For the Kids

Ashley’s Thoughts On Designing a Nursery

Designing a nursery should be fun and an adventure! I always tell clients once you know the gender, begin gathering ideas on different color concepts or themes for the nursery. If you plan on waiting to find out the gender that is okay too, not to worry.  

Today’s color trends tend to be more modern and bright; but this doesn’t mean you can’t go for the soft pinks and blues. These days there are a tons of inspiration on blogs, etsy, and Pinterest. Design Lines has even created a “children’s room” board especially for the mother to be, so take a look.

For a current client of mine, I designed the nursery using a bold gray on the walls and then pulling yellows, pinks, and creams in the window treatment, chair and crib bedding fabrics.

Once the room is complete I will be sure to share the final look, so stay tuned!

Another thought to consider…is you must have a COMFORTABLE chair. As a mother you will spend a lot of time in the nursery so be sure you find a chair you love. I would even splurge on buying a cool ottoman too that compliments the chair, plus who doesn’t want to put there feet up. Those first couple of weeks you need all the rest you can get, so make it comfy for yourself!

Have you thought about accessorizing the nursery? While  you want to steer away from the small trinkets that the kids can easily put in there mouths…these accessories offer great solutions depending on your color scheme.

Frames hold great family photos. Need some trinkets to hold valuables? Boxes and trays are always an option or consider a side table next to the chair like this one from Lucy Smith Designs. Interested in purchasing any of these accessories? Give us a call! 919-852-0570.

– Ashley

A Closer Look Series

A Closer Look Series: Ben Ham Photography

I was first introduced to Ben Ham’s work after my aunt bought a piece of his work to go above her sofa inside her beach condo. I immediately fell in love with the black and white photographs and Ben’s ability to capture the soul of the low country  in and around Charleston. As a young child growing up vacationing on Kiawah Island, South Carolina my childhood memories are filled with angel oak trees and sweet grass blowing in the wind.

Using a wooden camera he is able to use sheet film to capture his photographs of natural landscapes not just from the low country but also out West. Ben has an amazing talent that is worth checking out!

-Hilaire

image: 1. Google 2. Ben Ham’s Facebook Page

Design Lines Communications, Designer Inspiration/Trends

The Creative Process & Pinterest

 

For the Design Lines team we use Pinterest on a regular basis to research the latest ideas and find inspiration for current project presentations.

Recently we had clients even bring their own idea booklet’s from Houzz and Pinterest in an effort to articulate their dreams and vision for their space on the big screen in the conference room.

To see Design Lines Pinterest boards click here.

Stories are popping up everywhere within the tech-savvy Entrepreneur world of how Pinterest is increasing traffic, engaging customers, and building brand awareness. As interior designers we are in an ever changing visual world and we rely heavily on the creative process and the inspiration around us to create unforgettable rooms. I am interested to hear what you are doing to integrate Pinterest into your own social media strategies!

Hilaire  

image: 1. engravecreate 2. DLL

Current Projects, DIY

How to Accessorize Bookshelves (A Lesson From the Chancellor’s House)

A large empty bookcase can be intimidating.  What combination of books and objects should you use to make it look its best?  The Chancellor’s house at NCState is a great case study in how to make your shelves look amazing.

 

 

In the Chancellor’s Study, we used a combination of books, small framed artwork, and decorative objects to create a sophisticated display worthy of a distinguished university.  The photographs of native plant species were taken from the University’s archive, and reference the Chancellor’s own background in botanical science.

 

Books in warm tans and browns were chosen to complement the masculine palette of the room.  We tried to make the bookcase look natural and organic, but without totally eschewing symmetry.  We also placed books in other places around the room for continuity and interest.

 

In the family room, we were looking for something more graphic, so we chose a different palette.  Bright red books and colorful glass art punctuate the white bookshelves.  In this room, the shelves are arranged in square cubbies, which are great for displaying individual works of art.


We took a different approach to the books in this room, stacking them both vertically and horizontally to add some interest.  In some cases, we even turned the books around, hiding their binding at the back, and giving a whole different look.

 

 

What’s your favorite trick for arranging bookcases?

-Robert

Images: 1 3 & 6. DLL    2 , 4 & 5 –  Photography by Dustin Peck Photography Images courtesy NC State University. All rights reserved.


Holidays

Summer Show and Tell: Where We Went and What We Did There

Hey Readers,

As your kids and those new backpacks head back to school this week, we’ll be back to blogging with frequency. We’ve been busy enjoying the summer, and thought we’d share with you what we’ve been up to:  

Ashley enjoyed a wonderful week long vacation at Wrightsville Beach with her husband and adorable daughter, Sophia.

    

Molly: “Our 2012 summer was not very relaxing or restful – but I did manage to grab a few “aaahhhhh” moments here at our beach place on the sound in Morehead city, NC. The banks of the property are lined with old oak trees – they provide a beautiful setting that welcomes our family whenever we can get away. I treasure and feel very blessed to have this in our lives.”

 

Lauren: “After moving into our new house, my husband and I spent the beginning of the summer unpacking and getting settled.  We flew to Denver, CO for a friend’s wedding, took several trips to the beach, and celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary!  After all that traveling, I finally found the perfect rug for my living room.”

 

Katerina’s collection of snaps from her Coney Island Adventure, complete with the unique people watching experience.

 

 

Hilaire and Judy went to Texas and spent the 4th of July with family. The incredible view from the dock.

 

Rob spent some time in Chicago and enjoyed a game of shuffleboard at the Jersey Shore in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. 

 

 

Ever the hostess, Judy was surprised by a birthday party at her own house- planned secretly by Hilaire.  Below, Judy blows out the candle on her gorgeous and delicious Lemon cake from the Cupcake Shoppe.

Brittany:  “I went on a roadtrip to my central Illinois hometown and watched the beautiful Scandinavian designed windmills at a local windfarm. I also got the chance to spend a lot of quality time with my goofy little brother.”

 

Around the studio, we’ve enjoyed ice cream sandwich breaks, installations at the beach, dressing in bright summer colors, and fresh roses from Katerina’s rose garden…

 

What have you been up to this summer? 

-Design Lines

Design Lines Special Events, Favorite Destinations, Resources

West Elm Opening Celebration

Rob, Katerina, Lauren and I attended an exciting preview party at the new West Elm store in Durham last night. We, along with numerous other excited party goers had a marvelous time experiencing their products L-I-V-E rather than just drooling over the catalog. A DJ was spinning tunes and we noshed on food and local drinks while selecting our must have home items!

Above- their living green wall we’re obsessing over, and the gorgeous invitation to the event printed on wood veneer.

 



Above- A few favorite items from the store.

Go check out the new Bull City store for yourself!

 

 

What West Elm products can you not live without?

I’m a huge fan of their Parsons desks and consoles- I have one in my room and the lacquered finish still looks new! -Brittany