Delightful Entryways

The entryway is not only the first place that your guests see, but it also becomes the drop-off area for keys, mail, and back packs. Without a good organizational system in place, it is easy for the entryway to start to look cluttered. If you want the entryway to stay clutter-free, here are a few tips:

1. Add baskets to keep things tidy. You can add baskets for each family member or use baskets based on item type. For example, keeping a basket for mail, a bin for keys, and hooks for backpacks helps to keep everything in order.

2. Use a boot tray: Often shoes or boots get dropped off at the front door and end up being in the way. A boot tray or mat can help corral the shoes, so that they can be found easily when needed.

3. Use design elements to pull everything together: The entryway doesn’t need to be dull. A  beautiful lamp, an interesting plant, or an incredible mirror can add personality to the entryway and make the entryway flow into the rest of your home.

Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy

Eye for Design: The Viceroy Santa Monica

While traveling, it is always nice when you find a hotel that appreciates style as much as you do. Enter the Viceroy. While there are many luxury hotels that are well designed, the Viceroy is one of those hotels that just full of eye candy which makes it a great place for finding decorating inspiration. And if flying to California to spend a night in this hotel is a little too adventurous for you, the good news is that this hotel’s decor can be easily accessed on the Web.

One great place to start is with Mitchell Owen’s article design ideas on the Viceroy hotel. (He is the editor at Large for ELLE DECOR, so he knows his stuff.)

Creating an Art Gallery: What’s Your Style?

You have a bunch of great masterpieces to hang (and yes, your child’s stick drawing does count), but you don’t really know what’s the best way to group everything together. Well, depending on the look you are going for, there are many ways to arrange your artwork that will look good and mesh with your style sensibility. Here is a little inspiration to get you started:

If your style is
1. Eclectic: You love to mix and match different piece. Whether it be a sillouette of an ancestor or your little one’s painting, you want to showcase your favorite things in one place. You might want to try this arrangement:

2. Classic: You love the contrast between prints matted in creme against black frames and often go for traditional furniture. You might want to try:

3. Modern: If clean lines and symmetry are your thing, you might want to try this:

Photo Credit: Domino Magazine (RIP)

Next Page »