8 Things Every Room Needs

This month we wanted to share our top list of items every room cannot live without! Although a room will come in a variety of sizes, shapes and functions, a space can be made better by adding these simple touches.

Books and Magazines

What a terrific way to let your personality shine! Not only for your reading pleasure, but to also express your interests.  By layering cookbooks in your kitchen, Danielle Steele in your bedroom or a collection of magazines that reflect your personality, you will enjoy them each and every time you walk into the room.

Whether you’re a literature buff or not, you’ll have a ball collecting your favorites!

A bookcase craves books, a fun tip is to hit up your local library to browse the shelves in search of just the right color palette or subject matter that suit your taste and interests. If you’re collecting books as space fillers, remember that you can remove the sleeves and display the binding color. Collect color palettes that enhance your room, black, tan and brown are always great stand-in’s, but you can always take a leap by adding sage greens or pale pinks for added fun and style.

Have fun and let your personality shine!

Select a color scheme and buy books within that range.

Greeneries and Flowers

Every room is better with touches of greens and flowers all throughout the year.  Whether you have a green thumb or not, there are options for you. Take a weekly trip to your local market and grab a bouquet of fresh cut flowers and add them to your favorite glass vase!  Have fun arranging them and being creative mixing the varieties you purchase. If you’re up for the challenge, live plants are always a nice addition.

Favorite Tip for live plants: Pot them in all alike containers, example; white, cream, gray or black pots.  Keep the pots neutral so your plant varieties will sparkle.  We also advise to keep your live plants in collections, try layering them on plant shelves.  Have fun being creative.

There are wonderful alternatives for those of us not born with a green thumb!  Permanent foliage in a variety of greenery options or beautiful silk florals are realistic, maintenance free and easy to clean.

Whether you choose to add a permanent Yucca plant in your great room or live herbs in your kitchen, either option will breathe oxygen and life into your home or office.

Candy Dish

Grab your grandmother’s crystal dish or your favorite clay bowl and have a ball filling them with treats for your guests (and yourself)!  Keep it simple with Peppermints, M&M’s, Hershey Kisses or have fun with trips to your favorite candy store for a variety of caramels, chocolates or tarts. Your guests will love the added touch and your family will welcome the treat with each visit. Candy alternative, try some nuts or granola!

Scents

Nothing sets a mood quite like the scent of something delicious. Aromas can be acquired in a variety of ways; candles, incense, room fresheners, oils and diffusers can all be tailored to your individual senses. Each scent has its own characteristics, so choosing the one right for you can be fun and challenging.

Whether your taste are citrus, sweet, floral or woodsy, you may discover the scent that suits you will also fit the style of your space. Selecting your signature scent will certainly be a subtle addition to your home or office and guests will associate the aroma with you after each visit.

Window Treatments

We consider a window covering the finishing touch to any room. Window coverings should be tailored to fit the needs of the window and the room that it is within. Some windows may require sunlight control or privacy, try beautiful operable roman shades, screen shades, shutters or wood blinds.

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Woven roman shades offer a simple privacy solution with added texture.

Each option will provide something unique to the window and fulfill the needs of the space. Drapery panels or valances are the perfect final touch to complete the design of the window and room. Selecting the perfect fabric, style, hardware, and trim are essential to the overall window covering. 

Size matters! Take the time to measure and install correctly to enjoy the treatment for years to come. Invest wisely and consider custom treatments that will be designed with beautiful fabrics, trim and hardware for your room tailored to your specific needs.

The combination of silver metallic wooden poles, crystal finials, beaded trim, button detail, tiebacks and lush fabric produced this stunning custom window treatment scheme in this formal master bedroom.

Color

The use of color can be expressed in a variety of ways. Color has the ability to change our mood and our minds, so we must choose wisely. Choosing your color palette should reflect the overall vibration you are trying to achieve. 

colorful interior design

You can express color in a variety of methods such as paint, fabric, carpets, accessories and artwork, each an avenue of color distribution.  Bold, soft, striking or delicate, color can be your best source of expression. You will have the freedom to do a lot or a little and exercise your personality and style.

Many beautiful spaces have a neutral color scheme that layers white, cream, gray, linen and wheat. By adding greenery, candy, books or magazines you will add that splash of color to attract visual interest that a room needs to deliver character.

Lighting

Good lighting is essential to any room. Light sources are offered in a variety of options and applications. Recess can lighting with LED bulbs keep things clean and simple and offer overall disbursement of light within a room & can be placed accordingly to suit the room requirements. Overhead lighting such as chandeliers, flush mounts or pendants accomplish a variety of needs while accent lighting offer nuances that will attract the eye towards artwork, bookcases, steps and cabinetry. Lamps are a terrific way to add style and intimacy to a room, choosing lamps with 3-way bulbs give options for the lamp’s usage. Remember, using consistent temperature bulbs is a must in any room and certainly sets the tone of your space!

Balance

Every room requires balance. Balance with shapes, scale, color, and texture. Mixing all of these design elements are equal to the success of a space. A room should not feel weighted on one end versus the other or color not distributed evenly. Accessories should be placed with effort and conciseness while artwork should be considered to fit the size of the wall it is being placed on.

Every space has an aura, a mood or a vibe. Have fun connecting to yours by trying some or all of these simple tips. You will appreciate connecting to your space and really making it “feel” the way it looks.

Now dim the lights, open the blinds, grab a Hershey Kiss, read a book and water those flowers, and “Oh Yeah” …turn on some music and dance! Set your Aura!

Our Industry Influencers & Design Crushes

Each of us at LL&A have others for whom we look up to and admire for various reasons. Whether it be a favorite musician, artist, author, entrepreneur, we all find our connections and admirations through a variety of outlets.

Carole King, once brilliantly wrote,
“I write heavily under the influence of James Taylor”.

We too have been inspired throughout our careers by an assortment of individuals who have helped shape our paths in the design industry. Both past and present, these talented trailblazers sculpted their passion for design that is as relevant today as it was in years gone by.

We invite you to share in their stories to understand how their contribution to design has chartered our philosophies, aesthetics and business awareness.

Past and present – you will certainly begin to connect the variety of influencers to each of us as individuals.

 


Jean-Michel Frank – Decorator & Designer. Whitley’s Design Influencer.

 

Artists take inspiration from the world around them, and it’s hard to imagine a richer environment than Paris in the 1930s, when Jean-Michel Frank was the most celebrated decorator and designer of the era. Frank has always been an interior designer that Whitley’s admired most.

His aesthetic has been described as “modern and minimalistic” featuring subdued, neutral textures and clean lines. An advocate for combining different styles, Frank brought together both old and new to create spaces full of texture and character. He also enjoyed incorporating other artists’ works or designs into his rooms. Whitley’s always loved his use of unexpected materials together such as leather, wicker, and forged iron – allowing for a space that’s both chic and masculine.

Frank’s rooms were often “devoid of the unnecessary”, which is also reflective of Whitley’s own personal taste in design. Accessories were always kept to a minimum, allowing the furniture and overall design to speak for itself. Frank might be most well-known for his creation of the Parsons Table, which to this day remains one of the most classic furniture pieces in modern design.


Jean Stoffer – Interior Designer & Sarah’s Design Crush.

 

Sarah started following Jean Stoffer on Instagram a year ago and fell in love with her aesthetic. Whenever scrolling through her feed, Sarah will see one of Stoffer’s kitchens or baths and instantly recognizes her style.

Stoffer effortlessly combines a traditional look with a modern edge and each of her spaces are cozy and inviting. Drawn to the simplicity of Stoffer’s work, Sarah finds inspiration in her design elements. Design with a clean line, earth tones, and greenery is Sarah’s signature look and she swoons over Stoffer’s use of woods, metals, and the details she puts into the architectural elements in each space. She is a must follow!

 


Dorothy Draper – Interior Designer & Icon. Lauren’s Design & Business Inspiration.

 

There are a lot of interior designers that have preceded us all that are a big influence on Lauren’s design thought process and the specific branches of the design field, but none more important than Mrs. Dorothy Draper. She was one of the original interior designers and #girlboss icons.

Not only one of the first to professionalize the field of interior design, but also one of the first women in the early 1920’s to start her own company. Breaking boundaries, Draper loved bringing her touch of unusual contrasting, vibrant color combinations and her own personal “modern baroque” style. She created interesting public spaces including hotels, casinos, theaters, department stores, private corporate offices and jet interiors that everyone could enjoy. The Joanna Gaines of her time, being a #girlboss and top interior designer in not only New York, but also across the USA, Draper broadened her entrepreneurial resume by creating her own furniture line for Schumacher and had her own column in Good Housekeeping Magazine. Not your typical housewife, Dorothy Draper is an inspiration and taught Lauren that women in the interior design business can be innovative, creative, and think outside the box.

 


Frank Lloyd Wright – American Architect, Interior Designer, Educator & Curator. An icon of Tammy’s.

A rebel pioneer of the architectural world, Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic career stemmed almost 70 years. He remained passionate for his craft much like Tammy has for over 30 years. His dedication and talent was always ever changing and adapting. Wright was a forerunner in his field that, in Tammy’s opinion, changed the way people live within their own homes. Incorporating “family rooms” within his plans and utilizing modern technology and materials of the period.

Tammy’s favorite residential structure design by Wright is the famous Fallingwater in Pennsylvania. She loves the way the structure fits effortlessly into its environment. Seemingly undisturbing to the surroundings showcasing nature and nest at its best for human inhabitants.

Favorite Wright quote: “Form follows Function”.
That has been misunderstood, form and function should be one,
joined in a spiritual union.

Recognized as being in part, one of the creators of the Prairie Style derived from the Arts and Crafts movement. This style is most seen throughout the midwestern states – all influenced by natural materials. Tammy has always been inspired by nature and the environment in her own design work and believes the window can be the most essential part of any room. More importantly, it’s what is outside the window that counts and how the surroundings are integrated within the home.


Ralph Lauren – American Fashion Designer, Philanthropist, Business Executive. Leslie’s Timeless Favorite.

 

In 1983, in the days before major fashion houses had furnishing lines, designer Ralph Lauren launched his first home collection. It expanded his vision of a thoughtful stylish life where he applied his style to how he would want to live. Whether it be upscale penthouse, english, western, coastal – it was always all American.

Each interior has its own distinct style, its own vision of the good life and each tells a different, but complementary story. When asked what links an interior all together, he says, “It’s in the eye, the taste, and the spirit of the dream.”

Leslie began her career in 1985, just as Ralph Lauren was making his way into interiors. He has been someone that Leslie has admired, respected and can always identify with and has grown with as well!

A true representation of the American dream – tasteful and timeless style!

 

What is it to influence: A person who inspires or guides the actions of others.


Your friends at LL&A Interior Design

#indianagirls

#liveloveappreciate

LL&A’s 30% Off Extravaganza!

 

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Gifts Galore! All Items – 30% OFF!

If you’re like us, you still you have holiday shopping to do! Don’t worry…We’ve got you covered! We are offering 30% off storewide to our valued clients!

When: Monday, December 10 – 24, 2018

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am – 6pm and Saturdays from 11am – 2pm

Christmas Eve: 10am – Noon

Stop by The Shop at LL&A and check out our newest additions of fashionable scarfs, jewelry, holiday giftware, scents, artwork, lamps and accessories! There are so many fun gifts to choose from and we’re here to help if you need assistance in finding that perfect gift.

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Plus we’ll have it wrapped beautifully and ready to go to make the shopping experience quick, fun and convenient!

Can’t decide? Give a Gift Card!

We are offering the perfect gift for the person who has everything! Interior design consultations are perfect for that hard (or easy) to buy for person in your life that seems to have everything. Let one of our trusted professional interior designers help guide and assist your friend, family member, or loved one in achieving the home or room of their dreams! Holiday Consultation Special: $225.00! Contact us at 812-282-6606.

LL_A Holiday Design Consultation

Cheers to shopping local and shopping small this happy holiday season!

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Happy Holidays and see you at the 30% off extravaganza!

Your friends at LL&A Interior Design.

#indianagirls

#liveloveappreciate

How to “shelf a book” & an accessory or two!

We believe bookshelves are the window into our family life and tell the story of who we are. Many of us have either built in bookshelves, wall shelves, or furniture pieces with shelving and have a difficult time accessorizing them in an effective way.  Showcasing our collections of treasures, family photos and books can be a tricky task and end up looking like an afterthought instead of a prized feature of a room.

Let us share with you a few helpful tools to turn your wall of shelves into a wall of storytelling…

Edit

Edit out all items that no longer serve a purpose or speak to you.  Remove old greeneries, tiny objects, and tired outdated pieces.

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Scale

Our rule of thumb is nothing smaller than a cantaloupe belongs on a shelf.  Combining large scale accessories with frames, books and treasured collections will provide a clean tidy appearance and also highlight features items.

Color palette

In order to achieve a cohesive easy “read”, select an accent color and stick to one.  From there, add a greenery source to give an organic element and texture, then photos, books and accessories.  For example, if you want a fresh beach look, try blue accessories combined with brown books and wooden photo frames – clean, easy and fresh!  If you prefer a monochromatic look, maintain a greenery source to let the accessories breathe.

Books

Yes, bookshelves deserve BOOKS! Even if you are not a reader, add books! Local libraries have book sales at least two times a month and is great fun collecting sets and color combinations. Remember, paperbacks do not count, only hardbacks (no cheating). Measure your shelves and buy more than what you think you need. Trust us, the shelves will eat books up! Select a color scheme and buy books within that range. Consider blacks and grays or browns and tan. You may even like blues if that is your look – go for it! If you own an assortment of mismatched books already – no problem, turn them around and show the page side! TaDa!

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Family photos

Bring it on! Here is your chance to create the story wall. Combine your favorites and select frames that compliment your accessories.  You can choose to either use color photos, sepia or black and white. Again, all depending on the look you desire to achieve.  Keep all frames simple and of similar appearance in color and texture.

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Accessories

Your accessories will tie your entire look together. They should all compliment your valued treasures and collectibles that tell a story all their own.  Keep accessories in one color palette with clean lines and scaled appropriately.  Mixing ceramics, glass, and pottery are all terrific ways to add texture. Just keep within the same color range.  Adding baskets in neutral tones that compliment your scheme adds great texture and scale.

 

Side tips:

  • White items on white book shelves do not showcase well.
  • Glass items will not show up unless filled with greens, spheres, nuts, rock, etc.
  • Move small objects onto smaller side tables or with cabinets.
  • Play with shapes. Less is more!
  • Don’t be afraid to paint your bookshelves a different color or add a textural wallcovering to the back wall.  This may be the perfect addition to draw attention to your feature.

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Now take these hints and tips as you begin your own journey in creating the perfect bookshelf display! Have fun and enjoy!

Until next time,

Your friends at LL&A Interior Design

#indianagirls  #liveloveappreciate  #interiordesign