Bling for the Home!

Bling for the Home!.

Bling for the Home!

We take time to wear jewelry  to “complete the look” of our clothing.  The same should apply to our homes!  

Accessories are truly the jewelry for our interiors!  You can have the most beautiful furniture, but without accessories, your home won’t have any personality, and look like a furniture warehouse.

Check out the sparkly Capiz Shell Chandelier and Ceiling Light to the left. Instant room transformation!  Add bling to your home- you will love it!

 

If you would like to add some dash to your home, call me for a complimentary “getting to know you” appointment:  Thora Tam, Decorating Den Interiors, 408.223.7300  thoratam@decoratingden.com

 We proudly serve the Silicon Valley:  San Jose, Evergreen Valley, Silver Creek Valley, Willow Glen, Rose Garden, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Saratoga, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Monte Sereno, Cambell, Milpitas, Fremont, and Sunnyvale.

Long Live Red, White and Blue!

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Originally posted on decoratingdenthoratam:
Patriotic colors continue to show themselves in a variety of home decorating products!  Decorating with these colors is not strictly limited to the Fourth of July!   Here are a few ideas on how you might…

DESIGNER STYLE

DESIGNER STYLE.

Long Live Red, White and Blue!

Patriotic colors continue to show themselves in a variety of home decorating products!  Decorating with these colors is not strictly limited to the Fourth of July!

 

Here are a few ideas on how you might chose to add a bit of patriotic flair to your next decorating project:

 

1. Bold white and red striped fabric – or blue and white striped fabric, specially treated to withstand all the “elements” makes a great choice for upholstering outdoor furniture.  They definitely make a very bright and lively color scheme. 

 

2. Blue accents – in the form of mosaic glass, dishes and even glassware, make great additions to an understated patriotic theme.

 

3. Area rugs with a patriotic theme can liven up any décor.  They can be used year round, or simply to give your home a lively “red, white and blue” theme.

 

4. Smart accents – in linens, towels, soaps and candles – abound in patriot colorways. 

 

5. Accent pillows – designed in floral patterns featuring reds and blues are guaranteed to add a spark to your décor.

 

And, by all means, don’t forget to add the glory of our American Flag by displaying in front of your home!  Hail to the Red, White and Blue!

10 Must-Haves for Holiday Decorating!

10 Must Haves for Holiday Decorating!

The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s not too early to start enhancing your holiday décor. For inspiration, here are ten “must haves” to inspire your creativity!

1. Let There Be Light! Soft glowing light is complementary to you and your guests. Once you’ve turned the lights down low, bring out the candles by the boxful. From tall and tapered, to short and stout, candles set a celebratory tone. For the most dramatic impact, group candles just as you would any other collectible, and display them on a silver platter.

2. Haul Out The Holly! When choosing plants to help add holiday cheer, think beyond the traditional poinsettias. Fill metallic vases with bouquets of fresh flowers and holly. Or choose beautifully shaped topiaries covered with pepper berries.

3. Precious Metals. You can incorporate metallic colors in a number of ways, including candlesticks, picture frames, and decorative boxes. Don’t hesitate to mix things up a bit. In formal rooms, combine your silver pieces with gold or polished brass accessories. Or take a more casual approach by blending pewter, copper and brass.

4. A Feast for the Eye. The dining room itself should be a visual feast. Drape the chandelier with pine garland or holly. Surprise your guests with wrapped gifts on their salad plates. And for a cohesive feeling, incorporate an element of your room’s design on the table. If your room features a mirrored wall, use a mirrored charger beneath each plate.

5. Ornamental Accents. Christmas tree ornaments are not just for trees anymore. Display some on the coffee table is an oversized bowl or clear glass urn. You can even use round glass balls as place cards, and write each guest’s name on each piece, and set them around the dining table.

6. Be My Guest. Is your guest room ready for holiday guests? Is there a luggage stand and/or enough space in the closet? Are there plenty of pillows? Is the bedside table big enough to accommodate a lamp, reading materials, and a carafe of water? Don’t forget the little extras such as fresh fruit, potpourri, and a basket of toiletries. And be sure to include a few holiday touches like greenery or a small gift.

7. The Wonder of Wreaths. Whether you prefer wreaths made of natural materials or some of the lovely permanent florals on the market today. Wreaths are an absolute must for any holiday home. In addition to their traditional place on the front door or over the mantle, smaller wreaths can be used as curtain tiebacks or napkin rings.

8. Festive Fruits and Vegetables. Visit the produce aisle of your grocery store for unique holiday decorations. For example, spray-paint walnuts and gourds in silver of gold and display them in a decorative basket. Or fill a large crystal bowl with red and green apples.

9. Set Your Own Style. Make your tree an integral part of your decorating scheme and a reflection of your personality. Are antique toys a personal passion? Then decorate the tree with miniature wooden versions. Are you a dedicated beachcomber? Attach some of your favorite shells to the tree with simple grosgrain ribbon.

10. Wrap It Up With Ribbon. Ribbon can be used for much more than wrapping presents. Use French wire ribbons, in a variety of widths, to tie bows on your trees. Or instead of a garland or greenery, wrap your banister with ribbon. You can also hang holiday cards from a mantle or shelf using narrow ribbons in holiday colors.

Try some of these festive tips and your home will be ready for the holidays!

Thora Tam
Interior Decorator, Master License Owner
Decorating Den Interiors
408.223.7300
thoratam@decoratingden.com
http://www.decdens.com/ttam

Get Your Outdoor Space Ready for Summer!

With so many of today’s new homes being built to incorporate gorgeous patio spaces, doesn’t it stand to reason that with a little thought and planning these spaces can become an exciting extension of your home’s indoor space?

So, where do you begin, and how do you master the design of flowing your indoor and outdoor spaces together? Here are a few things to take into consideration before creating the outdoor space of your dreams.

It all starts with a plan!

It’s generally a good idea to begin this process by first taking into consideration all the possible events your family will want plan for when they use your new outdoor haven. Large gatherings and family events will call for one type of plan. And conversely an outdoor space designed for two to relax and unwind, will dictate a totally different set of priorities.

As you consider all the activities you want to accommodate in your new outdoor space, you might consider creating specific spaces for specific events. Activities such as outdoor cooking – on a grill or customized outdoor kitchen, might be best suited in one area…dining in another. And just as on the inside your home, area rugs are a great way to help separate and definite spaces. Today’s selection of indoor/outdoor area rugs is wide and varied –a practical and easy-care solution in many shapes, sizes and colors!

Secondly, creating the right landscape plan to surround your outdoor space is extremely important. Shrubbery, flowers, and architectural accents, will all play an important part in the overall design as you finalize your landscape plan. You’ll find that stonework and carpentry choices will be critical components to aid you in creating your perfect outdoor retreat. Why not give special consideration to the plants you chose to surround your space? Just think of the delicious scents you could add to your outdoor space with the right plantings!

Thora Tam
Interior Decorator, Master License Owner
Decorating Den Interiors
408.223.7300
thoratam@decoratingden.com
http://www.decdens.com/ttam

First Impressions Always Count!

Whether your foyer is small or large, entrance areas to your home should be interesting and present an exciting preview of what’s to come. One of the most important considerations in designing a foyer space is to keep in mind how much of the surrounding rooms you see from the foyer. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you make your home’s entry space a memorable first impression!

Mirrors? Yes! And don’t skimp on the size! Check out the whimsical carved mirrors in this Morgan Hill entry foyer. A handsomely framed mirror over a chest or table is always an excellent design option. If your entry way is small, consider mirroring closet doors. And in situations where your front door opens into the living space, try to create a foyer with a mirrored folding screen.

Drama? Yes! Do something dramatic and exciting with your walls. If your wall space is somewhat limited, consider splurging on an exquisite wall covering to set the stage. And how about continuing your wall covering pattern on the ceiling! What a great way to incorporate the other colors and mood of your home’s other rooms!

Luxury? Yes! Have you ever considered adding portieres at your foyer doorway? Portieres are drapery panels that not only provide privacy and warmth when closed, but softness and luxury when opened. Portieres are a great design option to consider when your foyer opens to an adjacent room via a wide doorway.

Try following these do’s and don’ts and you’ll be well on your way to having a grand entrance that will certainly make a lasting impression!

2013- The Year of You!

“It’s all about you!”

This phrase was certainly a highlight of the October High Point Furniture Market. Manufacturers of a variety of home furnishings products showcased their unique lines – many designed around the theme of “personalization”. So, whether you’re about to begin a decorating project, or are in the midst of one, it’s a good idea to ask yourself what kind of statement do you want your home make about YOU!

Rather than copying someone else’s design, pursue your own design passion with confidence and gusto! What are your personal interests? Your culture? Your talents? Your loves? Your hobbies? Favorite places?

This picture of a relaxing yoga room is a great example of personalization. We started out with a plain room with no window treatments and an old futon. My clients wanted a relaxing space to read and practice yoga-a getaway space. Yet, it has to be child-friendly and not too “precious.”

I started out with a woven wood and grass drapery that softly filters the light, and designed a custom machine washable cover for the old futon. The stunning rug has a soft chenille fabric with carved detailing of shimmering chrysanthemum flowers. A bold floor lamp adds extra lighting and color, and we brought in a Zen touch with the client’s artwork and a new Buddha pillow for fun. The white walls were painted a deep mustard. On an adjacent wall, we added a very large open metalwork piece that holds many votive candles. What a relaxing space that has been totally customized for my clients!

Once you’ve taken your own personal inventory, it will become much easier to design a plan that showcases YOU in the most beautiful of ways!

Welcome 2013!

No matter how long you’ve lived in your home, it’s always fun to shake things up a little bit  – and what better time to think about giving one, two, or even three rooms in your home a brand-new makeover?   A fresh new look will definitely have a positive impact on every single person who lives in your home.  Just think about the enjoyment you would derive by sharing something new for your friends, family and guests to admire!  Here are just a few ideas to help you get started on your makeover!

COLOR YOUR WORLD!  If you’re living in an all-white or beige world, then nothing will spark your room’s makeover faster than color!  Perhaps, it’s just one simple accent wall painted a dramatic and exciting color.  Maybe a new piece of art will find a new home over your fireplace mantle – adding color and spice to your family room.  Replacing a worn area rug that’s seen better days with a new textured multicolored area rug might “fit the bill” perfectly.  Nothing adds more instantaneous drama and pizzazz to you room’s entire décor more than color! 

REARRANGE!  Although new furniture definitely gives any home an instant face lift, oftentimes, it’s not something new you crave – but perhaps simply a new furniture arrangement plan.  Have you consider transferring pieces from one room to another?  Have you tried angling your larger furniture pieces?  Have you considered adding a new accent table or two?  Maybe reupholstering that chair or sofa will do the trick.  Small changes can make the biggest impact.

LIGHTING!  Unfortunately, improper and inadequate room lighting is very common.  Few things can rekindle our spirits on a gray, rainy or snowy day like a home’s interior bathed in warm light.  In fact, good artificial lighting is known to have such a positive effect on one’s moods, that some consider it preventive medicine.  When developing a lighting plan, you first need to take stock of what types of activities you enjoy in each of the rooms that you’re consider making over.  Then call in a professional decorator to help determine the best lighting plan to accommodate your activities. 

So, if a few rooms in your home are crying for a facelift, then there’s no better time than NOW to begin the process.  You, your family and your home will definitely benefit from a brand new look!