6/14/2011

the essentials : Elizabeth from The Mustard Ceiling

It's no secret I'm a big fan of interior design and diy projects so I naturally love Elizabeth's blog, The Mustard Ceiling, which is chock full of both. Take a look at her newly designed dining room with ikat fabric she made herself. Talk about diy! Oh, and Elizabeth and her husband are renovating a classic airstream. How cool is that? Please leave her some love and go check out her blog!

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Hi, olive &a readers! I am happy to be here today to share three essentials
that I think are key when designing a room.

There are many pieces that come together to make a design successful, but the following three are extremely important in my book.

1) Personality, a design should reflect who you are. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the latest trends, but you have to remain true to yourself. Design with elements that will make you happy.


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How do you find your style?
Lots of research, thumb through design magazines and blogs. Bookmark ideas.

What do you like or dislike about a space? Soon you will see patterns emerge and you will begin to gain more understanding into your design style.

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An inspiration board is a great way to keep track of your of your ideas and help you define your style.

2) Comfort and Function. In my opinion, comfort and function are both equally important and essential to a well-designed space. If you are not comfortable in your space, or it is not functional, what is the point?

I read a cute post on Three Boys,the other day, called Decapitated Duck and a Mother's Dream . I believe Sarah summed up perfectly why a space should be functional and how the definition of functional changes through the years.

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Which room do you think would be more functional and comfortable for a young family?


3) Focal Point. A focal point is the main design element in the space. Examples of architectural focal points could be a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, a large picture window.

However, focal points are not always architectural elements. You can create a focal point by using a large patterned rug, or a dramatic piece of art-something that will draw attention into the room and invite you to stay.

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What do you think the focal point is in this room?


Heather, thank you so much for having me today!

7 comments:

Jenna Lee said...

That first and second picture make me VERY happy! So pretty

René said...

Great points Elizabeth! You are so right about being true to yourself and realizing what makes you happy. Also, I can't agree more about the changing family needs.

jillian :: cornflake dreams. said...

so many great points, i love that pinboard! xo jillian:: ps im hosting a judy kaufmann print giveaway!

Lindsay @ Delighted Momma said...

Great design inspiration! This is another area that I am challenged in lol! The last blue and white room is exactly how I want my family room to look..but with a little country chic vibe if that makes sense. Heading over to check out your blog

Trish {Pink Preppy Lilly Lover} said...

Great post as always Elizabeth, and thanks for introducing me to Olive + A! Love your tip about staying true to yourself, I always try to surround our home with things that make us comfortable and happy, not necessarily anything trendy. And LOVE the tip about designing around your family's growing needs. There is a way to combine style and function! Fab guest post, sweet lady! xoxo

Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} said...

Simple as 1,2,3, right? Ah, Elizabeth, you make it sounds so easy! It's when I go to put it into practice...and then I realize a white bedspread with two little ones around is *not* a good plan and even though I love the pillows and they go with the space, $150 pillows are not practical! But that is just crazy me talking..."Can do attitude" me says "shut up and stop complaining!" (c: hehehe, great advice, miss Elizabeth!

www.StarHughes.com said...

Gorgeous pictures and such great tips! I love the bedroom picture - that blue bed frame and sheets are to die for! And that inspiration board is such a great idea too. I'd love to have an inspiration board that takes up my whole wall!
Star Hughes Living

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