Saturday, January 29, 2011

6 Ways To Enhance Your Entry Way


6 Ways to Enhance an Entry Way

§    Define the space with a bold color:  Bright colors seem more inviting and engaging.  Yellows, greens, and oranges tend to pick your guest’s interests.
§    Using a runner draws your guests easily into your home:  If you do not like the thought of placing a rug in that space you can easily paint a decorative one on the floor.
§    Create some type of wall display to ignite interest:  You can use mirrors pictures, or even empty picture frames to create something that is visually stimulating.  If your entry way is darker than you would like it be try putting a well-placed mirror on the wall to try and trap the light in that area.  Putting a mirror in a small space will also trick you into thinking that area is larger than it appears.
§    If you have a little nook in the foyer, tuck in a table and a chair to give it a cozier feel.
§    Table lamps and other lighting options are important to set a mood in your space.  Select a table lamp that you like and place it in the space to cast an inviting glow.





§    To create a glamorous first impression hang a chandelier 8.6’ above the floor in the entryway.  

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

When White Is Right


White is a refreshing color that can be used anywhere and everywhere.  When you paint a room white the room instantly becomes clean, refreshing, new, and revived.  The room appears to be larger, cleaner, and new.  Modern interiors are often painted white to symbolize simplicity.  This year more and more people are leaning towards more simplistic designs.  Less clutter and more functional items.  Everything now has a purpose.  Detoxing your interior is what we like to call it.  Moving towards greener products.  Ask yourself can I live without this.    This is what 2011 is all about.  And this is why White is Right for 2011.










Friday, January 21, 2011

Window Treatments





Window Treatments



Window treatments can easily make or break the style of a room.  Adding curtains or drapes to a window can create a focal point and also elongate the ceiling height.  There are so many different options for your windows but I will cover just a few and also show you how to create your own printed drapes.  Here is some vocabulary that may help you determine what is the right option for your specific window. 
·      Draperies- Are usually pleated panels that are hung from a traverse rod or a decorative pole and rings.  There are many types of pleat arrangements some made by hand and some using pleating tape.
·      Swags and cascades- Stationary swags of fabric can be combined and overlapped on a decorative pole or covered dust board.  They can be pleated and formal or relaxed and casual.  They are often combined with cascades (also known as jabots or tails) at each end of the windrow.
·      Valences- Are decorative top treatments that can cove the mounting hardware of drapes or shades.  They can be pleated, gathered or flat, arched, straight or shaped, and can be mounted on dust boards, poles, or rods.
·      Cornices- Are padded box shapes covered in fabric and trim.  The bottom edge can be shaped in many different ways.  They are mounted above the window and can conceal other mounting hardware.
·      Fabric Shades- Come in many shapes and sizes.  They are usually raised and lower by a system of rigged cords or a spring-loaded roller.  Roman shades and their much variation tend to be fullness from pleats or gathers and have a softer, pouffed appearance when raised.  Austrian Shades are shirred down vertical lines giving a fuller look when down.  Shades are usually attached to a covered mounting board that is attached either inside or outside the window trim.  Some styles can be mounted on decorative poles.


The architecture of your home, your personal style, and most importantly where the room is located should really determine the type of window treatment for your window.  If you have a modern house try and stick with a minimal window treatment.  Possibly roman shades or simple drapes would be best.  More traditional interiors you may opt for a dramatic treatment with generous swags and lots of fringe.  Window treatments are fabulous but can be very pricey.  A great way to create your own printed treatment is to make it using canvas fabric.  You can use stencils or freehand paint if you have a steady hand.  Use acrylic paint and let the canvas fabric dry over night.  Use a large rod to hang above the window.






Tuesday, January 18, 2011

NEW CHET CHAT EPISODE

Please be sure and check out the new episode of CHET CHAT on WLAE.  Wednesday Jan. 19th @ 9 pm and Saturday Jan. 22nd @ 10 am

Monday, January 17, 2011

7 Hot Trends for o'11


7 Hot Trends for o’11


1.    Artsy Accents- Spend your time and money and invest in art that you love.  Here in New Orleans there is an unlimited supply of great art that is affordable to every budget.
2.    Classic Colors- Pinks, browns, lavenders and some pastels are hot right now.  These colors are considered classics and go well with both traditional and modern interiors.
3.    Decorated Walls- Use crown moldings and columns to enhance the dynamics of a room.  Coffered ceilings and ceiling fans also add focal points to any interior.
4.    No More white ceilings- White ceilings are completely out this year.  Choose a percentage lighter than your wall color to blend to the ceiling or if you want a more dramatic feel you can paint your ceiling an entirely different color but beware this is a very bold statement.
5.    White Kitchens- When it comes to interior design white is always white.   Brighten up your kitchen with white tiles, accessories, cabinets, and countertops.  This is glamorous and makes everything appear neat and clean.
6.    Color Those Accents- Use the colors of 2011 such as honeysuckle and vintage brown in accents around your home.  Decorative glass bottles, boxes, candles, and picture frames are easy to use and spruce up your space.
7.    Luxury that’s green- Check your products and see if they are sustainable.  Try and invest in green products this year.  Make an effort to go green with small accessory and also fabrics. 









Monday, January 10, 2011

COLORS OF 2011



The colors of 2011

Honeysuckle is upbeat and dynamic when used on large areas like the entry area of a house or an apartment. It is an appetite and conversation stimulant when used on the dining room walls. In the kitchen, it adds a fun touch on the table in placemats and other linens (patterned or solid), colored glassware, candles and small appliances. Honeysuckle is a great color to cover up shabby kitchen cabinets, or, if that’s too much of a color statement for you, try repainting knobs and drawer pulls. But be warned – once you try this arresting shade, it can become addictive. ut using complementary bronze greens like Willow PANTONE 16-0632 and/or Tapenade PANTONE 18-0840 adds a new sophistication to the combination that showcases the energy of Honeysuckle.The green tones can be really interesting in accessories for Honeysuckle tights and top. Another great and unique combination is Honeysuckle with a pinkish brown like Apricot Brandy PANTONE 17-1540.  Pink doesn’t always have to be super girly.  Pink is easily paired with white, black, green and even orange.  Pantone is not the one that puts out their color for the year, Benjamin Moore also came out with their own color Vintage Wine which is an anchoring, rich hue that combines the comfort of a brown with the luxury of a smoky violet.  Light spring greens and yellows are the perfect compliment for this color.











Thursday, January 6, 2011

FEATURED ITEM OF THE MONTH

The Frank Lamp


The Frank lamp is a unique lamp produced by Julian Chichester.  It has a vellum and walnut base.  The Frank Lamp is simple, understated and beautiful.  The style is inspired by Mid-Century Modern and works with transitional, modern, and eclectic interiors.  If you have a neutral palette or colorful room this is the lamp for you.  This lamp blends with most interiors and ads height to any room.  Come check out the Frank Lamp at Chet Pourciau Design 3650 Magazine Street New Orleans, Louisiana 3650.