idea
Shelf combi
Including non framed objects
Spot lights on rail
Layering lights
Paint the rattan white
In this living room, freestanding bookcases are painted just a shade darker than the walls. This helps the bookcases feel like an intentional part of the room’s design — more like built-ins.
Styling tip: Take painting your bookcases as an opportunity to pare down your collection of books and objects — aim to keep at least one-third of each shelf empty. When you paint the back of a bookshelf, it is especially important to leave some free space so you can see the color behind the objects. Mix things up by alternating stacks of books with objects, or try leaning a few taller items behind the books to add depth
decorate the corner
“When I hang photos myself, I use an easy trick,” says Mughannam. “I arrange the photos on a big sheet of kraft paper. When I have them as I want them, I trace them. I tape the paper to the wall with painter’s tape and use a nail to mark the spot where I want to place my hangers. I take the paper down and nail the hangers into the wall. It works great!”
Color blocked. Shake up a grid of family portraits by mixing in a few solid color blocks — an odd number looks the most natural. This works best with photos printed on boards or canvas rather than in frames. Choose the images you want to include first, then pick a color that will complement your photos for the color blocks.
curtain at door
cutting board mirrors
Design tip: If you're new to designing with color, choose a theme color or colors, such as pinks, blues or purples, much like you would for colors inside a house. The different shapes of the individual plants you choose will give you variety; the repetition of color will have a calming and harmonious effect. As you get bolder, add a pop of contrasting color — yellow nasturtiums mixed in with blue pansies and delphiniums, bright red lupine nestled among white Shasta daisies and pink echinacea or a bright orange black-eyed Susan scattered about in a sea of lavender.
exterior, wood
A sketch of mother and son
french blue and pale yellow
plants as privacy board
Built in plant space
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