Posts tagged decorating
the essential dorm decorating guide for moms
the essential dorm decorating guide for moms

You know you are a design dork when your daughter says her future college roommates are planning on a pink and light blue color palette for their dorm room and your immediate response is “As in the Pantone colors of the year 2016?” instead of “Sounds great, Honey. Let’s go shopping.” I’m just saying that may have happened to me last week and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t judge.

Everyone is getting on the dorm room decorating band wagon these days. Dorm room decorating – like other forms of trend decorating – is big business. Target has its back to school section, of course, as do teen standbys like Urban Outfitters and PB Teen, but even more traditionally full service furniture and décor sources are getting in the mix. This month’s Better Homes and Gardens has a small feature about dorm décor from the 1962 at the very back. For better or for worse, we’ve come a long way in what is available to decorate dorm rooms. Planning ahead and “matching” with dorm mates is a thing now. There are even dedicated dorm décor websites (check out Dormify and Room 422). It’s all I can do not to pull out one of those, “In my day, we…” Honestly. Anyone else just go to Bed Bath and Beyond, buy some twin XL sheets, and call it a day?

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decorating with teens, interiors, living with kids, small spacesadrienne robideauxteen rooms, decoratingComment
all about window treatments
all about window treatments

I’m going to be honest (when am I not?): when it comes to window treatments, the amount I know could fit in a thimble. It’s possible that I know just a tiny little bit more than the average bear, but that’s where it stops. I can identify your basic types of pleats in drapes, and if pressed, could probably explain the difference between a few types of valances. I know that silk isn’t a great option for windows because it disintegrates with sun exposure (this is why you will always see silk drapes with solid liners) and I know that UV film is an excellent idea for windows that get a lot of sun because they protect your furniture without changing the view. After that, I’m pretty much out. My lack of knowledge in this area is mostly because I love an open window and I hate fussy so it doesn’t even occur to me to add window treatments. This statement is full sacrilege in decorator world. Window treatments, like hardware, finish the room. Everyone knows that.

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designadrienne robideauxdecoratingComment
what's your decorating style?
what's your decorating style?

I’ve been spending a lot of time on Instagram lately. I mean A LOT. Not mindlessly scrolling, mind you, or even posting. I've been researching for a class I’m currently taking by the incredible Dominique of All That Is She. Without giving away Dominique’s secrets (and if you are looking for a fantastic class on Instagram, sign up for this one as soon as she opens again), this class has really got me thinking about personal style, and as a result, decorating style. What is personal style? And who has it? In a world where we see so much visual input, much of it copied or repeated, Every. Single. Day., what makes us stop and stare at that one frame? What makes your house look like your home and not some cookie cutter trend of the moment spot that you might not recognize as different from your neighbors if you had one too many cocktails and opened the wrong front door? Not that you would ever have one too many cocktails or open the wrong front door. I’m just saying “if”.

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design, interiorsadrienne robideauxdecoratingComment
travel inspired decor that doesn't involve a map (modern southern bungalow week 24)
travel inspired decor that doesn't involve a map (modern southern bungalow week 24)

One of the things I keep coming back to from my California conference tour was Justina Blakeney’s story about how and why she chose the colors in her very blue bathroom. The story goes that Justina wanted a serene feeling in her bathroom, so she thought about places in her travels where she had felt the kind of serene that she was going for in the bathroom. For her, that place was Lake Tahoe. The deep blue of the lake inspired the deep blue of the shower tile.

This is a brilliant way to approach design. What if you really got in touch with the feelings you want to convey or attract for each space individually? What if you used those places where you find peace or inspiration or center as a muse for your own home?

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modern southern bungalowadrienne robideauxdecorating, inspiration, modern southern bungalow, remodel Comments
how to shop for furniture online
how to shop for furniture online

We shop for just about everything online these days. Books, groceries, clothes. If it doesn’t come from Amazon, odds are, we aren’t buying it. But what about furniture? Online shopping can be convenient and provides a wider variety of options for many people. On the other hand, it can be time consuming, confusing, and overwhelming. And what if you buy the wrong thing?

There are countless advantages to shopping locally, and if you can, I would definitely recommend it. There is nothing like sitting on a sofa to make sure it is just right. That said, many of us no longer have time to the search for the perfect piece. (Ahem. If this is your problem, I know where you can find someone to help you. Just saying.) One of the biggest benefits to online shopping is the ability to compare your options quickly. There are all sorts of online tools that are available to help you really think through all aspects of how your room will look. There are three major things to be aware of when shopping online: size, color, and quality. Let’s look at all three.

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interiors, designadrienne robideauxdecorating, diyComment
2018 decorating trends: what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s classic (hint: you’ve got this)
2018 decorating trends: what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s classic (hint: you’ve got this)

If you have spent any time on Pinterest over the last few years, then you know something about minimalist décor. White walls, black and natural wood accents, simple furniture. Very clean and serene.

I’m sure that you have noticed something else about these serene white rooms because you have kids. And a spouse. Maybe even a dog that sheds. There are no piles. There is practically no stuff. You’ve wondered what the heck these minimalists do with all the crap that comes home from school. And where are the toys? Your house looks more like this than this.

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design, interiors, lagniappeadrienne robideauxdecorating, family living, style Comments
the search for sectionals (modern southern bungalow week 21)
the search for sectionals (modern southern bungalow week 21)

We have floors! Ok, we have partial floors. The upstairs floors have been installed and the downstairs floors are in process. We also received confirmation this week that our wall tile for both the kitchen and master shower will be here on Thursday. It feels like things are getting closer even though we still have 14 weeks to go assuming all goes well. Please cross all your fingers and toes. We are so ready to get out of the apartment.

This week, while we waited for flooring and tile, we began looking at furnishings. I know what you are thinking. Fourteen weeks is a long time. But furniture, even from a big box store, is very rarely available the day that you want it. Many furniture stores are really show rooms, where one can try out pieces but not walk out with them. Even a basic table can take 6-8 weeks for delivery. Sofas can take up to 12 weeks for delivery.

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living with kids, modern southern bungalow, small spacesadrienne robideauxdecorating, family roomComment