Posts Tagged ‘decor’

10 Chic Ways To Use Books As Decor

Photo Credit www.BoothandWilliams.com Photo Credit http://www.BoothandWilliams.com[/caption%5D

 
We’re always talking about how your home is your sanctuary, so why not make it a place that reflects your unique style? Using books as décor can be a fun, easy and creative way to personalize your home. Books—vintage or contemporary, oversized or small—add individuality and pizzazz to any room. Whether you want to add a pop of color, make a striking statement or create a theme, books speak volumes. (No pun intended)

“We encourage homeowners to ‘think beyond the bookcase’ when it comes to books,” said Justin Krewatch, founding partner of http://www.BoothandWilliams.com, an online portal and resource for designers and homeowners interested in vintage and modern book décor. “Books are a great way for homeowners to creatively express themselves through the colors, eras, topics and textures…and we’ve made that process incredibly easy and affordable.”

Indeed.

Here are a few tips on how you can use books to take your space to the next level in your home, office, or any cherished space you call your own:

1. Inspire early readers
Vintage children’s books add charm and style to a nursery. Choose traditional fairy tales or your favorite stories from when you were a child. From Nancy Drew to the Hardy Boys to Beatrix Potter, you can pass down your love of literature by surrounding your little one with books.

2. Clearly literary
Take advantage of a Lucite or glass-topped table to showcase books stored on top or underneath. It maximizes unused space and creates a visually striking tableau.

3. Chic page-turners
Weall know, chic is my jam..Books on style and beauty are a natural for a dressing table, boudoir or powder room. Select biographies of fashion icons, photo books of jewelry or gowns, or coordinate by color.

4. Let it grow
Pair your love of gardening or flowers with books that complement the décor of a sunroom or balcony.  Create a pedestal for a vase of fresh cut flowers with a stack of books with botanic prints or show off your sunflowers next to books on Van Gogh.

5. Add sophistication to a man-cave
A man’s room is a place to relax and enjoy himself, and what better way to relax than with a library of well curated books. Besides, man-caves can be so much more than oil cans and footballs..You can stock them with volumes about vintage automobiles, classic sports or history. The right books can enhance the masculine appeal of the man’s retreat and add elegance at the same time.

6.  Fuel the fire
Create a cozy library-like nook for a collection of books on top of a working fireplace or even within a non-working fireplace. Stacked vertically or horizontally, it’s a creative way to store books, adds a nice design element to the room, and best of all, all the books are easily accessible should you want to cuddle up to one on a stormy night.

7.  Table it
Stacked high next to your sofa, or atop your favorite suitcase or other prized possession, books can serve as an enticing focal point or double as a functional end table or place to display your favorite lamp or other objet d’art.

8.  Tell your color story
Just like paint to make an accent wall pop with color, books can have the same effect. Vibrantly hued books will stand out against a white or taupe wall, and a soothing palette of neutral books can do the same in a brightly colored space. You can even buy books “by the foot” in the exact color that complements your décor!

9.  The luxury of leather
Leather-bound books, with their gold-embossed spines and cloth bindings, are the epitome of old world elegance, and add an air of sophistication to any library, study or home office.

10. Coffee Table Books
Are you an art history buff? A gourmet baker? A world traveler? Assemble a group of books on subjects that hold a special place in your heart and make them the focal point of your coffee table. Not only do they look great as living room décor, but they can also be great icebreakers with your guests. I only like coffee table books if they lend some authenticity to who you are, so keep it true.

For an easy one-stop-shop, try http://www.boothandwilliams.com where they have basically systematized the book as a decorative medium.  Books are carefully arranged by color, subject and style, giving homeowners a simple and gorgeous way to customize, enhance and create excitement in any space.

Give it a try and be sure to let us know how it works out!

XO,

Courtney

 

How To Freshen Up Your Home For Spring And Not Be A Hot Mess

Spring Home

I don’t know about you, but I am over the warm and cozy look I’ve been living with since October. I’m yearning for some springtime vibes and I bet you are, too! Not to fret, there are a few fabulous-and surprisingly affordable moves you can make in your home that can easily transition it to spring. The key is to do one simple thing in every room.

The Kitchen: Paint

The kitchen is the room in the house that needs to be painted the most often. It gets a lot of use and traffic and a fresh coat of paint works wonders in there! Why not go for something cool and current? Last week, I painted the upper half of one of my kitchen walls with Sherwin-Williams Chalkboard Paint. I’m adding a chair rail and lots of empty white frames for a chic add-on. This way, I can write messages inside the frames and also adding a little color to a black wall. The chalkboard paint looks cool, while the white frames look fresh.
http://www.sherwinwilliams.com
Cost: Under $100
Skill Level: You can totally do this

Foyer: Lighting

Whether you live in an apartment or a grand home, we all have something that qualifies as an entryway. Usually, there is some sort of overhead light and it’s usually awful. If you rent, it’s almost always some $20 horror. For under $100, you can change it to something fabulous and chic and won’t make anyone feel like they’re at the doctor’s office upon entering your abode. If you rent, just put the old one away in a closet and switch it back before you move. Stay away from super bright lights and check the clearance on your door. For example, in my home I had to get a flush mount or the door would hit it. Lamps Plus has a ton of options that are affordable and come in every possible design style. Added bonus, they have a ton of home decor, too! Who new?
http://www.lampsplus.com
Cost: Varies, but under $100 is very doable
Skill Level: Get someone to do this for you unless you’re an electrician

Living Room: Modular Carpeting

Living Rooms are where you almost always need to drop the most cash, that’s a fact. Your biggest pieces are there… sofas, tables, electronics, etc. Most of us don’t change sofas yearly, but how can you get a fresh look without cashing out your 401K? Easy, carpeting. Area rugs are one of my favorite ways to do quick change ups, but Flor carpet tiles have some fashion forward designs that are well priced and a cinch to use. The real kicker is the replaceability factor. They come in “tiles” that you piece together so when you drop a glass of Brunello, it’s not disastrous. You just replace that one tile. For me, with two kids under the age of six, it’s the answer to my Type A prayers! Also great for anyone with pets or just a high traffic household. Check out my faves, Mod Cow and Hey Jack for big punches of style.
http://www.Flor.com
Cost: Varies
Skill Level: Everyone, including a 12-year-old

Bedroom & Bathroom: Linens

In the winter, we tend to bust out the down comforter or over-stuffed duvet. They keep us toasty, but become unnecessary in spring and summer and just look a little out of place. I like to switch them out with lighter coverlets and cotton blankets for a fresh look. This also gives you the opportunity to change up the style a bit. Tired of that Chevron look yet? I hear you! Why not try a bright floral or fun color block look? New towels and shower curtains are also super easy ways to update a bathroom in a minute. Besides, old towels are kind of gross and nobody wants to use your eye makeup or bleach stained linens when they use your bathroom. Keep your eyes peeled for a good white sale and always check online at places like HSN, Horchow and One Kings Lane for high end items at discounted prices.
Cost: $200 and up
No skills necessary

Anywhere: Statement Mirror

I love mirrors for several reasons. First, they are a stylish answer for awkward wall space. Plus, they come in a gazillion design styles and are super affordable. Additionally, when hung adjacent to a window, they reflect the light and scenery of the view. Your room will feel instantly bigger and brighter. I do this in almost every NYC apartment I decorate. You can find mirrors everywhere from Home Goods to flea markets and everywhere in between. If you want to isolate a specific design, go online and you are sure to find everything from chic chinoiserie to grand Venetian mirrors at large sites like Wayfair.com. They enable you to carve out your style, budget and color very easily and there’s often free shipping. Make sure to check weights of mirrors. A lot of walls can’t hold up some mega-weighty mirrors and then it starts getting complicated. Go for the lighter options whenever possible.
http://www.wayfair.com
Cost: $50 and up
Skill Level: Can you hammer a nail?

I can almost smell the freshly cut grass already.

Check your local TV listings for more of celebrity designer, Courtney Cachet’s gift guides, style ideas and tips. You can catch her frequent appearances nationwide on TV and online, where she dishes out all the latest in all things fab for your home and lifestyle! Keep up with her on http://www.courtneycachet.com or Facebook and join the conversation!