Written by: Lindsay Webster Our Recipe for SuccessThis is not my yummy banana pudding recipe, but nonetheless, if you're looking for a delicious design tip, you're in the right spot! Some would argue that all your furniture fabrics should match. A few might even say your furniture should all be from one collection. But we're not convinced that this is the best method for an elevated design. We are here to say you can ABSOLUTELY MIX AND MATCH your furniture! We actually encourage it here at SBD, so we decided that it's time to share our recipe for success when building a room design that feels cohesive with mix and matched fabrics. First, you need to FIND YOUR COLOR SCHEME INSPIRATION PIECE. This will determine what colors you will pull to create your palette, thus reducing future choices, which in turn helps reduce overwhelm. Here are some ideas for your color scheme inspiration piece:
At this point you've got the room, your inspiration piece, and your color palette. Now you can START TO LAYER fabrics. Let's say you're working with a living room, for example, so you may need two sofas and a couple of accent chairs. We suggest the BIGGER furniture pieces be your solid fabrics since you likely won't want to replace those often. HAVE NO FEAR, we use "solid" as a loose term. It can be a leather, a textured solid, a boldly toned solid or even a small pattern. The goal is that from far away the bigger pieces look more solid. The choice is yours—use a color from your inspiration piece or keep it neutral. JUST HAVE FUN AND MAKE IT YOU! Next, small furniture pieces like accent chairs or ottomans can be a great option for the patterned element. A patterned fabric can TIE EVERYTHING TOGETHER and act like bridge between your "solid" fabrics and the inspiration piece. Remember to pull colors from your inspiration piece. This will help you stay cohesive. Finally, once you have your furniture pieces figured out, you can add all of the perfect touches with pillows, throw blankets, drapery and decor. Sprinkle in the bolder tones in these pieces because they are easy to switch out in the future. Also consider mixing pattern sizes. If you chose a large scale fabric for the chairs, consider a smaller scale pattern for the pillows or drapes. JUST KEEP LAYERING. Additional things to consider when selecting furniture fabric:
When it comes to mixing and matching fabrics, this is our recommended way to get started if you've been feeling stuck. Do what works for you and trust your instincts! We hope this tip gets you thinking outside of the box. If you want to see an example of how to do this in real time, visit our Instagram to see how Sonia puts a living room together using a rug for inspiration. Visit our Instagram @soniabarneydesign
to follow and get more tips like this one. Written by: Lindsay Webster There's something so wonderfully satisfying about a drastic transformation.Using our creativity and skills to help our clients with design challenges, seriously makes us so happy! And we love sharing good before and after photos. They are the perfect way to showcase how small and big design elements can make a huge difference. This older home received three bathroom remodels, along with new paint, flooring, and a few other great design elements. We don't want to spoil it for you though, so keep reading to see all the great changes for yourself. Tranquil, cozy, elegant, inviting and warm are just some of the words our client used when describing how she wanted to feel when walking into her updated home—so that's exactly what we gave her. This entry (above) had all the right features and all the wrong colors. We simply lightened everything with new stain, paint and a beautiful light fixture—and voila—she's better than new! This stubborn old banister did not want to strip its darker stain, but we were able to do a faux finish with new spindles, giving it a fresh new look. What once was a dark and unwelcoming entry is now inviting, light and airy. Next, we head into the dining room. Not a ton of work was needed here, but isn’t it amazing to see how new flooring, paint, an updated light fixture and drapery created a charming new ambiance? Window treatments can make your room feel more elegant and, in most cases, help elongate the walls by moving your eye upward. This warm and cozy dining room is exactly what our client needed. This powder bathroom was not so elegant when we arrived on the scene, but by the end of it, we called it "The Little Jewel Box.” We can't turn down a fun wallpaper, and while the plaid wasn't horrible, we had other plans. In addition to the floral wallpaper, we added beadboard wainscoting to give it a touch more character. Speaking of character—check out the details of the vanity, countertop and lighting, as these are thoughtful design decisions that we care about at Sonia Barney Design. "The Little Jewel Box" wasn't the only bathroom to get a full-blown remodel. Each one was able to get its own unique look, while keeping a cohesive look throughout. This final bathroom turned out as elegant as its counterparts! The beautiful floor tile really elevates this bathroom and the one above. See how we were able to make minimal but impactful changes throughout the rest of the home to give it the refresh it deserved (below). Renovations can be both overwhelming and daunting. If you’ve been inspired by these before and after photos and want to get started on your own renovation project but don’t know where to start—we’re here to help! There are always solutions to your design dilemmas, and we would love to help you find the right solutions for your home or business. We have the experience, expertise and creativity to help you get it done.
Products that we love and trust from Pottery Barn—straight from the source. Written by Lindsay Webster Photos of my little ones in their favorite cuddle spot. From left to right, Cowboy 4 months, daughter 4 yrs, Barley 13 yrs. I know what you're thinking: "How do you have an oatmeal colored sofa that is still oatmeal and not covered in mud and sticky hands?" Find out how below. If you’re looking for a great retail brand that offers an array of products to style your home, you’ve come to the right place! We love sharing our professional opinion on great products we can stand behind (because as we know you can't trust everything you see online). Who better than myself to share my PB knowledge, as I am a former Pottery Barn Designer and Manager. Here are some of my favorite Pottery Barn furniture and accessory pieces to spruce up your family's favorite spaces. #1. Carmel Wide Arm Chaise Sectional (Click the photos to go directly to the product!) Carmel Wide Arm Chaise Sectional This clean-lined collection is totally customizable which makes it perfect in every way, giving you the option to choose from upholstered, slipcovered or even leather. It’s available in 3 different arm styles which include slim arm, wide arm, and recessed arm. This collection offers several configurations to choose from, but you can also choose the Build Your Own option to customize it for your space. We recommend visiting your local Pottery Barn to test out the comfort and feel, and this is also a great time to see all the fabric and leather options in person. If you do not have a store nearby, have no fear, Pottery Barn will send free fabric swatches directly to your home. In addition to the free swatches, a great way to get more information is by calling your nearest store and speaking with a designer about the products you’re interested in. You can also check their website for all the specifications. Got pets? They’ve got you covered— literally. In addition to pet friendly fabric, Pottery Barn offers a Pet Furniture Throw in 3 different sizes and in whatever fabric you have chosen for your sofa. If there are any accidents down the road, don’t worry. As long as the fabric is still in stock, you can replace covers and cushion inserts as needed. By checking your order history, a Pottery Barn sales associate can check availability and help you place your order. I have this sofa in my home and couldn't be happier with it! It has been indestructible even with my 4-year-old and two dogs climbing all over it. On a muddy day I can take off all the covers and machine wash them on cold. I personally like to hang my light fabrics outside on a sunny day to use the sun as a natural stain remover. It works wonders! #2. Ayden Barrel Leather Swivel Chair Ayden Barrel Leather Swivel Chair Who doesn’t love a good leather chair? Well, we're obsessed with the Ayden Barrel Swivel. This minimal but comfortable chair is a perfect statement piece that offers beauty and function. We look for opportunities to ground spaces with warm leather pieces, and with a 360-degree turn, this chair is suitable for almost any location. We envision this chair in many places, from the living room to the bedroom, or maybe even a nice quiet reading nook. No matter where you put the Ayden Barrel, you won’t regret it. This chair is made to order, which means you can customize it to your liking. You choose from a variety of leathers and colors, and you have the option of either the 32” or 40” Grand version–creating the perfect combination that fits your needs and style. Because leather is a natural product, both texture and color will vary slightly from hide to hide. Top-grain, aniline-dyed leather will lighten and soften with age and wear making this product timeless. Pottery Barn offers leather products designed to revive and extend the lifetime of your furniture. Check out their Mohawk Leather products on their website for more information. Like the sofa above, this item is White Glove Delivery which is a wonderful service that makes this purchase pain free when installing. Pottery Barn will schedule delivery once the item has been receieved and will assemble everything for you. They do not take any existing furniture so you will want to have a plan for any old furniture before they arrive. #3. Faye Linen Textured Pillow Covers Faye Linen Textured Pillow Covers Let’s talk pillow covers. The Faye Linen Textured Pillow Cover is one of my favorites. Made up of 100% linen on the front and a 52% linen and 48% cotton blend on the back, this pillow cover adds texture, color and warmth to any room. This item is available in 15 color choices and also comes in a striped version available as the Faye Textured Stripe Pillow Cover that has a few color options as well. Faye covers are a great option if you want to mix different pillow patterns, sizes, and shapes to elevate your space. Get inspired and add a pop of color to your bed, sofa, or chairs. #4. Colossal Ribbed Handknit Throw Blanket Colossal Ribbed Handknit Throw Blanket It may be spring but there is always a need for the perfect throw blanket. I love the soft and cozy, Colossal Ribbed Handknit Throw Blanket for many reasons. This is a great way to add layers and texture to your space that also offers function. I like to call this “living décor” because it is beautiful but will keep you warm on cooler days. Made from 100% acrylic, yarn-dyed fiber has an incredibly rich color that holds its vibrancy over time and the bonus—it has been tested for 1000+ harmful substances. This thoughtfully handcrafted piece can be a staple accessory in any room. #5. Artisan Handcrafted Terracotta Vases Artisan Handcrafted Terracotta Vase We love pottery at SBD, and I think we can all agree handcrafted accessories are a no brainer if you're looking to add a unique touch. These Artisan Handcrafted Terracotta Vases from Pottery Barn will help you create a wow factor with an organic feel. Style yours with fresh flowers, faux flowers or just let the vase speak for itself. Either way you will have an elegant and timeless piece of art. We hope you found your favorite Pottery Barn product while reading through. If you aren't able to visit a retail store, shopping online may seem like climbing a mountain, but doing a little bit of research and then calling a store can make it easier to make a decision. A personal favorite hack of mine is looking at customer photos online to get an idea of the actual color, size and texture of the products you're interested in. When all else fails, hire your favorite designer to do all the heavy lifting. Comment on your favorite item below, even if it's something else you've purchased from Pottery Barn, and love. If you or anyone you know is struggling with finding time or energy to design your favorite spaces, Sonia Barney Design is only a button away! Personal photo credit- Lindsay Webster |
Peg storage inside of drawers is a fantastic way to organize your dishes. The best part about it is the flexibility to rearrange the layout as your needs change over time. It can be utilized for a variety of items such as dinnerware, drinking glasses or heavy dishes. And our favorite reason to add these is that your kids can safely put dishes away. Can I get, booya?! |
A pull-out trash is a must-have kitchen cabinet. Not only is your trash hidden away while not in use, but it also makes brushing crumbs directly into it from the counter a breeze. The one in the photo to the right shows a drawer above it that is perfect for storing additional trash bags. We suggest placing this setup near your sink or prep area. |
Drawers are always our favorite for storage. Any time you can pull your supplies to you means easier access and best use of space. But a drawer alone doesn't mean all is well (thus we see the dreaded junk drawer in every kitchen). The best way to fight a cluttered drawer is with a drawer divider. Either have your cabinet supplier include custom dividers or opt for these expandable utensil organizers. |
The only thing worse than wasted space is available space that isn’t easy to access. Corner base cabinets have always been a kitchen designers’ nemesis, and for many years lazy susans seemed to be the only solution. But thanks to wonderful product designers there is now a superior option on the market— the blind corner optimizer. This device helps you access all the storage space deep in the back corner of a cabinet with a choo-choo train of sliding pull-out shelves. We think these are must-haves in any kitchen design. |
Sorry folks, this storage tool isn't one you can just buy online. But it is one of our favorites, so we are adding it here with some extra tips so you can include it in your future custom kitchen design. We all love appliance garages (right photo). The lift-up countertop cabinet is one of the best ways to hide small appliances like toasters or blenders. This cabinet has no bottom and has a cabinet door that lifts up and out of the way, creating easy access for sliding the appliance toward you on the counter. |
Think pine trees glistening with snow, while snuggling next to cozy fires under a deep navy night sky. These colors translate perfectly into my favorite holiday memories and look great together for any fall or winter dinner party. That is right, you are seeing these again. We love when color schemes translate to more than one event. That (hint hint) is how you keep styling on a budget. Scroll down for more insight. |
Have you seen those pottery shows? Oh, I could watch them all day. It amazes me how these potters use their artistry and skill to throw a bowl and apply glaze to make some of the coolest reactions and unique patterns. In another life I would be at that potters wheel right now. The beauty found in glazed stoneware is making waves in the interior world. From crackling, to dripping, to cool reactive glazes, these functional pieces of art are being appreciated by more and more people. Not only do they make dynamic dinnerware, you can find beautiful vases for your flowers or multi-piece wall art installations showcasing these techniques. |
Tip 1: Repeat and Repurpose | If you checked out our Thanksgiving table design you may have noticed what pieces we repurposed for Christmas. 1. Silverware - I have a set that I inherited from my grandma that we use for holidays. No need to buy new when heirloom pieces are great to use. 2. Cranberry Drinking Glasses - yup those are the same ones we used for Thanksgiving. In fact, they are so fun to use they may be our new daily use glasses. I just love the color, texture, and price. (Scroll to the bottom for links to buy them yourself). 3. Centerpiece Greenery - this piece of simple 5' greenery I bought years ago at Target and it has been repurposed so many times. For this table, I added some different accents like white faux berries, frosted cranberries, and dried fruit. |
First: add lots of different types of texture. Look for both visual and actual texture. See the great glazing technique on the plate. That is visual texture. The nubby surface design on the cranberry drinking cup represents actual texture. Soft fabrics and shiny metals are more great textures. Second: Layer, Layer, & Layer. This is one of my favorite design techniques. Gradate size with chargers and plates so that you can appreciate all the different textures. Add 2 drinking glasses, not just for guest preference, but also to show off multiple textures and colors. |
Are you looking for a fun, inexpensive activity to do with your kids? Consider making your own dried fruit. These dried orange slices are an easy DIY activity that allows your kids to help with the table decor while adding a natural element to the table. There are a myriad of recipes online but here is one blogger with great advice. Barley and Sage *As an additional note, if you are planning to string the orange slices consider cutting a hole in one of the segments before drying them. That way it is easy to slide wire or ribbon through them. |
Oh how we love color! Deep, bold tones are becoming more common not just in accessories but in all-over painted rooms. This color palette creates moody environments that encourage cozy snuggles and thoughtful contemplation. They are easy to add to warm and cool neutral homes. We highly suggest adding all the colors together to make a more exciting tablescape, but if that seems too bold, at least choose two, to really get the vibe of this colorful trend. |
One of the best ways to play with color is in colored glass. There are so many ways to add tonal sparkle to your table: stemware, candle holders, light fixtures, beading, stained glass, and translucent accessories. If you are a little nervous to put so much glass around your children or klutzy friends, consider the easy alternative—colorful translucent plastics. The possibilities are endless! |
Before you go out and buy all new plates and glasses, take inventory of your current supplies. - What dishes, linens, and decor already works with this color scheme? Having a set of neutral dishes makes it easy to use them for multiple color schemes. - Not enough place settings? Can you mix and match to make a full set? We love layering plates and using mixed sets. - Do you have any holiday decor that could be reassigned to the table? Grab a couple pumpkins off the mantle to fill in gaps in the middle. - Do you already have greenery that just needs a few added fall touches? One basic greenery strand can be repurposed for almost any holiday or season. |
As much as we love the the new luxury products out there, you can never go wrong when you bargain hunt. Check out your local thrift stores and estate sales for unique vintage finds—especially glassware and candleholders. Another of our favorite haunts is the Target dollar section. Can we get an amen?! That's where we found the little glass pumpkins to put on the plate, for just a couple bucks. They always have fun, seasonal items that don't break the bank. |
The more layers the better it looks. Stacking different textures or patterns helps create depth and interest. Not everything has to match, in fact, matching sets can be boring. As long as you stay within the general color scheme, it will look amazing. The main rule is— have fun with it! We don't set our tables like this very often, so throw Emily Post's book out the door. If it puts a smile on your face then you are doing it right. |
Have you ever asked yourself that question? I can see it now. You are standing in the middle of your small, dark kitchen, looking over the peeled or damaged cabinets, the counters cluttered with all the stuff you wish you could put away but have no room for, and think to yourself, “there has to be a better way to design this space.” Whether you are looking to upgrade your current space or start from scratch with a new home, the question still comes down to… Do I need to hire an interior designer? |
The next time you are ready to take the plunge into the home remodel or new construction world, consider the value of a good designer and the many services they offer. Do your research and find the one that will best suit your personality and needs. If you are interested in working with Sonia Barney Design, feel free to schedule a free Introductory Phone Call today. We would love to get to know you and see if we are the ones to help you make a home built just for you. |
It's a couple weeks into the new year and I’m already seeing a rejuvenation in design. No longer are we keeping things calm, and quite frankly, boring, in response to the dreaded 2020. Life is being infused back into our homes with full abandon. Take for example Pantone's Color of the Year, Viva Magenta. Below is a list of trends I see on the way out, and the ones I see replacing them. But always remember, if you love it, it doesn’t matter what other people think (including me)! However, if your home feels dated and you’re looking to make some changes, these ideas will steer you in the right direction. |
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Spark your creativity and implement ideas with our SBD Studio Blog - The Spark. This is where we share with you our take on upcoming trends, favorite things, and even give you seasonal shoppable looks.* We can't wait to see how you incorporate these amazing ideas into your home. And please share your pics with us on Instagram @soniabarneydesign.
*Note that we do provide affiliate and sponsored links from which we can make extra money. Income we earn from your purchases will never increase the cost to you, but does support our caffeine addictions! Remember, a well caffeinated designer is a happy designer who in turn loves to give you more helpful tips and tricks.