As Seen in The Electric City News: Updates For The Season | A Christmas Mantel

We made it to December! I’ve been ready to bring out our holiday décor for a month; stockings, ornaments, trees and wreaths; all of the special and festive things that make your home feel a few levels happier. Our family waited until the first socially acceptable day (the day after Thanksgiving) to rush out and buy a tree and wreath and have spent the days after adding holiday touches around our house. There is something about a strand of twinkle lights that really does elevate a home – I don’t care what season!

One of the more fun and impactful areas to decorate is the heart of the home; the mantel. There is nothing more festive to me than gathering around a fire, Christmas movie of your choice on in the background, with a beautifully decorated mantel. There are so many directions you could take your mantel décor in: traditional, modern, simple or ornate but with any design there are a few items that should make an appearance.

1.      Candles. Candles are my go-to for adding ‘mood’ to any space. A flickering candle adds a touch of warmth that you can’t create in other ways.

2.      Garland. Using a strand of garland or other Christmas greens will add beautiful color and texture.

3.      Christmas lights. A strand of Christmas lights (in the color of your choice) will give the twinkle that every mantle needs.

4.      Stockings. Whether they are meaningful stockings handmade by your grandmother or a neat set that you come across when shopping they will give a sense of warmth and love for those who live there.

Add these touches to your mantle in a way that works with the holiday décor around your home. Use colors that compliment your other decorations and add in elements that you love or have collected over the years. No mantle? No problem! Incorporate these ideas into bookshelves, up a stair rail or along a table. In any case you will get the same result; an inviting and happy space to enjoy all month… or if you’re like me, straight on into January.

As Seen in The Electric City News: Before + After

Each design project offers its own unique set of parameters; things to consider and design around. In each scenario one of the more important influences is the shell; the exterior and interior architecture of the home. The bones of the home not only give you a peek into its history, but also a direction in which the design should go.

This job description was to update the bathroom and kitchen in a 1930’s home. The house had great bones. An old fireplace, great wood floors and lots of potential. The living room was adjacent to the kitchen and right off the front entry, so we widened the cased opening to create one open space. For the kitchen and the bathroom, I kept the design clean. Classic shaker cabinets painted white with black countertops and carrara subway tile. The goal was to speak to the history of the home while creating a fresh and updated look. A large island in the center of the kitchen incorporated cabinets on the front and back for additional storage, with a countertop overhang that also provided seating. This open approach would encourage connection between the living room and kitchen. The light fixture that I chose to hang above the island was a show stopper. A modern take on a traditional oil lamp, it was finished in matte black with gold leaf on the inside of the shades.

The kitchen was styled with natural wood tones, deep colored rugs and art and fresh greenery. The walls were painted white and the floors refinished in a dark stain; the perfect combination for accentuating architectural details while also creating a nice backdrop for it’s modern updates. This project was so much fun to work on. A home with great structure to work around and lots of opportunity for fresh details; a designer’s dream come true! 

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home | Mixing Metals

For a time in the interior design world, mixing metal finishes was considered a decorating faux pas. Over the past few years, however, the trend of mixing metals has been on the rise. In many of my articles I write about mixing it up; design periods, furniture styles, textile patterns, anything that will add layers of depth and character to a space. Combining a variety of mixed metals throughout your home is another way to develop a design that looks relaxed, visually interesting and as if the pieces have been collected over time. While this is an easy design to implement when starting from scratch, there are also simple and effective ways to incorporate this look into your existing space. Below I’ve listed a few ideas to help get you started.

1.      Begin with accessories. Picture frames, candle holders and trays are a great way to add a mix of finishes in a subtle way. Stack an antique brass mirror over a simple black frame, pull out a silver tray or incorporate some brass candlesticks.

2.      Update your lighting. Updating pendants, chandeliers or sconces in a contrasting metal will make a big impact in any room. Or, to get the same result with less expense, change out a few lamps. Incorporating something new like a chrome floor lamp or a modern black table lamp will make a big difference.

3.      Change out hardware. Replacing hardware on a piece of furniture or cabinetry is a quick and inexpensive way to add a contrasting metal. If your bathroom finishes are chrome, try replacing the cabinet handles with something brass. Or if the faucets and appliances in your kitchen are stainless, try complimenting them with oil rubbed bronze handles.

It’s important to begin by considering what is existing in your rooms and to coordinate with the colors and finishes that you already have. Choose a few finishes that you like that can be repeated throughout your home. Mixing metals should give an eclectic feel, but also be well composed. Repeating design themes in different rooms helps your house feel well balanced. In the end, have fun and be creative! An unexpected element will always elevate a room and mixing up your finishes is a great place to start. 

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home | Wallpaper

It’s back! I guess it’s been ‘back’ for a while but as of late I see it everywhere, have clients requesting it and am blown away by the great options and endless resources. What, you may ask, am I referring to? … Wallpaper!

For many, wallpaper may seem like a risky design choice. The options can be daunting, it can be a bit of an investment and not as easy to change your mind on as a paint color. However, when done right, wallpaper can be the thing that not only makes a room but also makes it easier to design. For me, wallpaper is like a rug. It instantly gives you colors, patterns and textures to work around. It can in a subtle or bold way, direct the theme of the room.

Wallpaper can be used in so many ways. It can be a beautiful mural in a dining room, a large-scale animal motif in a kid’s room, a lovely floral in a bathroom or a textured grasscloth in an office. Wallpaper can have a bright and bold pattern for high impact, or a subtle pattern that in an understated way pulls the entire room together. When wallpaper is thoughtfully chosen with the client’s taste in mind it can be a special part of the home that adds warmth and character.

To show the wide range of wallpaper options available I have selected 15 of my favorites in a neutral color way. These patterns come in many colors and as you can see, there is something for everyone! If you feel inspired, give it a try! Wallpaper is a great way to make a big change.

Interested in any of the patterns you see below? Or the perfect wallpaper for a special space? Contact me for details!

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home | Choosing Paint Colors

Choosing the paint colors for your home can be one of the most important decisions in the design process. I also find that for many clients it’s the most overwhelming. You can go in so many different directions and once you’ve nailed down your color there are still thousands of options. And like most things, it’s the very subtle differences that make the biggest impact.

When first selecting a color it’s important to consider the pieces that you’ll be working around: upholstery, rugs and textiles, for example. You’ll want a backdrop that compliments the pieces that you have collected and plan to use. The color should also be one that you love. If you aren’t sure, consider your general style. What colors do you find yourself most often wearing? Green? Blue? Neutrals only? This is often a good indicator of what you’re drawn to. Once you’ve chosen a color family, (if you’re brave!) you can pull out a paint deck and start looking. If you’d like a little more guidance, consult a favorite resource: Pinterest! Search for ‘best neutral blue paint colors’ or ‘best warm grey paint colors’. Often you’ll find that designers have posted their favorite colors; the ones that have taken them years (and a lot of trial and error) to discover. After selecting a few colors that you like, search for those specific colors on Pinterst. Many times you can see them used in rooms. A color rarely looks the same as it does on a color chip, so seeing photos of it being used is very helpful. Once you’ve narrowed your search down to several colors, you’ve reached the most important part: SAMPLE. Get samples of each color to either paint on boards or directly on the walls you are going to paint. Paint colors look different in every room, in every lighting scenario; natural versus artificial, north versus south facing, morning versus night, a sunny day versus a rainy one. It is so important to see the colors in the space over the span of a couple of days to see how they change. For instance, a blue that you love in one room could look purple in another. This is the most crucial step in the process and could save you a potential mistake and a few buckets of paint.

Although it can be intimidating, painting the rooms in your house can also be exciting. With these tips I hope that you can carefully select a color that you feel confident in. Enjoy the process! Painting is the fastest and easiest way to transform a space.  

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home | Updates for the Season: FALL

While the temps outside may indicate otherwise, it’s official: Fall is here! For many this means pumpkin spice lattes, scarves and boots but for me this means a shift in the feel of home.  The sweet transition from long hot days to darker evenings, candles burning, fires crackling (one of these days) and warm cups of coffee. Each season feels like a new beginning, a fresh start, and another opportunity to make subtle changes in your home that reflect a different time in life. So, I’ve rounded up some easy and cost-effective ways to update your home for the season.

-        Get cozy! A new throw in a great plaid or faux fur will instantly add warmth to your living room. Top it off with a couple of pillows in a chunky fabric or velvet and the space is transformed.

-        Bring the outside in. Arranging some whimsical branches from your yard in a tall vase, surrounded with acorns and pine cones is a great way to bring the beauty of the season inside.

-        Candles, candles, candles. Stock up on a couple of seasonally scented, and a whole lot of taper and pillar candles. Visit your local thrift shop for some great vintage candle holders and use them! Nothing gives a home more of a warm and welcoming feeling than the glow of a flickering flame.

-        Set up your stoop. Hang a fall wreath on your door, plant a few new flowers in warm tones and layer pumpkins of different sizes and colors on your front steps. A beautiful entrance sets the stage for a beautiful interior.

To finish it off I’ve collected some of my favorite affordable Fall items this season, all available at Target. Below are numbered images with direct links. Now; light a candle, grab that pumpkin spice latte, turn down the air conditioning (only half joking), and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere that will lead us into another beautiful season.

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home | The Art of Hanging Art

Art is an important part of every home. Whether it be a sentimental relic, a statement piece or a thrifted find it is a component that tells a story, draws conversation and pulls a room together. Hanging art incorrectly is also one of the easiest mistakes you can make. But the good news is, this is an easy fix! Here are a few tips for getting your art hung correctly.

1)     Get the height right. The most common mistake made in hanging art is that it is hung too high. On an open wall a good rule of thumb is that the art should be hung at ‘eye level’. Since ‘eye level’ is different for everyone, a reliable standard is to hang 60” from the center of the artwork to the floor. If the art is hung over a piece of furniture, placing it 4”-8” above should be just right.

2)     Treat a grouping as one piece. One of my favorite ways to hang art is in a vertical grouping of two. A piece of art with a small round mirror above or two matching pieces stacked. Whatever the combination, 2, 3 or 4 pieces of art, treat them as one unit. The center of the grouping should be 60” above the floor. The spacing between each piece should be no more than a few inches apart.

3)     Designing a gallery wall. A gallery wall is a look that never gets old for me. If you have a collection of art and mirrors a great way to display them is to cover your wall. With a gallery the rule is the same, the center should be 60” above the floor and the pieces should be no more than a few inches apart. Smaller pieces can be grouped more tightly, and larger pieces can have a little more space in between. Evenly distribute color and size of the art and frames for balance, allowing your eye to travel through the entire grouping. To avoid excess holes in your wall, you can lay the pieces out on the floor to try different arrangements or cut out the frame sizes on paper to place on your wall with painters’ tape, helping you experiment with layouts.  

In every scenario, the best way to know if art is hung appropriately is to see it. Recruit a partner to hold it in place so that you can see what it will look like. These tips are good guidelines, but every space is different. Ceiling heights vary as do the sizes of your furniture and art. If it doesn’t feel right when you see it, try something else. Experiment with scales and combinations to find the perfect solution for your space.

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home | Before & After

One of my favorite design jobs of 2017 was a house that I worked on for a building company in Greenville. They were renovating a home to sell and hired me to work on the kitchen. This was an exceptionally fun project because unlike most jobs, I had free reign to design the kitchen layout, select the lighting, and choose all of the colors, finishes and hardware. The kitchen space was an unusual one; very long and narrow. The builders original plan was to have a small kitchen with a peninsula for a couple of bar stools along with a small breakfast table and chairs. I gave them several space plan options but my favorite, and theirs in the end, was to combine the kitchen and breakfast room into one cooking, entertaining and eat-in space. The concept felt so natural to me as this is how many of us live now; gathered in the kitchen, around the food that is being prepared, everyone enjoying the process and communion of meal time. The kitchen turned out nicely with ample cabinet space and an island that extended into the breakfast area. The island featured a long table-like counter that gave room for plenty to sit or stand and gather. On the far end we incorporated a wet bar to finish out the vision of a true entertaining kitchen. We expanded the opening into the Living Room and touched up a charming exposed brick wall with a little white paint.

The palette in this kitchen was clean and neutral with a mixture of finishes in lighting and hardware, giving it an eclectic feel. It was styled with warm rugs, cutting boards and flowers to bring character and depth to the space. This project was a great example of how thinking outside of the box when designing a room’s layout can transform not only how a space looks, but also how it is used. In this case we made sure that a small kitchen and breakfast room became what it was  meant to be, the true heart of the home.

 

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home | Pattern Play

One thing that I have loved for as long as I can remember in decorating is layering pattern. Trends come and go but the stylish concept of pattern play is one that I think is here to stay.  I have always been attracted to this look and to the warmth and charm that it brings to a room. It wasn’t until living on my own with the freedom to move things around on a whim (and through a lot of trial and error) that I developed some good strategies for creating a well-balanced, complimentary collection of patterns. This is an approach that you can try out at any time and change often, shifting around pieces that you probably already have at home.   

When starting, choose an inspiration piece. It can be your rug, the fabric on your chair, wallpaper or your favorite pillow. Something to direct the theme. From this vision, develop a color scheme. The colors can be ones that are found in your inspiration piece or of the same tone: muted shades, bright colors, or earth tones. Once you have a collection of patterns that work together in color, select your favorites in varying scales. Maybe the pattern in your rug is large, the curtains have a scale half that size, your sofa is a solid with texture, the chairs are leather with a smooth texture, your throw is striped, and your pillows are in coordinating small scales. Any variation of this will work, as long as you have patterns in different, non-competing textures and scales. Incorporate some solid blocks of color throughout. Using solid colored pieces will give your eyes a rest from the weight of the other elements you have integrated. Last, spread your collection of patterns evenly around the room. You want your eye to travel throughout the space as a whole. By distributing these elements the focus will not be on one corner, but on the room in its entirety.

By moving textiles around in your home, or adding a new throw and some pillows, you can give your rooms the layered look that so many of us are after. Experiment, try multiple options and have fun with it! My final tip is this: Don’t be afraid to try something unusual. It’s often the unexpected combinations that are the most interesting and organic.

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home | A Child's Masterpiece

An interior element that instantly adds character and personality to a home is art, yet it is also one of the most difficult things to come by. Finding pieces that are your style, the right colors, in your budget, and the right size for your space can be a challenge.  Which is why commissioning pieces from my talented toddler is one of my favorite ways to obtain new art.

Children create such beautiful freeform paintings and drawings. They combine colors you might not think of, apply strokes that are interesting and unusual, and with a pretty frame these pieces can be charming anywhere in your home. Occasionally, however, I find myself looking for something for a specific space. In this case I like to guide the process (just a little). The following tips will help your little artist in creating a unique piece that is perfect for the space you have in mind.

First, give your child good materials to work with. When creating a special piece for framing, use higher quality drawing or watercolor paper and actual paint brushes. If you’re looking for something bold and dramatic, offer a larger paint brush. For a more delicate and understated piece, offer a smaller brush. Second, choose your colors. Offer your child a palette that works for the space that you have in mind. You could choose vivid colors for a statement piece, different shades of one color for a monochromatic piece, a modern combination of black and white, or a collection of colors from your favorite belongings in the room. Let them have free reign but pull the piece, offering a new sheet of paper if they are still feeling inspired, before the colors become too muddy. Third, cut the paper to a standard framing size of your choice, using the most interesting part of the painting. Fourth, take your new work of art to the local craft store for a nice matte and attractive frame that works with your space.

Original art created by little ones that you love; your children, nieces or nephews and grandchildren will add a personal touch to your home that is special and beautiful. In using these tips, you can help them create a true masterpiece to be cherished.

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home | Styling Your Coffee Table

When designing your home, it’s easy to focus on the big pieces. The furniture, rugs, lighting and items that grab your attention immediately. But like most things, the beauty is in the details… right down to the styling of your coffee table. The coffee table is often the center of your living room, a focal point in the space where we all gather. And while it is convenient for housing our various odds and ends like remotes, our kid’s toys, mail or the dog leash there are a few simple tricks for clearing the clutter, adding some interest and creating one more place in your home that is practical and polished.

There are limitless ways to decorate a coffee table, and your design will depend on the size of your table, the items that you would like to include and your personal taste. There is, however, a method to the madness so I have gathered some tried and true tips that should help you create a well-balanced design. The first thing that I like to use on a coffee table or ottoman is a decorative tray or bowl. Something to contain the miscellaneous items that might otherwise look haphazard. On or beside the tray, include a several objects; something for height, something sculptural and something practical. The height component could be a vase with fresh flowers, a small potted plant or a couple of candlesticks. The sculptural piece should be lower than the ‘height’ element, creating different planes of interest. It could be a candle, a piece of pottery, or a small bowl. The practical component should be something useful, that will ultimately end up on the table anyway. For example, if you have a small box to house the remote that will always find its way to your coffee table, or a stack of pretty coasters, use them! The last piece is a stack of ‘coffee table books’, or any interesting books with an attractive cover.  Not only are books a pretty addition, but they are also nice to have for guests to flip through when entertaining.

Shift these items around, experimenting with their layout until it feels right to you. In the end, by grouping together a variety of pieces with different textures, heights and shapes you will have created a beautiful vignette that is both stylish and functional.

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home | Mix It Up

In my experience, designing a space for someone is different every time. Every client has different priorities, different aesthetics, and a different way of approaching their style. One thing that I stand by in every scenario, however, is to MIX. IT. UP.  

Nothing gives a home more of that effortless, cool, lived in vibe than a collection of pieces that are vintage, modern and classic. And this look is attainable for everyone.

Here’s a breakdown of my approach. In each room, begin with one thing that you love. It can be a sofa, rug, dresser, chair, a piece of china… anything; but be sure that you love it. This piece will guide the decisions you make on color, style and layering in other furnishings. Once your vision is established, start by implementing a cohesive theme throughout your home. When mixing time periods and trends there is a fine line between being interesting and chaotic. A consistent theme in things like paint colors, flooring and finishes is key in pulling the look together. After the foundation of your concept is in place, move to furniture. Focus on the big pieces: sofa, bed or, dining table, for example. Choose these items based on the concept you have created, but making them basic enough to serve as a backdrop to the unique pieces you will add in. Once you have your essentials in place, it’s time to canvass for some vintage elements. Visit local antique stores, flea markets and thrift shops for pieces that will add character and warmth to your space. When I am shopping for something vintage I always have my eyes peeled for dressers, tables and chairs; solid wood pieces that often aren’t made as well or as beautifully as they used to be. Last, but certainly not least, layer in the finishing touches. The eclectic feel that we are after comes from layers of pattern, texture and contrast that you find in textiles, art, rugs and plants. Always be on the lookout for these things, continuously adding them to your home and story through the years.

Even if you’re not starting from scratch, use these tips to rework what you already have. Add in a few new things from your local thrift shop; put a great blanket on the back of your sofa and get a chic plant for your living room. My only rule in this approach is: if you don’t love it, don’t buy it. You will find yourself working around something that isn’t a part of the vision you created. Be patient; this look evolves over time. And it is always worth the wait.

As Seen in The Electric City News: Creating Home

Hi! My name is Amie Speer and I am an Interior Designer living in Greenville, SC. I am excited to be introducing myself in this column of The Electric City News for many reasons, but the biggest is that I grew up in Anderson; it’s my hometown. As a designer, the feeling of home is very important to me. It can come from an object that reminds you of something special, a smell that brings you comfort or the sound of the music you grew up listening to.  Anderson, and the house that I grew up in, will always give me all of the ‘home’ feelings.

It is my ambition as an Interior Designer to create, or help others create this feeling of home. A person's home is sacred ground. It holds our most precious memories, our most personal moments and the key to a good deal of our comfort and happiness. I believe that the blending of styles, old with new, and designing around your most cherished items are what give a space character, warmth, and a connection to the people that live there.

And from this comes my first piece of advice! Something simple that can be done today. Choose an item that brings you joy, holds a memory, or just makes you feel good. Place it somewhere in your home where it will be seen and appreciated on daily basis, and design that area around it. Whether it be on a coffee table, on a bookshelf, or on your mantle; make it the focal point.

Here’s an example. When I was in design school in Charleston, living in an apartment by myself for the first time, my Grandma gave me a blue and white vase that was her mothers. She knew my love for all things blue and white and wanted me to have it. The vase has moved with me to many different houses, giving each one a special sense of home. It currently sits on the dresser in our entry filled with fresh flowers, along with other things that I love. Every time I look at the vase I think of Grandma, that apartment, the moment that she gave it to me, and it makes me happy. Interior Design is different for everyone, and in the end, what is most important is that your home speaks to you. That it is authentically yours. So, give it a try! Pull out an item that you love that may be collecting dust. See if by doing so that your home starts to feel a little more like your own.