Consistency is key - Urban Refuge

Small digs? No problem. A tiny space can still look amazing and function well. This adorable condo beautifully proves that point. Let's look at what they did to visually enlarge their place....

1.  Limit your color palette. The use of cream, copper, brown, white and coral is repeated throughout. The punches of color add interest and tie all the rooms together.

2. Varied Texture. They've mixed old and new, shiny + rustic, modern + classical. It helps to warm up this home and prevents the "one stop shopping" look.

3.  They've varied scale. One of the biggest mistakes I see when visiting a client's home are issues with scale. More times then not homes are filled with a bunch of mid-sized things, they are usually the same scale, so the place just looks cluttered. Be sure to keep your eye bouncing around the room. Larger objects in a small space ALWAYS make the space feel bigger, just don't forget to layer in smaller pieces!

4. Create points of interest, the entire space can't scream for attention. I'm loving their unique finds; like the small wooden stool and gorgeous Suzani blanket.

5.  Both vertical and horizontal planes have been considered here! 

All images via: Golden Cage blog.

Why buy a table?

In MY world, the more gorgeous, shiny design and art books, the better!

 Hop over to Design Sponge for the rest designer Kate Schintzius's fab pad!

Inspired!

I'm often asked by people, "What inspires you?"

Today's answer: My students! My list is long and varied. I'm constantly stumbling upon inspiration everywhere, everyday, all the time! I love what I do and I feel blessed to have discovered my "calling" per say.

As most of you know, I don't just practice interior design, I teach it at Endicott College and Suffolk University {New England School of Art and Design}. I am always pushing my student's ideas. If they succeed it means I have done my job well! I often discuss the importance of strong concepts, and how they should be somewhat abstracted! Literal design looks juvenile to me..Yes, throw in an ounce of kitch or a nod to the obvious..but always keep it fresh and unique! I was discussing using simple objects, en masse {or in large groupings} and how something very common can take on a sculptural quality when used unexpectedly and in large quantities. Well my student was inspired by Anthropologie's window displays..They practice this very idea! Gorgeous! I'd have to agree with her!!! Well Done.

Marshmallows - look sculptural when suspended don't they?

Milk jug igloo? Brilliant..

In a nut shell!

I love the idea of maxing out a small space beautifully, for one it makes the space feel grander but it also reinforces the idea that your home needn't be enormous to look fabulous and function well! Designer and stylist Lizzie Carney's 1,000 sq. foot bungalow does just this! Lizzie painted the entire home a custom charcoal color to unify her home! She also infused the space with found objects and gorgeous European antiques. Unique items add interest and depth to any home!

Lizzie turned her basement into a wine cellar!

Lizzie outfitted a small bedroom as a dressing room! A vintage rolling rack houses her hanging clothing. I spotted a vintage shoe rack at the Todd Farm flea market yesterday. If it's there next week, I may have to grab it!
{Lizzie painted the rug herself - I love the mix of pink and red}

Lizzie works for design/import firm Euro Trash, check out their site for more European and vintage finds..

Image Credits: Scanned by Shelter from Country Living Magazine, October 2010. Photographer: Bjorn Wallander