February 23, 2012

Top Trends

Dorm Bedding

I have a high school senior, who is currently obsessing over exams, where she will go to college, and not least – what her dorm will look like.  There are a lot of bedding options to choose from.  Here are just a few of the coolest choices for every budget.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anthropologie Georgina Duvet – Light Gray $328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dwell Studio by Target Magnolia Comforter $60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pottery Barn Teen Ellington Floral Quilt $90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mizone Megan Comforter Set sold by Kohls $55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Echo Design Jaipur Duvet – Bed Bath & Beyond $80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DwellStudio for Target Persia Comforter $60

 

 

 

Design Tip: In a dorm room, there is usually only a small space to call your own.  Your bed doubles as your reading chair and hang-out area; so make sure it is comfortable.  I suggest including lots of pillows, including some oversized pillows, for lounging and using as floor pillows for guests.   A hot trend right now is frilly and soft, so for dramatic effect, don’t forget to pick up some pillows with ruffles and fur! (click on the pics for store information)

 

Design Ideas by Suzan; Written by Jenna

Discovering Your Style

Magazine Search

Not sure what you style is?!  Here is a fun activity that will give you some insight!

Go to the grocery store and purchase a stack of design magazines.  A few of our favorites are: House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Elle Décor, and Architectural Design.

 

 

Next, rip out all the pictures you like.  Don’t overthink it – just have fun creating a stack of photos that “speak” to you.  After you’ve gone through all the magazines look through your stack of photos.  Are there common threads of design?  What color palettes did you choose?  Is the look clean or does it have a lot of layers?  This should give you a good idea of what you like, which is a step toward discovering your style.

 

*Idea by Jennifer; Written by Jenna

On A Budget

Photos on Canvas

Many of us own high-resolution digital cameras, or even have a phone that takes high-resolution photos.  There are many ways that your own photos can be used to create art for your walls.  Plus, there is nothing more meaningful than filling your walls with memories of people and places you love!

A hot new trend in decorating is personalized canvas prints.  There are many companies out there that will take your photos and transfer them to canvas for a really reasonable price.  I did a little Google research and I found a couple companies that will sell you a 30 X 40 inch canvas photo for $50 – $70 (www.canvasdiscount.com and www.gallerydirect.com)!  That’s an incredible price for art you know that you will love!

If a plain canvas photo isn’t enough for you, then there are also companies that will add more personalization.  You can add words to your photo, or split your photo into three canvas panels.  I found a great website, www.photoartomation.com that has a lot of fun and classy ideas at reasonable prices.  Check out some samples below.

DESIGN TIP: Once you’ve picked out your pictures, make sure you first consider your scale.  It is important that you pick the correct size print for your space.  Nothing looks more awkward on a large wall, then a picture that is too small.  If you need to fill up a large space, then you may want to consider grouping several pictures together.

 

*Design ideas by Jennifer; Written by Jenna