Q+E Design Source

Design Trend 2012: Reclaim It!

qeadmin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:23:35 +0000

Being a big supporter of protecting the environment and Interior Designer I love the new trend of using reclaimed items.

This trend has been more and more prevalent and it is making a big statement in interiors in 2012.

This interior uses reclaimed pallets to create a cozy space to just relax and soak in the day I love this reclaimed wine barrel chandelier from Restoration Hardware.

We used it in a Stapleton Great Room we redesigned. Cheers to that!

This reclaimed coffee table from Pottery Barn, made of old wood doors, makes a great addition to any family room.

Finartco.com in Denver is creating amazing items out of salvaged products, like this desk made from old airplane wings.

There is not limit to what you can reclaim and use to create the room of your dreams.

3 Ways To Use Metallics

Kama — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:00:14 +0000

Want to add a bit of glitz to your home while still keeping it classy? Metallics are excellent way to add both shimmer and elegance.

While metallics are typically found in vases, containers, and other accessories, you might want to check out these three unusual ways to use metallics.

1. Tableware. Metallic tableware brings instant glamour to even the most casual family dinner. For a more eclectic effect, layer different sheens and patterns.

Photo: Elle Decor

2. Curtains. Choose fabrics with a very subtle metallic sheen to add shimmer without overwhelming your room. Solid, neutral colors in simple shapes usually work best for this.

Photo: westelm.com

3. Produce Displays. Spray paint pumpkins, apples, pears, or other produce in rich metallic colors. The result is a fresh, dramatic take on typical centerpiece arrangements.

Photo: aholidayhaven.com

Why not add a little POP to your New Year’s Celebration with these great ideas!

qeadmin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:44:41 +0000

Why not add a little POP to your New Year’s Celebration with these great ideas!

Love these New Year’s Eve Poppers featured on HGTV

Toast from Around the World with these Great Champagne Flutes from Zodax

In Spain it is Good Luck to eat a Dozen Grapes at Midnight, Why not add Some to Your Champagne with this Great Idea from MarthaStewart.com

My Mother being from the South we always had Black Eyed Peas for Good Luck on New Years. Try this recipe for “Hoppin’ John” From Emeril

Happy New Year and Sante’ to a Fabulous 2012!

From All of Us at Q+E Design Source

Easy Additions to Your Holiday Decor

Kama — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:00:35 +0000

Need a few quick additions to your holiday decor? We have put together a list of quick purchases and arrangements to add the finishing touches to your home’s holiday design.

Poinsettias. This quintessential holiday plant will bring instant holiday cheer to any table or nook in your home. Buy a large poinsettia to stand on its own, or group a cluster of small poinsettias on tables or shelves.
Candles- Pick up a few holiday scented candles to place around your house. Or, use small votive candles to bring warm, flickering light to your arrangements. Consider placing holiday candles in rooms that may not have as much decoration, such as bathrooms or kitchen prep areas.
Photos- Display photos of your family from past holidays to add a warm personal touch to your decorations.
Natural Arrangements- collect pinecones, holly leaves, and berries right form your backyard and arrange them in a simple glass vase or wooden bowl. Fruit also makes for a beautiful holiday centerpiece
Stockings. Display your family stocking on the mantle or other surface
Fresh Flowers- Choose simple fresh flowers in holiday colors. Red or white roses work well, and tulips are also a great option.
Play holiday music- Having soft holiday music in the background instantly creates a welcoming, enjoyable atmosphere.

Photo: partyresources.blogspot.com

Photo: potterybarn

Happy Holidays to all!!

5 Creative Takes on the Bulletin Board

Kama — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:00:59 +0000

The bulletin board is a staple of home organization, and it has long been a top choice for displaying invitations, photos, and small trinkets.

For some fun updates on the classic cork version, check out these five takes on the bulletin board.

1. Use fabric covered boards. Cover traditional bulletin boards with the fabric of your choice and paint the frame in a coordinating color.

Photo: budgetwisehome.com

2. Frame your board. Thick, dramatic frames instantly fancy up a plain bulletin board.

Photo: tearosehome.blogspot.com

3. Try oversize boards. Lean large bulletin boards against a wall for maximum impact. This works especially well in offices, children’s rooms, or mudrooms.

Photo: everycreativeendeavor.com

4. Or, try a cluster of small boards. Hanging several smaller bulletin boards together is a great way to organize your various papers and to take advantage of a smaller space.

Photo: potterybarn.com

5. Try circular bulletin boards. Circles bring an unexpected shape into your room, adding a fun dose of whimsy. Consider grouping multiple circular boards into one arrangement.

Photo: sirenmag.com

The Little Details of Hospitality

Kama — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:22 +0000

Photo: sunset.com

As most good hostesses will tell you, hospitality is all about the details. As you prepare your home for holiday houseguests, check out these simple details that could make a huge difference.

Bedroom

Place a small welcome gift on the bed- magazines, hot chocolate mix, or lotions are perfect for adults. Small toys or games work well for children.
If there is space, provide guests with a pitcher of water and a few glasses, since many people get thirsty during the night. You could also provide a few light snacks, such granola bars, fruit, or crackers.
Stack spare linens in a nearby closet
If there is anyone sleeping on an air mattress, have the extra linens clean and stacked in the room.
Provide reading materials- stack a few favorite novels on bookshelves or tables, or fill a basket with magazines and newspapers

Bathroom

Gather a basket of small toiletries- lotions, wrapped soaps, mini-toothpastes, and place it on your bathroom counter
Provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in your shower. Look for pretty bottles or labels.
Light a scented candle or use an air freshener
Stack extra towels in a convenient location

Photo: House Beautiful

Organizing Your Home Office

Kama — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:00:10 +0000

A home office is only as a good as its organization. Neat, thoughtful organization makes for an attractive, efficient work station, while careless storage can result in a cluttered, ineffective space.

When organizing your home office, it is important to make full use of the space that you have. If your space has a deep drawer, outfit it with filing racks to create a simple filing cabinet for bills, letters, and other documents. If you do not have much drawer space, use baskets or containers to neatly store papers.

Limit the objects that you put on the actual desk. Keeping your desk open will give you more room to write, type, or craft. Instead of displaying photographs on the desk, mount them on the wall or post them on bulletin boards.

Bulletin boards are also a great place to post calendars, schedules, invitations, and to-do lists. Posting these papers on a board keeps minimizes clutter on your desk while also keeping important papers visible.

To add visual interest to your space, look for creative containers. Mason jars are a great storage option for pens, pencils, and other desk supplies, especially when accented with pretty ribbon. Woven baskets are a great way to sort mail, while lidded containers are perfect for storing electronic chargers and cords.

If you can, clearly label your storage containers. Consider creating tags out of patterned paper and tying them on with a small piece of ribbon.

Check out these beautifully organized spaces!

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Add Height To Your Design

caroline — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:03 +0000

Unfortunately, we cannot magically raise your home’s ceilings. However, we can show you several ways to add height to your room’s design. Varying the height of design elements in your room adds visual interest by creating different sight lines. Used sparingly, tall pieces can balance a large room and bring drama to a smaller one.

Consider using these pieces to add height to your room’s design:

Mirrors

Mirrors are a great way to add height and depth. One tall mirror can transform a wall and give your room a dramatic focal point. Lean tall mirrors against a wall, or mount them behind a sofa or table.

Photo: Elle Decor

Lighting

Larger or interesting chandeliers are a a great way to add height to your room. Colorful or intricate chandeliers will automatically draw the eye upward, adding a whole new dimension to your room’s decor.

Photo: House Beautiful

Curtains

Consider hanging your curtains higher than the top of your window, giving the illusion of taller windows. Additionally, remember that curtains are not limited to windows. They can also frame a bed or act as a space divider.

Photo: House Beautiful

Plants

Plants are a great way to add height more subtly. A tall, arching plant adds a graceful note of height to any room in your home.

Photo: House Beautiful

Creative Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Kama — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:01 +0000

As everyone’s favorite time of year draws closer, our focus increasingly turns to the dining room table. If your family and friends are gathering around your table next Thursday, welcome them with a beautiful fall centerpiece.

Here are a few ideas for creating a warm, welcoming centerpiece that is perfect for the Thanksgiving holidays.

Think fresh. Since most of us in Denver cannot eat our Thanksgiving meal outside, fresh flowers and fruit are a great way to bring the outdoors in.
Pile fresh fruit into glass vases for easy, inexpensive centerpieces
Group flowers into low, square vases so that they do not obstruct conversation
Use fall-themed materials. Pumpkins, gourds, squash, or fall leaves all make beautiful arrangements
Use a few large candles or multiple small votive candles to bring warmth and soft light to your table
A table runner in a fall color is an excellent alternative to the traditional tablecloth
Nuts, pinecones, berries, or acorns look great when piled in a vase and accented with foliage or flowers

Check out these pictures for more inspiration!

Photo: Good Housekeeping

Photo: House Beautiful

8 Great Ideas for Kid’s Rooms

Kama — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:00:10 +0000

Looking to add some fun and functionality to your child’s space? Check out these eight wonderful ideas for children’s room!

Loft your child’s bed to gain more space and add different height levels. Your child will love climbing the ladder and having their own nook underneath. You could put a desk or bookcase under the loft, or curtain it off to create a small playhouse.
Use chalkboard paint to cover a portion of the wall. Your child will be thrilled to draw on the walls without getting in trouble.
Movie posters, photographs of your child’s favorite stars, or album covers all make excellent wall art
For budget-friendly art, purchase a large canvas and a few paint colors and work with your child to create some abstract art for their room. Stripes, polka dots, or swirls are all easy to paint and look great.
Don’t be afraid to use bold colors. Painting the inside of a book shelf is a great way to bring in a small dose of bold color.
Display your child’s favorite collections in shadowboxes or glass-front shelves.
Add fun interactive elements- a slide, a small playhouse, or a toy kitchen will provide hours of entertainment
Choose a theme for the room’s accessories. Some classics include: nautical, beach, sports, or princesses.

Photo: abodelove

Photo: andreasideablog

Photo: HGTV