I have a little theme of black and white checks running through my house. Some rooms have a little, others a little more. I’ve combined them with bright florals and solids. The patterns and colors seem to play off each other and are fun and happy. My house is a cottage style near the ocean in California.
It was decorated on a budget. The prints over the fireplace are some calendar prints I matted and framed. The B/W checked plates are from HomeGoods. My husband and I “rocked” over a brick fireplace. The sofa is slipcovered, also checked chairs. A few garage sale items and hand me downs round out the room. A budget doesn’t have to limit you. Some of the best rooms I’ve seen have been done with creativity on a budget.
1. I love the calendar prints…this is a great and econominal way to cover a large space and really make an impact!
The black and white themem is one of my favorites! This way any color can be your accent!
Great room!
by alli — 3/19/07 at 6:14 am #
2. Cathy, the black bannister and stair treads contrast beautifully with the white stair risers, balustrades and wall. It’s a sharp, rich look. I also love the “rock” fireplace and the area rug in the living room. Great usage of color and contrast!
by Kathi — 5/23/07 at 12:58 am #
3. Thanks Alli, Calendar prints are inexpensive and a great way to display a set of 6 or 8 pictures in the same theme.
Hi Kathi,
Thank you for the comments. I like the high contrast the stairs make. The rock fireplace was a project my husband and I did. Not too hard, just a littlle time and effort. Thanks for writing.
by Cathy — 6/10/07 at 2:35 am #
4. Hello Sandra,
Thanks so much. Those tables are called Bunching Tables. or Stacking tables I got them many years ago… But they are still around. I’ve even seen some at HomeGoods at different times. You might Google…Stacking tables and see what comes up, or keep your eyes open in home stores.
Thanks for asking!
Cathy
by Cathy — 12/14/07 at 9:06 pm #
5. Cathy!!
You have saved my hair and my budget all at once!!! We just bought a brand new home and we have a Great Room for the first time ever. It’s huge and empty and colorless! I was at a total loss as to how I could put it together and the hair pulling began…. Seeing your room has given me all the colors and excitement I was looking for and I can’t wait to get out there and shop, shop, shop!!! I want to see more!!!!
BIg decorating hugs to you.
by Jackie — 3/17/09 at 9:12 pm #
6. Ohhh you’re sweet Jackie!
I’m glad my room could give you some inspiration for yours. Don’t pull that hair out anymore, (you need to look good for all those guests that come over to admire your home)!
Have a great time decorating, and let me know how it all come out. You’ll love all the color. Have fun!
by Cathy — 3/18/09 at 1:13 pm #
7. I want to do my small bedroom with a beachy, Florida motif.
I need to start with a bed cover.
Help.
by margaret — 7/6/09 at 4:09 am #
8. Hello Margaret,
How fun to decorate in a coastal feel. You want to start with the bedding? That’s fine, or anything that inspires a color direction…rug, pillows, fabrics, art, is a great way to build a room around. I’m partial to solid light (white, cream, ivory) color, base bedding pieces especially for a coastal feel. Then find some great fabrics for pillows and pull a color, from the fabric, for a wall color. Add color in with accessories and keep the backgrounds light and airy.
An idea…paint the walls a light aqua, add white bedding, add pillows in solids or prints with aqua, coral, and sand colors. Add a bamboo roman shade to the window with white lightwight drapery panels, edged or banded in coral. Maybe a “Deco” inspired chair in a coral fabric. A tropical fan overhead. A rattan or wicker dresser. You get the idea.
That’s just my vision of a beachy Florida feel for a bedroom. Incorporate your ideas and it will be a hit.
Have fun decorating and enjoy your room.
by Cathy — 7/6/09 at 3:17 pm #