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!

The Inside Scoop: Danielle Oakey

To wrap up " The Inside Scoop" this week I would like to welcome Danielle,
from Danielle Oakey Interiors.
I was first introduced to Danielle's blog through the fabulous redesign of her daughter Emory's bedroom. Danielle knocked it out of the park with this design and made me a follower.

Thank you for stopping by today Danielle...

I officially started blogging about a year ago, but didn't dedicate much time to it until about 6 months ago. Blogging has helped refine my design style, launch my design business, and introduce me to so many resources necessary to maintain a successful business.

I gather most of my inspiration from design blogs and online magazines. When starting a design, I always find a piece of inspiration to build my design of off. It can be fabric, art, furniture, or even just the perfect paint color.

I would describe my style as eclectic traditional. My main pieces are usually traditional mixed with modern and vintage accents. I love combining styles to create an interesting story.

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1. Listen to what you love. A design is only successful if you love being in it.

2. Mix visual and tactile texture, this will create a room with interest and dimension.

3. Combine new with old allowing the room to tell a story.

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No room is complete without accent lighting.

Thank you for stopping by today to inspire us Danielle.
To check out more of Danielle's blog click here.

The Inside Scoop: Kristy Swain

Welcome Kristy! I am so excited to have you visiting today from Hyphen Interiors. Kristy just recently started blogging and has taken the blog world by storm. If you have not seen her painted chair tutorial, it is a must see for all DIYer's. Head over and check out the rest of her blog after the series.

Thank you Kristy for stopping to share with us today...

Elizabeth, thank you so much for including me in this series. I am enamored by the fact that she not only has an eye for interior design, but is obviously very gifted when it comes to graphic design. I’m excited to be here.

I have been blogging for 2 months, barely. Yep, I’m a newbie. Actually, way back when, I used to blog on Xanga. I know, that dates me! I blogged there for about two years, mostly youth ministry related stuff as I was working in that field at the time. I look back on those old entries and realize how long winded I was back then – I really try to keep my posts light on words now. Ha, you won’t be able to tell that here, though. Sorry!

I am constantly learning things from blogging. It’s a different world from when I used to use Xanga.

I’ve learned:

- Community. The design blogging community is a much more tight knit community than I realized. People are very supportive, helpful and welcoming.

- Time. It’s very time consuming. I had no idea. For Xanga, I used to just spend an hour and write a post and call it done. Blogging these days, in particular design blogging, calls for much more than that.

It takes time to do projects, to write about them, to follow up on comments, to participate in link parties, to arrange giveaways, to keep up with other blogs, to answer emails, to research for posts, and so on…

So, let yourself off the hook and just do what you can. That’s what I’m learning. However, such time demands really reveal if it’s passion or not – this will all either be mostly stressful or mostly fun.

- Inspiration. Blogs are an amazing resource for inspiration and ideas! I’ve never been so creatively fed in my life! It’s awesome and I’m eating it up!

In order of the most common things, I’d say other blogs, art, architecture, magazines, stores, and sometimes just a single item that I find that I love. It’s always the things that make me want to linger and just look… When I find myself drifting into a magical daydream, I know there is something to it. Or, if I immediately fall into what I call “my design trance” and start visualizing a room with the piece or colors in it, then I know I’ve stumbled upon good inspiration.

I have a hard time putting it into words because my style is ever changing. For example, what I like this year may be quite different from what I liked last year. To me, putting a name to it locks it down too much.

However, there are a few commonalities that I suppose typify my style. I like clean lines. I love color. Though I appreciate a monochromatic room, I have never had one in my own home. I tend to be eclectic, combining varying styles. And, I love a touch of whimsy when possible. I don’t always get my way, as my husband doesn’t share this element of style, but that is probably good or I may end up with some crazy rooms! He reigns me in.

- Plan it out. Sometimes good design just falls together or grows as the room ages, but most great designs are well thought out. Sketch, put together a design board, know what overall feel you hope to achieve. And, don’t be afraid to amend your plan along the way.

- Be patient. Be patient as it all comes together. It can take time finding just the right piece. I remind myself of this often as I’m not a naturally patient person. I tend to want to rush to the reveal! The policy that I’ve adopted is what I call “letting it simmer.” I leave tags on and let things simmer for up to a month while deciding if to make changes or if I like it the way it is.

- Be true to yourself and take risks. Don’t buy a furniture set. Don’t mimic another design if it’s not something that would be from your heart. That is someone else’s idea of what works.

Customize things to your style and your needs. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Don’t be afraid to use color – paint a wall, paint a piece of furniture. Add fabrics that make you smile, or that take you to a peaceful place if that is what you want to achieve. Make your room reflect you. Think outside the box. Know the “rules” but don’t always follow them.

No room is complete without____________.

Wow, I could come up with several answers for this, but I’d say fabric. Fabric of some kind somewhere. It is the easiest way to soften a space, add color, add pattern and add interest.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this series!

Thank you again for stopping by. I enjoyed gaining more insight into your style and inspirations.

Kristy has done an beautiful job on her home and has some fantastic DIY projects to share.
Head over and check her out here.

The Inside Scoop: Rene Zieg

Today, I am thrilled to welcome Rene from one of my favorite blogs Cottage and Vine. Rene never ceases to amaze me with her talent to create beautiful spaces and her fabulous DIY projects. Not only does she have a beautiful home, but she also has a fun etsy store where she sales vintage and handmade items.

Take it way Rene...

Hello everybody! I'm Rene from the blog, Cottage and Vine and I am so happy to be here today!

Blogging for me starting almost two years ago. It was actually my husband's suggestion believe it or not. Wonder if he regrets it now ;)

Blogging has taught me many things.


1) Pictures say it all. The best way to get a feel for a room is to take a picture whether you have a blog or not. I think it is because we are all so used to looking at magazines and our eye is trained to look at rooms this way. No wonder on line decorating is so successful.

2) Be true to yourself. We all have different styles and it is easy to get caught up in a "look" that you like and try to force it into your home only to find out is just isn't right for you. Ask me how I know.

3) Bloggers are really, really, nice! I never in a million years would have guessed that I would make so many friends through blogging. Seriously, I feel like I could call on any of you and you would be there for me and vice versa. It is such a warm community.

I have to say that my parents are the ones who made me who I am today. They were always working on projects at home and eventually we renovated an old house when I was in high school. It was all over then. When I was a young girl, Mom and Dad let me make my own choices about decor in my room. Picture a big fish net filled with seashells from summer vacations, a terrarium, and huge tissue flowers. You know, the typical girl room, but it was all mine.

(pattern mixing - the early years)

Now that I have moved beyond the fish net as wall art, my style is traditional, but it needs to have a freshness about it. I have always been drawn to nature and tend to like textures such as bamboo, linens, and sisal. I think they help to provide balance and to keep things from looking too serious. Also a fresh modern fabric, accessory, or rug can do wonders to liven up an otherwise traditional room.

Well, I'm no expert, but I have learned a lot since I first started blogging. 1) Know what you don't like. We all have a gazillion likes and it can be confusing. Figure out what you really don't like and don't waste your time on it. At the same time, only use what you LOVE.

Decor Pad

2) Be honest with yourself. For example, white slipcovers look nice, but will they drive you crazy if they get dirty? Would a gray linen be a better match for you?

Decor Pad

3) Rooms should be functional. We could all have magazine ready rooms, but if they aren't functional, then what good is it? This is especially true in smaller homes and homes with children. My own home has evolved over the years to suit the changing needs of our family. A LOT. From changing tables to sports equipment and it hasn't stopped yet.

Decor Pad

No room is complete without comfort. I think that we all need to feel pampered and adding a little luxury to each room is essential to really enjoying a space. This could be fluffy Egyptian towels in the bathroom or high thread count sheets on your bed. Our home is our haven and a place to unwind and relax after all.

Decor Pad

Elizabeth, thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your fun series! I was truly honored!

--Rene

I love that you too were inspired by your parents to love design at a young age, this is something thing we have in common.
Thank you for stopping by today! I always enjoy your posts and today was no exception.
Be sure to stop by and check out Cottage and Vine.