Happy New Year!

Well, 2014 is upon us and here in the studio we are still busy as elves preparing year end taxes and cleaning up after holiday guests. Once the tree is put away and all the curling ribbon has been tossed out, it will be back to the blog posts for us!
We have a few resolutions for the upcoming year that we'd like to share,

1. More posts, more often. Last year we got a little lazy with posting and this year we resolve to make it up to you!

2. More guest bloggers. Brilliant idea. We know.

3. More questions answered. You let us know what you need help with, or want to know about, and we'll post it!

Take care and see you soon!

The Design Team

Upholstered Headboards

As of late, we have been frequently asked about upholstered headboards. Now, upholstered headboards (or U.H's in the future) are not a new trend. They have been around for several years and are a great alternative to solid wood beds. One of the reasons they are so popular is that a person with some basic craft skills can make one. The internet is full of step-by-step tutorials for all different types. Some are made with wood, some are made with cardboard. Some are tufted, use nailhead, and some are stenciled. Stenciling has become a huge trend, (if you remember the previous post). U.H's are also typically less expensive then a solid wood bed and take up less room. Now, if you go with an U.H. and select mohair, you may end up spending about the same as a wood bed. Also, many U.H's can be mounted to the wall which means they are up off the floor. Of course, you can always add feet for a personal touch. U.P's can be re-upholstered for a fraction of the cost (typically) of purchasing a new solid wood bed when it's time to freshen up your design.

U.P's are also popular with pillow haters. Despite photos of well dressed beds filled with euro shams, bolster pillows and accent toss pillows, many people prefer the cleaner, simpler look of just the sleeping pillows, and the U.H's gives the added look of a textured pillow without the fuss. Plus they are more comfortable to lean back into than solid wood.

Due to the popularity of U.H's you can find them at local furniture stores with a wide variety of textiles to choose from. If you don't find something to suit your taste, contact your interior designer for a custom made, one of a kind, knockout upholstered headboard. And don't forget to send us a photo!


All images were taken from pinterest.com

Stencils

When someone mentions stencils, do you cringe? Do you immediately think of cheesy floral patterns on cupboards or yellow ducks in a child's bedroom? For a long time, stenciling was as hip as wallpapering, it was something that you complained about when you bought a house, something you'd have to take the time to remove or paint over with several coats. But times have changed. Stencils have evolved right along with wallpaper.

A company called Cutting Edge Stencils has created an easy, affordable way to add interest to you walls. For those who are afraid of wallpaper or find it cost prohibitive, try a stencil.
If you have a concrete or old wood floor that you can't afford to cover, get some floor paint and a stencil.
Maybe you picked up a dresser from a yard sale or flea market that you're not quite sure what to do with, add a stencil.

This company has something for everyone. Moroccan, geometric, damask, flowers, trees, nursery, words, borders, stripes, birds and ceiling medallions! There are tons of photos for inspiration and how to tutorials and videos. Plus, they come is different sizes.

Another great thing about stencils is that you can pick your own colors. The combinations are endless! Try a monochromatic look in a bathroom or add some metallic paint to jazz up a kitchen. If you end up hating it, you're only out a stencil, some paint and time. Paint over it and start again. Remember, have fun with it.



Their website is www.cuttingedgestencils.com
Images courtesy of cuttingedgestencils