmas decorations bought deeply discounted after the season. 

 I used fresh tulips and a bundle of pussy willow to create a large scale centerpiece in a basket (click here for a step by step tutorial).  I used multi-purpose tags from Ballard Designs as our place cards tied with a green bow to make each setting special. Our everyday white dishes and stemware keep it casual. 

{Hannah's glass is filled with sparkling grape juice}

Click Here for a step by step tutorial on my tulip and pussy willow centerpiece. 

 I'll show you how simple it was to make this large scale centerpiece.

Here is how the rest came together…

I found these cute multipurpose labels at Ballard Design a while ago.  I used green ribbon to tie them to  napkins as place card holders. 

I folded the green tablecloth from Target in thirds (the long way) to make it look like a runner.  

To give the cloth a crisp clean edge, I ironed it right on the table.  

I placed three green and brown crackled glass candle holders on either side of the centerpiece.

Even though this tablescape was created for St. Patricks Day,  I'll use it through the Spring and maybe alter it a bit for Easter.  Nothing says Spring like a bright green/brown/white color palette and an arrangement of tulips and pussy willow.

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod
For information on my affordable online design services, please click here. 

Understated Elegance~A Semi-Formal Foyer

Today's featured online design plan was created for Stephanie's semi-formal entry.  Stephanie's home is a beautiful traditional style with an amazing two story foyer.  A stately front door, rich wood floors,  soaring ceilings and a gorgeous curved staircase were the base of this dramatic space.  Our goal was to choose elements that were understated (as not to compete with the already present drama) yet elegant (after all, it is a formal entry). 

We began by choosing an area rug in a soft neutral-colored pattern.  

We gave Stephanie two rug options, a rectangular rug in front of the door or a large round under the furniture vignette.  

Aesthetically speaking, the round rug {option 2} is a great choice.  I love to use a round rug in a formal entry.  Especially in this case, a circular rug will mimic the curved staircase.  From a practicality standpoint, the small 3x5 in front of the door {option 1} is the best option.  A third alternative is to go for the round rug and place a small, solid colored door mat during the spring/winter in front of the door to catch mud/salt.  

These sepia toned botanicals from Potterybarn are perfect for the neutral color palette of this space.  They are simple and elegant.  

Stephanie already purchased a beautiful round accent table.  We placed this custom upholstered armchair next to the round table to create a welcoming vignette.  The trellis patterned fabric and slim profile update the look of this traditional style chair.

This amazing fleur de lis mirror will fill a large alcove along the staircase wall.  Not only is it a gorgeous piece in itself, but it will provide a reflection of her beautiful entry chandelier.  

For natural texture and foliage, we placed an oversized pair of preserved potted boxwood on her round table.  Stephanie requested a floral arrangement that looked as real as possible.  Boxwood is my favorite.  Especially potted in these gorgeous cream colored pots on top of her dark wood table.  

Pattern (trellis fabric, patterned rug), contrast (dark wood, light accents),  texture (natural foliage, sculptured rug), and understated art come together to create an unpretentious, but elegant semi-formal entry. 

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

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

*Please feel free to use this design as inspiration.  Out of courtesy to my client, I'm unable to share more specific details about this custom design plan.  Thanks for understanding. 

Buying Vs. DIY'ing~ Which Do You Prefer?

There are two ways to achieve an amazing space: 

"Buying" and "DIY'ing"

Unless my client requests otherwise, my design approach usually combines the two.  I'm not afraid to invest in quality pieces that "make a room" when the budget allows. I am also not afraid to tackle a DIY project when I have the opportunity to re-create a design element and save some cash. 

Today, I would like show how this makeover (which happens to be my living room) can be achieved two different ways; "Buying" vs. "DIY'ing". 

 In this example both approaches yield a similar result...

Buying

The design with all retail merchandise...

Custom Zebra Wingback Chair $525 (Etsy)

 White Cotton Slipcovered Sofa's $2,300 (Potterybarn)

Custom Toss Pillows $50

 Cotton Media Unit $3,800 (Ethan Allen)

Extra Large Iron Sconces $294 ea. (Here)

Industrial Chic Subway Art $507 (Here)

Large Boxwood Wreath $297 (Here)

IronGate Area Rug $159 (RugsUSA)

Black and White Custom Drapes $600 (Martha and Ash)

Black Granite Fireplace Surround (Professional Installation and Material) $1,000

Total $9,826

*Plus Interior Designer fee for professional design services and possible commission on merchandise. 

DIY'ing

The same design with DIY projects incorporated where possible...

DIY Zebra Thrift Store Chair $80

DIY Sofa Makeover $170

DIY Toss Pillows $10

DIY Distressed Cotton Painted Media Console/Dresser Makeover $100

Extra Large Iron Sconces $294 ea.  

Industrial Chic Subway Art $507

Large Boxwood Wreath $297 

IronGate Rugs USA Area Rug $159

DIY Striped Drapes $100

DIY Black Painted Fireplace Makeover w/ DIY Board and Batten Wall $100

Total $2,111

*No Interior Designer fee to use a professional design board from TheYellowCapeCod.com as inspiration.  Add $450 for customized design advice and a unique online design plan created specifically for your space.  

I used a combination of  "Buying" and the "DIYing" to implement my living room design.  Incorporating DIY projects freed up a good chunk of the project allowance.  I applied this savings towards a few quality statement pieces and still came in under budget. 

Here are links to the DIY project alternatives mentioned…

DIY Zebra Thrift Store Chair Makeover

DIY Sofa Makeover:

DIY Distressed Painted Media Console:

DIY Striped Drapes

DIY Black Painted Fireplace Makeover w/ DIY Board and Batten Wall

{I used all of these DIY projects except for the media unit, which I chose to "Buy" from Ethan Allen as opposed to "DIY" a console makeover}.

There are a few things to remember when approaching a makeover DIY style.  It will take a bit longer to get to the finish line.  Projects may require research, patience, trial and error before mastering techniques.  DIY projects don't always result in an exact replica of the piece you were inspired by and the quality isn't always the same (better or less depending on your skills). 

On the flip side, DIY projects add unique character to a space setting it apart from everyone else's.  DIY'ing also allows the use of pieces with sentimental value.  The sense of pride and accomplishment (and the high from saving a ton of money) make DIY decorating satisfying.  

Are you a Buyer or a DIY'er?  

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Paint colors by Martha Stewart "Heath" wall color, "Tailors Chalk" trim color, "Silhouette" black.

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

Gorgeous Green Lamp~Getting The Look For Less...

At the end of this post, please share your favorite place to shop for discount home decor.

In honor of St. Patties Day, I thought it would be fun to share a fabulous green find.

Recently, I posted a sunroom makeover project inspired by the Westin Hotel (click here if you missed it).  I received a lot of inquiries about the green lamps used in the space.  

My client, Beth, fell in love with this lamp from Crate and Barrel $199ea....

Our goal with Beth's makeover was to balance her project allowance using a combination of quality pieces, custom drapery and discount home store accessories.  We spent the bulk of the budget on critical design elements and saved where we could save without sacrificing the design.

The Crate and Barrel lamp was gorgeous, however it was a bit of an investment.  Especially considering we needed two.  In order to keep from going over budget, I went in search of an alternative.  

That is when I found this lamp at Target ($25ea):  

I paired it with a large oversized square lamp shade (also from Target) to achieve a similar look as the high end version.  Substituting budget friendly Target lamps for the high end Crate and Barrel lamp freed up more of the budget for a fabulous rug and gorgeous custom drapes.

The give and take between investment pieces and discount finds resulted in a high style, yet practical space.  If you would like more details on Beth's makeover, please click here.  

Where is your favorite place to shop for discount home decor? In Detroit, we are all about HomeGoods, but please tell us what your "go-to" place is.  

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

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

The Yellow Cape Cod Collection Grand Opening

 Today is the day, I finally get to share the details of a secret operation that's been going down behind the scenes… While designing for clients, I've been given access to the secret world of Interior Designer merchandise.  I come across a lot of really cool stuff.  I've always wished I could share these amazing finds with everyone.  Now, I can!  I'm so excited to introduce:

The Yellow Cape Cod Collection…  

An inspired offering of my favorite home decor finds.  This collection gives you access to unique home decor allowing you to integrate the "Designer Look" into your home.  I have selected each item in this collection for the amazing effect it has in a real-life space.  Each piece is extraordinary and unique.  

To celebrate the grand opening of The Yellow Cape Cod Collection, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING!  In addition to free shipping, Online Design Clients will receive a 20% DISCOUNT on all products for the next 90 Days. 

The first offerings are items that I fell in love with for my own home…

Industrial Chic Subway Art

This is not your everyday subway art.  The rustic, aged metal material of this pair of signs gives them a vintage look.  They bring graphic interest and a cool industrial element to any space. 

 (17"W x 40"H x 1"D)

Simplicity Wreath

I'm obsessed with boxwood. When I saw this preserved boxwood wreath there was no doubt it would make it's way into my home.   It's extra large scale, striking simplicity and square shape puts a contemporary spin on the traditional concept of a wreath. Requires a light mist of water every 30 days to keep it looking fresh.  (22"W x 22"H x 5"D).

$222

Click here to purchase. 

Extra Large Iron Sconce

This black twisted iron sconce is extra large and substantial.  It's rippled glass hurricane creates a beautiful reflection of candle light (sconce includes a large, off-white pillar candle).    

  Each sconce is sold individually.  This sconce will add dimension, romance and drama to any space.   Purchased as a pair, they would have double impact (perfect mantel decor solution).
(6" W x 27" H x 14" D).

$220

Click here to purchase. 

 I put together this inspiration board to get an idea of how these pieces would look in my home.   (Also shown in this inspiration board, and not for sale on this site; Rugs USA Ikat Rug, Ethan Allen Armoire, Potterybarn Sofa and my DIY Thrift Store Zebra Chair).

Would you like to see what my new finds look like in my home?

Take a look…

{Red Ribbon sold separately}

I will be adding to The Yellow Cape Cod Collection as I uncover more extraordinary home decor. 

All items are available for a limited time, while supplies last. Please click here to review our return policy and to place your order. Remember,  SHIPPING IS ON ME!  

**Free Shipping and 20% Client Discount offer expires 05/24/13.  To qualify for the "Client Discount", you must have purchased an Online Design Plan (or On-Site services)  between 12/1/2012 and 05/24/13.

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Whole House Design Plan

This weekend, I'll be busy making final preparations for my upcoming announcement. My family is just as excited as I am to wrap up the "secret operation" that's been going down behind the scenes.  After peeking in my design studio yesterday, my daughter asked my husband if "mom was becoming a hoarder".

Not my proudest moment. 

While I'm busy cleaning up, I'd like to share a recent Whole House Online Design Plan. 

 You may recognize a few of these spaces designed for my client, Evie.  I have shared a little bit this project before.  Today, I placed her family room, den, dining room and kitchen design plans together to show what a whole house online design plan looks like...

Putting it all together shows how the spaces flow.  Separating the plan illustrates how each space still has it's own personality.  Here is the breakdown:

The Kitchen

The Family Room

The Dining Room

The Den

Here they are together, again:

Evie's home has an open concept floor plan.  In order to achieve seamless flow (similar to the feel of a builder's model), we designed multiple rooms at the same time.  Because of the increasing desire for  "builder model flow", we are now offering a multi-room design plan discount (up to three spaces). 

For more information on my affordable online design service, please click here.  There is currently availability, however this time of year fills up fast.  

Have a great weekend!

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Product and Image Sources for this design plan can be found here:

Evie's Kitchen (click here)
Family Room (click here)
Dining Room (click here)
Evie's Den:

(room image found here:)