Let's Talk - Wallpaper in the Kitchen

When I came across this photo it took me a second to register what I was seeing. Wallpaper? In the kitchen? Let's talk about this! In the 70's this was completely normal (remember the orange and yellow floral wallpaper that complimented the avocado refrigerator?)  but these days more homeowners opt  for paint and prefer to add pattern with their window treatments. If you have been reading this blog for a while you might already know my opinion which I will share after a few comments are left!

 

So what do you say, would you consider wallpaper for your kitchen?

(image from Traditional Home via Everything LEB)

Decorating With A Slanted Ceiling

Many houses in New England are what we call "Cape Cod" style which means the second floor rooms have slanted ceilings. Clients very often call me with the question "how do we paint/wallpaper this type of room?" Below are a few images that answer this question!

Add beadboard to create interest on the non slope part of the walls

Choose one wall as your focal point (this is usually the largest straight wall) and paint with an accent color.

Wallpaper all the "straight" walls of the room, anything on a slope is painted.

 

Draw you eye down to the furniture by painting the lower half of the room. Again the straight walls are all painted, anything sloped or slanted acts like a ceiling and is painted that color.

The last option is to paint the walls and ceiling a neutral color and place the focus on the furniture and bedding in the room!

I hope this has helped your slanted/sloped ceiling dilemma!

(images from Arch Digest designer Michael S Smith Caitlin Wilson Designs, David Howell via Houzz, Design Sponge, Design Sponge) 

In love with Vervain Linen Wallpaper

Jeffrey Bilhbuber floored me with this gorgeous Manhattan master bedroom. Normally I am a girl that prefers a bit of color but with all the texture in this space there is no need for it and honestly leads to a much more restful space! The spotlight truly belongs to the beyond stunning Vervain linen wallpaper which weaves its way through the bedroom, the master bathroom and dressing room!

(images from Architectural Digest, designer Jeffrey Bilhuber, photographer William Waldron)

Cole & Son Woods Wallpaper Two Ways

Cole & Son's Woods wallpaper is very popular which usually deters me from using it in projects but when I see it in small doses I must admit I really do like it! Just a touch to liven up a kitchen or to elevate stair risers create that wow factor I am always searching for!

 

What is your opinion would you use the "Woods" wallpaper in your home? They make it super easy as it is available in 7 colorways!

(Images - Vanillawood via Houzz ,Elle Decor Designer Jackie Astier Photographer Eric Piasecki)

Putting on the Rivets

Yes we know interiors follow fashion so when you see those fabulous sandals covered in studs and think how cool would that be in my house? Well now Phillip Jeffries has the answer in the newly released "Rivet Collection" of wallpapers!

The pattern is offered in 9 colorways including the above bronze on jute, doesn't it just feel so glam?!

This is a room from the Elle Decor Kips Bay House last year, the black on black is very dramatic!

Of course it would not be a CreateGirl post if I didn't give you an affordable option! If you want to add just a weee bit of rivet or stud to your home consider these pillows from West Elm!

What do you say? Would you use the Rivet Wallpaper in your house?

(Image from West Elm, Philip Jeffries/Robert Verdi Elle Decor Room)

A Single Sheet by Nama Rococo

Finding local designers is part of what I love about decorating and blogging in New England! Nama Rococo is just one of those creative artists I am proud to be in the same state with. The name "Nama" stands for North Adams MA when Karen Combs began her career. The paper is hand printed and hand screened.....stop, read that again...amazing! The designs are gorgeous but what I want to focus on today are the single sheets they sell. The idea of owning a unique piece of wallpaper used as art is so appealing. Her prints are so intricate that I think I like them on a smaller scale as I can quite possible appreciate the detail even more. Yes a single piece is on the pricey side at $126 but the best part, it's "ART" so you can take it with you when you move!

Do you consider wallpaper as art work? Would you do this in your own home?

(images from Nama Rococo)

Quick Share - A Grand Jubilee

Here's a Quick Share. I absolutely love this company Mod Green Pod! Their gorgeous fabrics are all 100% organic cotton and their wallpapers all have a vinyl free finish. Which equals healthy for your home. I have fallen in love with this Grand Jubilee wallpaper in earl grey. I think it will be just perfect for a bedroom I am working on right now! Hop on over to their website and blog, there are many more patterns to fall in love with!

How To Thursday - Painted Wallpaper & Wall Flats

It's Thursday which means another "How to Thursday" post!! This is a "How To" personal dilemma. How to create interest in a room without using just a flat paint or the usual wall decor, decals, shelf etc. For months now I have been going back and forth on painting my bedroom, for some reason I just can't commit. Then I came across this idea of painted wallpaper. There is something about painted wallpaper which intrigues me. It could be the embossed quality, texture or the idea I can use any color in the paint deck. I am almost sold on the idea of taking the large solid wall in my bedroom and just wallpapering the center of it. A thick 3' flat painted border around the paper would act like a frame. In my mind I can see it and like the affect. It would add texture and dimension to this one wall drawing you into the room. This type of paper would also be a great solution to the question, "How do I add texture to a front hall or small pantry nook". An area which might not be large enough for wall decor. Let's look at a few options shall we?




The photo above is a fantastic way to get that tin ceiling look, like those found in older New England homes. Any of these patterns would help even out the surface of a horse hair wall also found in older homes. If only I had this as an option in my first apt...horse hair walls can make for bare walls especially when a picture hook falls right to the floor!

Another option are these wall flats above from Inhabit. They are available in 18" x 18" flats. I would alternate them vertical and horizontal as I hang them. It's nice to have options!


What are your thoughts on painted wallpaper and wall flats? Where would you use it in your own home?

(images from Graham & Brown and inhabit)

A Penny For Your Thoughts...

** I am so glad our Guest Blogger, Betsey's post is about Penny Tile. I absolutely LOVE penny tile. Whenever I see it in a clients house I always encourage them to keep it, basically, it is a classic look!



Lately the penny has been on my mind. It could be because that’s all I see when I open my wallet or it could be because I just watch them fly out of my 401K like it’s a vending machine. My recent focus on pennies (actually the lack thereof) has renewed my interest in the ever classic penny tile (also commonly called a pennyround.)

The most common use for the penny tile is usually in the kitchen, bathroom or the subway due to its durability and ease of maintenance. A few examples are shown below.

(photo courtesey of remodelista)

(photo courtesey of domino)

Recently I’ve seen the penny tile popping up in areas you wouldn’t normally see it.
The other day for example, I was watching HGTV and came upon “Myles of Style” with Kim Myles. One of her latest projects was a family room redesign, and instead of using a normal ceramic or marble tile on the fireplace surround, she covered it in white penny tiles with a dark brown grout. It was an interesting idea but I’m not sure how I felt about the end result. I guess I’m so used to seeing the pennyround in a bath or kitchen so to me it felt out of context. I tried to find an image from the show but have searched high and low and found nothing. What do you think of the concept?

In addition to the above unusual use, the other day I found this lovely piece at the always gorgeous Anthropologie.

And while researching wallpaper the other day, I found this familiar pattern from Graham & Brown

Have any of you seen the penny tile used in other unique ways? A penny for your thoughts!

Have a great week!

**Bets

Wallpapering with Target

Did you know Target sells wallpaper? To be honest, I didn't, but I am glad to see they have some nice designs at affordable prices. While scouting through the new "Home Design Event" (just to see if there really were any great design bargains) I stumbled upon a few interesting prints.

Floral Trail Chocolate

Solitude Spearmint

Navonna Bitter Chocolate

Sprig Mocha

Elizabeth Pink/Silver (also available in black)

There are a few great options, for an office I like the Navonna or a little girls room with the Elizabeth. Though my favorite might just be the Floral Trail Chocolate. Sometimes Target can truly surprise me!
What do you think? Do you like these prints?

(images from Target)