Simple and Fun Christmas Tablescapes

If you haven't planned it yet, here are some fun and simple holiday tablescapes!! Kim Armstrong Interior Design is all about keeping things low-stress and full of memories, and these examples are great ways of doing so! Also notice the chalkboard table runner on photo #3, great for any occasion!

Sources:
1. http://www.pinterest.com/TheSparkleQueen/christmas-centerpieces-tablescapes/
2. http://www.eatwell101.com/decoration-14-beautiful-table-inspirations-for-holiday-dinners
3. http://findinghomeonline.com/chalkboard-table-runner-night-christmas/

Custom Cookies- Favorite Fabrics as Frosting

It's that time of year again!!  The time for giving, appreciating the little things, and all that is jolly and merry…  Oh yeah, then there's the STRESS of figuring out what to give everyone!

We, here at Kim Armstrong ID, love and appreciate our clients so much, and always want to give them something heartfelt and meaningful.  This year, we dug and dug for a truly genuine gift, and I think we managed to exceed our own expectations!  With the help of Batter Up Cake Shop, located in Plano, TX, we created sugar shortbread cookies with custom frosting applied in the form of our client's favorite fabrics throughout their projects.

Take a look at some of these edible beauties!

Our Trip to Timothy Oulton- Dallas

KAID absolutely loves finding new and inventive local vendors, and today, we got quite an eyeful of creativity at the Timothy Oulton showroom in Dallas.  We had been contacted several times to come in for a visit and, finally, had some time to swing by.  Kim and my expectations for our visit were high, but, the staff nearly had to drag us off of the sheepskin sofa and kick us out.  To call it a "visit" is an understatement; we had a legitimate experience, complete with espresso, mind-blowing creativity, and, yes, delectable cake balls (which are delivered daily to their full-service coffee bar, complete with a professional barista).

While Timothy Oulton has an amazing website, I would seriously recommend stopping in and experiencing the brand.  At first glance, some of the items come off quite masculine and monochromatic, but they have tons of colorful and soft options to be explored.  Even more impressive is the fact that their items literally possess history.  Most of their products are made from reclaimed materials, and a lot of their accessories are true antiques.  So, take a peek at our photos, browse their website (http://www.timothyoulton.com), then go visit the showroom (make sure to sit and experience the comfort).

Latte art, and cake by The Hospitality Sweet.... this was only the beginning.

Vintage saddles and a plethora of unique blue and white plates.  These spaces really made an impression.

Who doesn't love rugby and bar seating?  Never did I think I would see the two combined, but Timothy Oulton found a way to do it.  The ball is even removable.  To the right is an amazingly comfy chair- stirrups and cowhide included.

Above you can see more of the imaginative items Timothy Oulton has to offer.  Some of our favorites being the reclaimed wood tables covered in acrylic, and none other than the sheepskin sofa.  Nap time?

Fab Finials- Dress Up Your Windows

So, you've spent all this time and money picking out window treatments and they're finally here!  Then you realize, you've gotta hang them somehow.  We've found that picking drapery hardware can be the hardest part about completing a drapery job.  There are thousands upon thousands of choices out there and if you measure wrong, you're back to square one!

While I can't measure and hang your curtains from behind the keyboard, I can give you some direction in picking the most important part of all drapery hardware- the finial!  Below, I've browsed KAID's library and the web to pick some of the most cutting edge finals out there.  

As always, if you'd like help customizing your windows, contact us at kim@interiorsbykim.com or (214) 500-0600

Trending- Faux Bois Is the New Floral

Who is sick of chevron patterns and florals!?  Well, I'm not quite sick of them, but I must say I'm excited for a new pattern to get some hype!  Faux bois, from the French for false wood, is just that, imitation of a wood grain on different sorts of media (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faux_bois).  

Recently featured in Elle Decor as a hip new print, I will bet big money that it'll be all over the shelves by Spring in extremely awesome hues.  So, luck you to get the heads up!  Go grab some faux bois before everyone has it!  Check out these products I've found below... faux bois oohhh la la!   
 

1.  Fake wood print acryclic accent table- Find it HERE

2.  Faux bois rug- Find it HERE

3.  Printed wood lamp shade- Find it HERE

4.  Velvet faux bois fabric in blue- Find it HERE

5.  Textural fake wood pillow in gray- Find it HERE

6.  "Knock On Wood" Print- Find it HERE

Brass to the Past

Here are KAID, we do a lot of custom pieces because we like things to be PERFECT!  Oddly enough, doing custom pieces is often cheaper and quicker than purchasing from a vendor... who knew?  Anyway, in the process of creating some MAGENTA Louis XIV commode pieces, we needed to find hardware and ormolus for the piece.  Searching all over the internet, we found some great antique ormolu pieces, but finding vintage-esque handles and escutcheons was proving to be nearly impossible.  We did some research and discovered you can age brass...  Soooo, with lots of trial and error, we discovered the most efficient was is as follows:

1.  Make sure your brass pieces are REAL!

2.  Most newer brass pieces have a coating on it.  We got lucky and had the kind of coating that comes off with acetone.  If you have the stubborn coating, you're on your own!

3.  After removing the coating, rinse off the hardware with water and dry.

4.  Once dry, you'll need to submerse the pieces into Brass Darkening Solution J-3499.  Buy it HERE!

5.  It has all the directions on the back of the bottle, so just follow them from there!
6.  If you leave it in too long, all you have to do is polish it up a bit.  We always use Brasso, you can buy it at Lowe's or Home Depot in the cleaning department.

7.  Let us know how this works for you :)

RESULTS 

By Kim Armstrong Interior Design

Bohemian Bedroom and Tone on Tone Theater Room

Here are some room concepts we are preparing to bring to life for a client here in Dallas, Texas.  Kim Armstrong Interior Design developed these spaces through a detailed interview process and a customized questionnaire.  While this images are just a taste of what the finished products will be, these digital designs really help people visualize how the elements will relate.  It's also a lot less time consuming than doing a hand or computer-generated rendering!

Here is a Bohemian bedroom design with focus on having a place for everything.  Organization and clutter free design are always a must no matter what style you're going for.  We created storage in unique ways like putting shoes in the china hutch, using an old vintage desk as a makeup vanity, and attaching lace to ornate frames for jewelry display.

This tone-on-tone media room was designed with a masculine feel, but no woman would turn down watching a movie in this space.  By keeping the color minimal (on pillows and a chair) the rest of the room generates warmth with its color palette of grays, browns, tans, and creams.  Because the space's purpose is to watch movies, the focus should not be the rooms aesthetic, but to bring family and friends together to enjoy movies, reading, and each other's company.

Interior Design Online

As we all know, it's 2012 and the internet is taking over pretty much every industry out there.  From ordering pizza, clothing, groceries, etc., a consumer can pretty much get whatever they want from the good ol' world wide web.  Interior design is not exception!  Tons of designers are evolving to the technologic changes, therefore, marketing towards online interior design.  One of those design firms happens to be yours truly!

While we primarily do the hands on approach with design, we have been implementing some designs digitally.  This process comes in packages depending upon the details of the project.  So, here is a step-by-step system of how we design online.

1.  We ask you a series of questions through e-mail
2.  We have you measure the room and your existing furniture, etc.
3.  From looking at the measurements you sent us, we create a floor plan
4.  We tell you where to take pictures from.... You will have to take TONS of pictures because we won't be able to see it in person
5.  After those initial steps, we get started on the preliminary design concept
6.  We will first send you several digital design board options through e-mail
7.  If your project is more than furnishing and require demolition or customizations, we can help you find tradespeople in you area.
8.  Once we've figured out the perfect design for you, we will help you in ordering product and getting everything completed properly.

While it is more hands on for you, the client, it will usually be less expensive and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.  Also, you don't have to live in the Dallas area, or even the Texas area, because we can assist you wherever you are!

Here are some examples of digital boards we've done!!  If you like any of these boards and/or would like more information on KAID's Online Design, e-mail us at kim@interiorsbykim.com.

Bohemian Living Room... If you like it, let us know!!

Funky Formal Dining Room

Masculine Office Space

Chevron and On and On....

While taking interior design CEU classes at Metrocon, a large conference for designers in Dallas, Texas, I noticed a ton of so-called fashionistas roaming the halls.  The ladies, and occasional dressed-to-the-nines man, who stood out were the ones dressed in black and white chevron patterns.  The most eye-catching of the chevron trenders were the ones who paired their black and white zig zag with an equally bold accent color.

Because I LOVE chevron patterns used in interiors, I thought, what better way to connect fashion and interior design than to blog about this pairing.  It's no secret that home design and fashion trends go hand in hand, just ask the chevron expert, Missoni, whose patented chevron clothing and home goods were and still are a craze.  

Just for effect, I've put together some images displaying the coalition of chevrons in home vs. chevrons on body.  Remember, this doesn't just apply to the chevron pattern; keep an open mind to translating interiors to fashion and vice versa.

Source

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Just Wallpaper It

Wallpaper, the keystone to creating a bold and vivid space, is making a dramatic comeback.  We, here at Kim Armstrong Interior Design, have a bit of a fetish for our statement-making friend.  Here are some simple tips and examples that can give life to any space. 

Below are two photos of a room we recently designed using bright pops of pink and gray.  As you can see in the “Before” photo, the room seemed nearly complete, but there was something not quite right.  Finally (in the “After” photo), we concluded that the back wall needed a pop of pink in order to tie in all the blocks of color from around the room.  The paper we chose was a subtle pink with a geometric pattern in a sheen.  It doesn’t steal attention, it creates a better opportunity for all our custom pieces (like the headboard, bedding, and daybed) to be noticed. 

BEFORE 

By Kim Armstrong Interior Design
http://interiorsbykim.com/

AFTER

By Kim Armstrong Interior Design
http://interiorsbykim.com/

In this next room, the wallpaper sets the tone of the entire space.  It is apparent that whoever designed this loft fell in love with the paper, and then designed around it.  The space, while it looks complexly designed, has a flawless and easy formula.  They picked the deep purple paper as the inspiration, chose a soft gray as their main color, and added pops of a brighter purple for interest. 

Source

Here’s another example of keeping things simple while creating a to-die-for look.  They chose a foil based paper with a contemporary print; it reads pretty neutral which leaves opportunity for color to be incorporated.  In keeping the bedding and décor modest, this allowed for bright pops of yellow from the lamps, which really grab your attention.

Source

Now that you’re an expert, I’m sure you can see the formula used here.  The theme here seems to be what I would call “colorful calm”.  With the focus being on the green bedding and big tufted headboard, the paper acts as the subtle accent, pulling the space together.  Serenity at its best.

Source

To sum it up, use a wallpaper which anchors the room’s eye-catching details.  Some words of wisdom for picking that perfect paper: if you know you want a big colorful print, pick it first so you can build around it.  If you know you want to stay in the neutral sector, develop a room concept first, then pick the paper.

Wonder Wall

Decorating your walls can kinda be like writer's block.  You know, that empty, frustrating feeling of nothingness?  

People want their spaces to feel special and personal, but not every item can have deep, warm-your-heart meaning.  If you are suffering from the “blank wall blues”, here are a couple of ways to add some oomph to your space.  Even if you don’t decorate with Grandma’s heirlooms or award winning art pieces, at least make it look like it :)

The arrangement of six frames on the back wall are none other than... pages from a book!  This was a coastal themed beach house in Galveston, Texas, so we found a book with sea animals and birds and had a local frame shop frame and matte them for us.
source of above photo

Framed and matted intaglios look super rich and classy.  You can get them made of plaster, which is inexpensive.  Do spend money on good framing, it is soooo worth the look you will get.

source of above photo

Close up of intaglios
source of above photo

Have tons of digital photos?  Alter the coloring to be black and white or sepia tone and print them out at your desired size.  Most frame shops or Kinko's can help you to do that.  Creating a symmetrical arrangement like the one featured above can create such a strong element to any space.
source of above photo

Who loves thrift store shopping?  Check out your local thrift/consignment/and even garage sales to find some old vintage frames.  Paint and distress them yourself, then hang them EMPTY.  Yes, let the frame be the art.
source of above photo

Doors We Adore

These doors really “light my fire", as Jim Morrison would say.  If you really want to spruce up your home’s curb appeal, think about painting your front door or getting a unique style/material of door.  Check out some of my colorful, funky finds. 

Just for further proof, I do practice what I preach.  My office door happens to be an electric pink (first photo below), and my home has a soft yellow front door to accent its gray main color.

If you’d like any of these doors custom made just for you, feel free to contact us at kim@interiorsbykim.com, or (214) 500-0600.

If you’d like to get down and dirty and DIY, here’s a quick step by step guide of how to paint your own door.

1.     Take your door off!!  Trust me, just do it… it will be much easier in the end.

2.     Remove all the hardware (knobs, hinges, peep holes, etc.)

3.     Tape off any exposed glass

4.     Prime the ENTIRE door.  Even under where the hardware was!

5.     Wait for the primer to dry, then fill any cracks with caulk.  Once caulk is dry, prime over it.

6.     Sand with a fine grit sandpaper.  This will really make the door look expertly done.

7.     Sweep off all dust and residue, and PAINT the door!  If you want to spruce up the interior of your home (and the color you’ve chose melds with your interior spaces), paint the inside, too.

8.     Use a roller on the flat parts, and a brush to get into the crevices.  You will probably need to do several coats.  Make sure you let each coat dry before doing a new one.

9.     Apply the door, and viola, facelift accomplished!

KAID's office door.  Does it look familiar?

http://interiorsbykim.com/

Pink and stucco 

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/curb-appealmodern-front-doors-roundup--170253

Yellow and etched glass design

http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/curb-appeal-tips/?sssdmh=dm17.517996&esrc=nwhi040711a&email=420614863

Mod and masculine, navy blue

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/curb-appealmodern-front-doors-roundup--170253

Traditional goes orange

http://decoratingdiy.blogspot.com/2011/09/shut-front-door.html

The weathered look.  We can show you how to get a finish like this

http://manolohome.com/2009/06/09/first-impressions/

It's like a bag of skittles
http://darlingdarleen.blogspot.com/2012/03/colorful-front-door.html    

For those a little frightened of color, try a beautiful mahogany or maple with a warm stain

http://www.heartwoodwindowsanddoors.com/PhotoCloseup.aspx?PhoID=1134&ProdID=581

Rustic, yet modern

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2784617/thumbs/Crossno

HGTV Coastal Images

Exciting news today!  KAID was featured on HGTV for our beach house designs.  They created a category on their site for "Coastal Inspired Bedrooms" and featured THREE of our photos!  Check them out, they are images 11, 16, and 17.

http://www.hgtv.com/bedrooms/coastal-inspired-bedrooms/pictures/index.html

Boyish Charm

KAID loves doing the "bachelor pad" look.  The key is to find awesome staple pieces and build around them. 

Here is an awesome, masculine living room we did in Houston, Texas. We kept the furniture a bit on the contemporary side, but used warm earth tones and heavy textures to make it comfy. Also, an antique map, such as this one, is a great way to add a masculine piece of art without spending a fortune.

Here we furnished a high rise condo in Dallas, Texas.  Our client wanted to keep things simple with pops of color and midcentury modern furniture.  For a touch of awesome, we had the vintage chrome tub chair recovered in custom fabrics.

Close up of our vintage creation.

Beach House Bliss- Part I

The Blue Room- Galveston, Texas


Now that it's summer time, let's take a look at a beach house we designed last July.  This is a perfect example that good design takes a really long time to go out of style, if ever.

The blue room, an unexpected attention grabber, is somewhat similar to seeing a celebrity moseying down a suburban street.  The alluring navy blue walls (Benjamin Moore- Stunning 826) paired with cream, its extreme opposite, create quite a dramatic spectacle. 

The concept of this room was derived from the navy and cream, floral duvet.  Surprisingly, the duvet, along with several other items like the art and rug, were purchased from online auctions and discounted home stores.  Because we really needed a high impact punch against the dark wall, we had the leather headboard custom made.  To really add a designer touch, we chose an affordable navy blue velvet and cream nautical rope to make the Euro pillows.  The Euros actually ended up being comparable in price to a retail store, but happened to be exactly what we wanted.  Tips in creating a space like this include utilizing high contrast, mixing “splurge” and “save” items, and adding a few customized touches.

The Sun and Surf Living Room- Galveston, Texas

“Cozy, casual, easy living,” our client’s exact requests for their beach house’s living room in Galveston, Texas.  They originally planned on renting out the residence, but after the initial reveal, they immediately decided to keep it for themselves. 

To get an easygoing vibe of this sort, it actually requires a well thought out formula and inspiration.  The inspiration was not an object, but more of an idea to subtly bring the sunny beach indoors.  Understated yellows and blues anchor the room, while custom-made linen drapes, pops of red, and different wood tones add interest.  Our favorite and most innovative element of the room happens to be the six framed prints of sea animals and birds.  The “prints” were actually pages from a book that we had framed and matted; they flow perfectly with the opposing beach view.

Although there are tons of elements within one space, we had to formulate a sense of balance between them all.  Instead of seeing each individual piece, you see one unified room that screams, “Come relax!”