An Inspired New Look for Floors

August 14th, 2009 by jennifermyers
This stenciled floor is in the dining room of one of Carroll Avenue's beautifullly restored Victorians in Los Angeles, though it would work well in more contemporary homes, too.

This redwood floor is in the dining room of one of Carroll Avenue's beautifully restored Victorians in Los Angeles, though the stenciling technique would work well in more contemporary homes, too.

This week we’d like to introduce LRM Interior Design’s Stacy Shawver, our Administrative Assistant. And just because she’s busy keeping the office organized and tip-top doesn’t mean she’s not interested in interior design!

Stacy’s inspiration for this week was painted floors—but not just any painted floors. She was inspired by painted floors with a little extra.

“Instead of just rolling on a coat of paint to any floor, this image shows that you can add life to a dull floor with a pattern,” says Stacy.  “You can liven up any bare floor with some paint and a stencil!”

Stencil on a painted “area rug” or just edge the room with a stenciled pattern. What about a stenciled runner in a hallway instead of paint? Don’t rule out the outdoors either. Stenciling would be a great way to brighten patios, decks or concrete walkways.

(read the rest of this post…)

Inspiration: Bold & Soft

March 20th, 2009 by lisa

Designer's apartment in Chicago

One of my favorite web sites is Apartment Therapy. It showcases some great interiors that don’t always make it to the big glossy magazines, but are definitely worthy.

This week I found my “Inspiration” on their site – a small apartment decorated with bold style yet soft colors. The size of the space definitely spoke to me, as living and working in Laguna Beach has made me all too adept at designing for small spaces. I loved how they used wainscoting to create panels on the walls that inject color and bold patterns onto the white walls, but cleverly knew when to stop. It would have been easy to overwhelm the space with even one full wall of pattern.

The designer, also the resident of the featured apartment, used light, fresh colors that keep a small space bright and open. She also used fabrics that I am both familiar with and love, especially on the fabric-covered coffee table.

I felt that this apartment’s décor was well thought out and shows the designer’s personality and originality, plus a love of fabrics that clearly mirrors my own!

Here is a photo, as promised!

—Lisa