My Inside Scoop

I would like to thank all of the talented ladies that participated in "The Inside Scoop" last week. I thoroughly enjoyed gaining a little more insight into their inspirations and design style. It always amazes me how truly unique each of us are, our design style, our approach to design, what inspires us. I hope you all enjoyed the series as much as I did.

Today to finish up, I would like to share with you my "inside scoop."

I started The Mustard Ceiling on my 30th birthday, January 8, 2011, it will be four months May, 8th.

Starting an interior design and DIY blog was something I thought about for six months before I got up the courage to do it. My husband encouraged me to start, he said I would probably have six months to "practice" before anyone started reading. I jumped in to "practice" and am so glad I did.

This is where I Blog

1. Creativity. Blogging has taught me how to be a better designer. It has opened my eyes to new creative ideas and approaches to design. Creating a design that will "pop" on a computer screen is much like designing a set for a t.v. show or movie. You have to get more creative, more dramatic in your approach to design. This has opened the floodgates for me and the way I approach designing a space, it has made me a better designer.

2. Blogging is HARD work. I had no idea blogging was such hard work. It takes A LOT of time, it takes time to research posts, comment on blogs, complete DIY projects, answer emails, etc. I spend several hours a day working on my blog, it is something I love to do. I cannot imagine life without it, but it is hard work!

3. Blogging is FUN. I just finished writing the rest of this post. I have learned so much over the past few months blogging, I was having a hard time deciding #3.

Last week, I took a break from blogging while the other ladies guest posted for me. As I was finishing my post today, and looking for inspiration photos I realized how much I missed it last week.

I enjoy sharing inspiration with you, and feeding off so many talented bloggers, there is an amazing sense of community here, one where we can share ideas and inspirations...blogging is fun.

Sources of inspiration can come from anywhere.

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They can be found in a color, texture, pattern, nature. I find a lot of my inspiration through places I have traveled. I adore exploring new places, cultures and their designs.

This summer I had an amazing opportunity to study classical drawing and design at The Barnstone Studios in Coplay, PA. Myron Barnstone, is an amazing teacher and said the best sources of inspiration come from the past. If you know the past then you can be more creative in the future.

For example, a Greek key pattern was designed by the Greeks, however we are still using them in contemporary designs today. The Hollywood Regency style has seen a resurgence, but actually originated during the golden age of Hollywood, 1930's.

If you can look to the past for inspiration, new ideas can be created. However, many of my designs are simply inspired by a color or a pattern.

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E-designs portfolio

My design style is classic with a modern touch and a little glam. I prefer to design in a style that is timeless, accenting with modern and glam elements to keep it fresh.

Our Master Bedroom

1. Know what you like and use it. It is important when designing a space that you will be comfortable. Use what you like, you want a space that is a reflection of you.

A great way to find out what you like is to flip through design magazines or blogs. Make a file of what you are drawn to. You will soon see a pattern emerge, and will have an idea of what style(s) works for you.

2. Mix Styles and Textures. Combine different styles to create an interesting design. Using only one type of furniture, color or texture can make a design appear flat.

Mix patterns, wood species, furniture styles, and textures to create a more personal and interesting space.

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3. Address Lighting. Lighting is one of the most important elements in a design and is often overlooked, it can make or break a design.

Lighting helps to determine the mood or personality of a room. A successful design should incorporate three layers of lighting ambient(general), task (to aid in performing tasks) and accent (mood lighting).

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No room is complete without a little something unexpected. Adding an unexpected element to your space will add visual interest and contrast to your design.

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Thank you for stopping by to read my "inside scoop." What inspires you? I would love to know.

Happy Monday!

Stop by tomorrow for a double Giveaway!