Modern Decorating - Chic Home Blog

The Modern Home

2012-05-15T23:13:18Z

Open Floor Plans...

The new modern home is uncluttered with an open floor plan where every inch of the home is used and enjoyed by every member of the family. Gone are the days of cut up floor plans with way too many walls that were aimed at separating functions and family members. We are all so busy these days that when we are together we want our homes to facilitate our togetherness and allow us to be with our loved ones whether we are watching t.v., cooking or doing homework so that we have more quality home time when we are home together.

living etc.

Today's trend to open up your floor plan is fast becoming many homeowners nightmare. Thanks to the internet and diy decorating shows there is so much information and inspiration out there that makes it all look so easy when it really isn't. It can be overwhelming, confusing and hard to figure out where to start on your own. We receive many questions regarding opening up living areas and knocking down walls and my advice on this subject is always to consult with a professional before doing any major "house crashing" because there is a lot that you don't see going on in those shows and it is definitely not as easy as it looks! It can be dangerous and extremely costly if you make a mistake.

Chic Home Interiors can help if you are in Southern California. We serve Orange County, Inland Empire and all San Diego Counties. We are staffed with qualified, licensed and bonded experienced professionals. Schedule a consultation and let us help you get started.

Chic Home Blog © 2010. All rights reserved.

Modern Home-Diy Decor

2012-04-01T20:57:08Z

Big Box to High End Decor

The tray has found it's way into trendy decor once again. Many of the new trays are inspired or taken straight from the 60's. They come in all sizes and shapes and are finding their way onto every coffee table. Lacquered and enameled in every color under the rainbow along with wood, metal, lucite and glass trays.

I found a couple of trays at big box prices that are perfect for customizing and look like more expensive versions with just a couple of steps:

Good bones but definitely not a modern look.....

for this one I loved the dark chocolate finish so I just pulled out the glass, pic inset and backing and siliconed a piece of clear safety backed mirror to the tray frame.I have a handy mister but you could have something like this done at a glass shop for very little money.

Definitely had to do one in white........

I removed all the pieces, spray painted the frame and backing a high gloss white. This version is very versatile because it can be changed out whenever you need a change or want to update the look, for this look I used a piece of fabric cut to size under the glass.

this look was achieved by placing a piece of flocked foil wrapping paper cut to size and placed under the glass it gives the feel of mirror but I can change it on a whim to match my decor. I could also use a large photo the options are endless and customizing your big box purchases is how you give your decor a high end designer look.

Modern Home Color Trends

2012-01-31T21:38:19Z

Chic Home Color Pick for 2012

I am not one for decorating or dressing according to trends. I believe my home and my dress are all about what I look great in and what looks great on me! When you trend decorate or dress, it becomes dated as soon as they announce next years new colors. Chic Home style is all about mixing and matching high and low, styles and colors that appeal to you and complement your personality not using a color just because it is widely available and the trend. The trick is resisting trends and finding the colors that complement you and your style personality.

Pantone announces their color of the year every year and every design blog out there posts about it and shows how to incorporate it into your home. This year's color is Tangerine Tango..

(scary...70's flashbacks, orange shag, orange and brown upholstery...don't make me go there. We had a family friend who drove a big chevy van painted this color and we called it the "great pumpkin")

Pantone's color predictions actually influence the home decor business. I am sure all the big box and designer stores will be flooded with products in this year's color. Every paint company out there does the same thing you just don't hear as much about it and they usually have totally different color choices. So if your color is orange this is the year to pick up some great accents for your home. My suggestion never use trend colors on main pieces like a sofa or paint your walls with it. It will date your home before the year is out and then you will have to start all over again next year and that is what the manufacturers count on!!!

What is your 2012 Color of the Year?

XX

Chic Home Blog © 2010. All rights reserved.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T04:12:00Z

CB2

Present from the mister this year, it is stunning...luv, luv, luv it

White Christmas

2011-12-24T04:38:26Z

Paul Loebach/West Elm

2011-10-21T18:16:14Z

Luv it

Just found this fabulous Paul Loebach dining chair at West Elm.

A modern take on an early American style classic that has been massed produced for years.

We all recognize this chair...old, tired, uncomfortable and over done..

new, much more comfortable, very chic and on sale!

I think the MR. will even fall in like with these.

Chic Home Blog © 2010. All rights reserved.

Chic Modern Home DIY

2011-09-28T14:39:00Z

Bulletin Board

Bulletin board, note board, memo board or inspiration board, no matter what you call them they have always left a lot to be desired. I have been re-designing these boards since the 80's. I have done 100's of them. I started out painting floral all over the cork face and adding trim to the wood frames, but about 12 years ago I figured out how to turn them into designer pieces for the home. I have been wanting to do one for myself for years but you know how that goes.

You will need:

1. vintage frame
2. cork bulletin board
3. Krylon paint for frame
4. fabric
5. Krylon spray adhesive (non yellowing)

I spray paint whenever I can and Krylon is my favorite.

I painted this very vintage frame with Krylon Gloss White. Cut the bulletin board to fit inside the frame. Clean off cork surface to prepare for adhesive. Cut a piece of fabric to fit board, and then press out all the wrinkles. Follow directions on adhesive, I sprayed both surfaces and applied fabric right away with my adhesive. I had problems with the adhesive in the picture and had to switch to Krylon Spray Adhesive. Trim edges if necessary. Put in frame. I made mine fit nice and snug so I don't have to glue it in and I can pull it out later if I want to change up fabric.

I chose an extra large frame so it would hold quite a bit and a large graphic print fabric in pink for a modern feel. I chose an ornate frame because it softens up a space that is otherwise very modern. I love fabric and often use it as a piece of art and a pop of color in place of artwork!

Modern Home - Chic Home

2011-09-26T14:22:00Z

Design Inspiration

Inspiration for designing a room can come from anywhere. It can be a painting, a pillow, an object, your favorite outfit or a piece of fabric....

This is one of my own, a gorgeous seashell, I love the colors and the texture and it reminds me of the beach.

Find your inspiration...

Autumn Whispers

2011-09-24T01:36:58Z

Autumn is here.... not that you could tell here in the desert. If I hadn't read it on the calendar I wouldn't have even known. Summer hangs on way too long, today was high 90's for most of the day and there was barely a whisper of Fall....

Can you see it there in the middle...just a hint of red?

the clouds holding in the heat and adding humidity (I do not do well in humidity).

Just an inkling in our Eucalyptus that Fall is here.
I am so over summer and so ready for cooler days!

9/11

2011-09-10T21:40:23Z

Remembering ...

our heroes, the fallen here and abroad, those that continue the fight and the families they leave behind....

with honor, love and gratitude

Lonny Magazine

2011-07-10T20:07:59Z

A must read..

I absolutely love some of the new online magazines and if you haven't had a chance to discover any I will be making my recommendations.
Lonny Magazine July/August just hit my inbox and as always I read it cover to cover. You must check it out, click pic to direct you.

Loved it !!!

Shop Chic Home

2011-07-10T03:04:53Z

Modern Chic Home Decor

I am back to basics so I will be selling custom pieces in Long Beach as I build my inventory. Shop Chic Home will be a place for me to offer pieces online until the website is ready to reopen. Check my Shop Chic Home category to view any or all pieces and products available. If you want to be one of the first to see what I have, sign up for the blog and receive all new postings delivered immediately to your inbox.

Chic Home Blog © 2010. All rights reserved.

Mid Century Modern

2011-07-09T02:33:45Z

LA Period Furniture

While out on a walk what did I see, but a mid century mod piece waiting for me.
Found this great Mid Century Modern 9 drawer dresser for $20. Wow, what else can go right today?

When you buy used or vintage furniture make sure you buy the best you can afford. I was very fortunate, this piece met all of my requirements: It must be solid and sturdy, drawers slide easily, all parts must work, all joints and dovetails are solid, no major repairs. Must be good looking, no dents, nicks or major damage. This piece is in good condition, wear and some water spotting on the top. The great thing about dressers is that they can double as buffets or t.v. consoles. I need both so I haven't decided which it will be and although it is beautiful the way it is, I really don't care for oak finish so it will be getting a Chic Home makeover. Dark chocolate stain and sleek new silver hardware.

Top kitchen remodeling tips on a budget

2011-07-06T23:35:47Z

   If you have moved into a new property or are considering giving your home a new look, budget is likely to be a major constraint. Although it would be nice to be able to renovate and decorate your home to meet your dream vision this is rarely possible. It is however a realistic aim to make a real impact and create a personal "stamp" on your home without having to call in the builders to carry out a refit.
   As the social hub of the home many people choose to start a home makeover in the kitchen. While fitting new units and appliances here will undoubtedly provide the most dramatic change, less expensive aesthetic changes such as changing the wall color and flooring will update the look more cheaply and make an instant impact. Don't feel as if you have to make a bold color statement to show change either; choosing from a neutral palette can provide clean, fresh lines in your kitchen, making it look bright and new! Pastel shades can also bring subtle warmth into the room without being overwhelming.
   Changes to peripheral accessories such as tablecloths, blinds, table mats and door knobs are also an easy way to give the room an update. These finishing touches can allow you to bring character into a room, as well as giving you the option to add some kind of theme. It's also possible to purchase these items fairly inexpensively or even make them yourself. Why not introduce a shabby chic theme by making matching tablecloths and mats for your kitchen table and finishing the look by replacing the handles and knobs on your doors and units with ones with a more quirky antique-style. You will find a huge range of door knobs available online from specialist retailers such as Door Chic.
   Finally use your utensils, books and equipment as alternative(and far cheaper) forms of decoration. If you have sets of beautiful matching plates lay them out on shelving for all to see. Consider doing the same with well illustrated and colorful cookbooks and display bright utensils from hanging racks for daily access and color.

Chic Home Blog © 2010. All rights reserved.

Chic Home Blog

2011-07-06T20:51:01Z

Decorating, Design and Stylish Living

Chic Home Living is a reflection of my own personal style at home and in life. I will be sharing product debuts, decorating projects, a little fashion and design ideas for decorating in a modern, Chic Home style.

   Be sure to subscribe so you can get new posts in your email and thank you so much for stopping by!

   I have had to make some hard decisions this past year that have opened up new doors and made it a perfect opportunity to reinvent. Chic Home Store will be getting a little face lift and be light on furniture and decor. I am currently concentrating on bringing my own personal style through an exclusive line of home decor, new custom and reworked vintage furniture.

   I am a little scared and definitely excited to move forward and see what life holds. I will be looking forward to your comments and ideas.

   Forgive me if the blogging is lagging for a while.

   Welcome to Chic Home Blog

Chic Home Blog © 2010. All rights reserved.

Welcome

2010-12-11T22:27:10Z