Back to basics: Tips for room layout and choosing furniture and acessories

Furnishing and organizing your home in the most appropriate way is challenging, but the reward is that it can be a great expression of yourself.  Some people don't think interior design and architecture are such a big deal, until they see for themselves the impact that successful room decor, furnishings, and layouts can have on a house.

Serene and clean but not too sparse.

When it comes to furniture, it's easy to fall back on what you see in the popular magazines, but take time to research and stake out pieces that really speak to you and are of good quality.  Don't just buy furniture because you want to fill a room.  Taking your time to choose furniture will also ensure that you pick the best sizes and styles for the space you're furnishing.

 

This kitchen is modern and minimal in style, but not sterile.

For many people, decor and accessories are an afterthought, or they fill it with gifts from others that aren't really their style, or generic bits and bobs just to fill space.  However, if you completely forget about adding decor and accessories, your home runs the risk of looking to institutional.  Just like your furnishings, take time to collect a collection of accessories that have meaning to you, whether they be travel souvenirs, a vase that reminds you of one that your grandmother had, etc.

Functional and attractive

Two important aspects of design that are not addressed as often as the ones above are  the use of positive and negative space. Some people do not leave enough open/empty space in a room. Too much furniture, or furnishing too large for the room make a space feel tight and cluttered.  Leave enough open space - imaging the room being able to "breath" a bit.  If a space looks crammed, remove items one by one, step back and look at the space, and when it looks less cluttered, you know you're on the right path. Also consider the flow of the room.  There should be clear paths around or to furnishings, and the purpose of the room should be apparent, whether the purpose be conversing, working, or watching TV.

Luxe in style with a successful bedroom layout.

Another set of people have the opposite problem.  They leave too much empty or "dead" space in their home.  If you're nervous about making a mistake, start by collecting inspiration.  Rip out pages from magazines or bookmark images of rooms that you like.  Once you've collected a decent amount of images, review them and pick out any recurring furniture styles, accessories, colors, etc. that you see.  This will help you dictate your style.  Once you've narrowed down your aesthetic, try buying just one piece at a time, that way you won't feel like you're committing so quickly and definitely.

Stylized but realistic

Do you have any tips for a well-balanced room?

*disclosure: This post is sponsored by Minimalisti.com

Unique, vintage inspired housewares

I'm really excited to introduce to you guys my news advertiser, Abodent. Their forte is a wide selection of adorable and chic drawer pulls and knobs, but they also have gorgeous tableware, pillows, and other small housewares. If you like shabby chic, vintage, or just unique things - I'm sure they'll have something you like. And if you use the code from the ad on my sidebar - 10DECO you will save 10%. Another nice perk is they ship to many different countries. Check out all the goodies at Abodent.

Here are some of my favs

Really fun and pretty gifts for everyone on your list - all on one site!

These are just a handful of the really cute and unique gifts you'll find on Swirl, a discount shopping site brought to you by the folks who run Daily Candy. If you aren't a member of Swirl, which is required to shop, this link will take you directly to the sign up page. Membership is free. Once you're signed up, click on the "Holiday Shop" tap on the top of the site next to the "Sale Events" tab. Happy Shopping!



This "bowl" and "pitcher " are so clever!

These cookie cutters are too cute.
chalkboard candle
Perfume in clever packaging
The sale features lots of pretty soap and bath stuff.
The above is felted soap. Has anyone tried this before? I'd like to know how it is.
Lots of boys' toys too.

This totem is actually a stack of little bowls!




Gifts for your cutie too
Lots of cool dishware and kitchen gadgets


Adornments for you and your loved ones beautiful selves.

Like what you see? There's lots more!

Here's the membership link for ya one more time - click here.

One of the most beautiful Decorology giveaways ever!

This will make a great indulgence for yourself or a gift for a loved one. How many of you know know of Gianna Rose Atelier; the creator of soaps so gorgeous they're hard to use? Well, in celebration of their recent partnership with Caswell-Massey, America's oldest retailer and original purveyor of apothecary style personal care products, the lovely folks are offering Decorology readers an opportunity to win these absolutely divine Gianna Rose Ceramic Gardenia & Jasmine flower-shaped scented infusers. I hate to give this away it's so beautiful!



A little about the product: The fragrance of the gardenia jasmineodes is reminiscent of days spent wandering the French countryside. A true floral, this scent is fresh and delicate. Essential oils are diffused into the air as they evaporate from magnificent, porous, ceramic figurines. Simply place diffusers onto the included decorative dish, and apply a few drops of the oil blend. Continue applying until you achieve your desired fragrance level.

Comes with:

Ceramic Diffuser
Gardenia Jasmine (Flowers)
Ceramic Tray (to display diffusers)
Fragrance Oil
All in a Gift Box

You know you want it! All you have to do for your chance to win is leave a comment on this post. You have until 6PM EST on October 21st to enter. A winner will be drawn at random and announced the next day. Good luck to all who enter!

Here are some more gorgeous Gianna Rose products:

A supercute shop with tons of vintage shabby-chic goodies

Hi all - I hope everyone had a great weekend. I wanted to introduce you to this adorable shop - Blue Carrot.

Here are some of my favs -

Love this typeset drawer






I think these images will easily entice you to go take a look - www.bluecarrotshop.com

They have some great sales too!

I have a coupon code for you for adorable decor and accessories from Delight.com!

If you haven't checked out Delight.com you should head over if you're in the market for cute, modern home decor and accessories. They sent me an email the other day with a promotion:

"Use code ALittleBribe to trigger a 10% discount on any order of $50 or more! And if your order is $100 or more you automatically get free Continental US ground shipping."

Here are some of my current favs. on the site -

Pantone storage containers - $24.50/ea
Silver Honey Bee honey pot - $42.50
Paper pot - $38.50
Cheese Knife set (I got these for my sister for xmas!) - $22.50

Probably my favorite item is the Koi pitcher - I'd love two in colbalt or light blue: $42.50/ea
Self-watering plant pot: $14.50
Silicone drying mat: $18.50

These Pomaireware pigs are so cute! Handcrafted in Pomaire, Chile
Salt pig: $24.50
Salsa dish: $22.5o
Salt & pepper shakers: $19.50


See anything you like here or at delight?

Serena & Lily Friends & Family 25% discount code

I have a really great sale code for you guys - Serena & Lily is holding a 5-day (Nov. 12-16th) 25 % off sale (bedding, fabrics, gifts, accessories). The code is FALLFRIENDS25 at checkout. Here are some of my favorites and you can see another post I did featuring them here.





I love all their mix and match patterns and colors



If you want to browse what they have go to Serena and Lily and enter FALLFRIENDS25 to get 25% off. Enjoy!