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Mood Board Monday: Pattern Mixing

by Kayla Kitts April 15, 2013 4 Comments

Years ago, pattern mixing was just downright messy. Now, it signals smart fashion and design know-how (if you do it right, of course). Sure, sometimes it looks like someone picked up every patterned pillow at West Elm, threw it on the sofa and bam — an eclectic mix of patterns that magically work. But trust me, things can go wrong very quickly. (Think 90s patchwork-style shirts on a large scale. Nobody wants that.) Check out this stunning pattern mixing done right, and follow our tips to bring the look into your own home.

Come back every Monday for an inspirational mood board. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

The Nursery Files: Painting a Graphic Accent Wall

by Marianne Canada April 12, 2013 19 Comments

As you may already know, I’ve been planning to paint one wall of the nursery a rich indigo blue with a graphic herringbone-meets-chevron pattern, inspired by this wall on the Brick House Blog. I started by measuring the accent wall so I could figure out the width of my panels. It turns out the room is a perfect 12′ x 12′ square, so I decided for simplicity’s sake to make 6 2-foot-wide panels across the accent wall. After taping off the sides, ceiling, door, and molding, I used a laser level to ensure that my vertical tape lines are straight. Taping wall for paint Once the panels are measured out, it’s time to start adding the diagonal lines. I started by eyeballing the angle of the first line. After that, it’s simply a matter of measuring out the stripes. I like the varied width in my inspiration photo, so I worked with 6-inch and 4-inch stripes with the occasional 3-inch stripe thrown in. Once my first panel was complete, I used the laser level again to mark out the adjacent panel’s first stripe. Once your angle is established it’s pretty quick work to tape off all of the stripes. Adding diagonal tape lines Have you ever tried to tape off a stripe pattern, only to have the color bleed under the tape and look messy? Hoping to avoid this, I followed Jenny from Little Green Notebook’s advice and painted a thin coat of my base color over all of the tape. Is this extra work? It sure is! But I spent so much time taping the wall that I didn’t want to risk anything. This seals your line and gives you a crisp, professional result. Also recommended? A cute assistant. Painting base coat Now it’s time for two coats of my color choice for the room: HGTV HOME by Sherwin Williams in Indigo Batik. Then, the moment of truth. I let the paint dry overnight and then oh-so-carefully started removing the tape. And…voila! I think I held my breath the entire time we were pulling tape off, but thanks to the base coat of white there were only a couple of spots with bleed through and I touched those up in a snap. What do you think? Removing the tape and seeing the finished wall. We’re in the home stretch now! Time to start moving the furniture in and tackle a few more small projects.

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Daily Delight: A Romantic Country Wedding

by Jessica Yonker April 12, 2013 No Comments

When the Design Happens crew first set our eyes on this gorgeous country wedding, it was love at first sight. Jenna and Andrew Lombardi exchanged vows on a 300-year-old Georgia farm, keeping the southern charm going with simple, nature-inspired touches like a wildflower bouquet, baby’s breath headpiece and lots of hay.

Browse gorgeous photos from a young couple's rustic Georgia wedding from HGTV.com's blog, Design Happens.

Photos: Gracie Dinwiddie/Gracie Blue Photography

See more photos from Jenna and Andrew’s romantic, Georgia wedding >>

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Daily Delight: April Showers

by Jessica Yonker April 11, 2013 1 Comment

I grew up in Seattle and as a result, I spent a lot of time playing in the rain. Parents, you can probably see where this is going: before my muddy feet could even touch the doorstep, my mother would send me directly to the shower.

Although my puddle-splashing days are [mostly] over, I’m still known to spend an hour in the shower after a storm. So instead of dreading those rainy days, use them as an excuse to relax – preferably in the comfort of one of these luxurious showers or bathtubs.

Susan Fredman Bathroom / Imperia Tub For Two / Stone Outdoor Shower
Bath Crashers Eco-Tub / Bath Crashers Spa Bathtub / Wooden Outdoor Shower

More stylish bathroom remodel ideas:

March Madness Results Are In – See Who Won!

by Kayla Kitts April 9, 2013 3 Comments

For the past three weeks, you’ve been casting your votes for practically every room in the house for Design Happens’ aesthetically-pleasing version of March Madness. From boys’ bedrooms to utility spaces, we were sure to include even the smallest rooms. Final votes have been tallied and we can finally reveal our Best Room of the Year.

Drumroll, please!

See Which Room Won!

Mood Board Monday: Mad Men

by Kayla Kitts April 8, 2013 4 Comments

I hate spoiling TV shows for people, so I won’t say anything about last night’s season 6 premiere of Mad Men other than, “OMG!” Did you watch? Did you love it? Like many of you, I partially watch because I’m head-over-heels for the 60′s fashion and mid-century designs. Unfortunately, it’s becoming more difficult to find those gorgeous solid wood highboys and Danish-modern china cabinets for a steal. People are catching on! Where are you finding your best mid-century pieces?

Come back every Monday for an inspirational mood board. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

March Madness Finals: Cast Your Final Vote (and Win!)

by Kayla Kitts April 7, 2013 29 Comments

The pressure’s on, and tensions are at an all-time high. These rooms are ready to face-off for the title of HGTV.com’s Best Room of the Year in our much more aesthetic, design-inspired take on March Madness. Since March 19, you’ve been voting for your favorite design for every room in the house. These, my friends, are the winners as determined by you! Now, vote for your favorite room from the selection below. I know — it’s overwhelming. But scroll slowly and pick the room that speaks to you the most. I know my pick (and I’ll reveal it on Tuesday). Cast your vote by choosing the corresponding letter (A through O) in the ballot below the image. Come back Tuesday to see if your pick won!

Want to take home a prize? Of course you do! Tell me in the comments why you chose the room you chose. One lucky winner will win an HGTV tote bag and this month’s issue of HGTV Magazine.

March Madness Finals: Vote For the Best Room of the Year on HGTV's Design Happens Blog

Head back Tuesday to see which gorgeous room won HGTV.com’s Best Room of the Year. Until then, don’t forget to cast your vote.

You may only comment once to be considered, and you don’t have to purchase anything to win; a purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Odds depend on total number of entries. Void where prohibited by law. Only open to legal residents of 50 U.S., D.C. or Puerto Rico, and you must be at least 18 years of age to win. All entries (comments) must be entered between 11:00 a.m. ET on April 07, 2013 and 12:00 p.m. ET on April 09, 2013. Subject to full official rules. By leaving a comment on the blog, you acknowledge your acceptance to the Official Rules. ARV of prize: $15. Sponsor: Scripps Networks, LLC, d/b/a HGTV, 9721 Sherrill Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37932.

Create a Retro, Mad Men- Inspired Bar

by Kayla Kitts April 4, 2013 12 Comments

In honor of the season 6 premiere of Mad Men this Sunday, co-founder of global design company Teroforma, Andrew Hellman, shares his top tips and essentials for creating a retro bar that would even bring a smile to Don Draper‘s lofty (yet attractive) face. So, grab a whiskey on the rocks and take notes. Oh, it’s only 10 a.m.? Who’s counting.

Mad Men Season 6 Photo credit: Frank Ockenfels/AMC

Style a Retro Bar at HGTV's Design Blog Design by Emily Henderson

Retro Bar Ideas

Coastal Rooms Dory Would Love

by Kayla Kitts April 3, 2013 6 Comments

Did you hear the big news “circling” Disney? On November 25, 2015, Disney Pixar will release an unexpected sequel to animated favorite Finding Nemo. The sequel, Finding Dory, will feature the whole undersea crew, and Dory will be voiced by none other than Ellen DeGeneres. Yay!

Starting a countdown 2 1/2 years out might be a little crazy, so let’s just swim through some coastal rooms for now. The best part about these spaces is that they’re likely landlocked or situated in a city somewhere. If you can’t be seaside, then bring the sea to you.

Coastal Home Office at HGTV's Design Happens Architecture by ZeroEnergy Design

Coastal Breakfast Nook at HGTV's Design Happens Design by Lynn Morgan

More Sea-Inspired Designs

Nerd Alert: Get Your Own Iron Throne

by Kayla Kitts April 2, 2013 1 Comment

Game of Thrones fans, this post is for you. What price would you pay to look like Daenerys Targaryen on the Iron Throne? (Or “Ned” Stark if you want to appear more masculine.)

Game of Thrones Iron Throne on HGTV Design Happens Credit: HBO

I ask because you can bring a life-size Iron Throne into your home for a whopping $30,000 (plus a $1,800 shipping surcharge). And it’s totally kid-friendly (for the most part); there are no real knives here. The chair is made entirely of fiberglass and pure medieval inspiration. Not willing to shell out that much money? Here’s a more affordable option for you.

Game of Thrones Iron Throne Replica - HGTV Design Happens Credit: HBO

Is that price worth an Iron Throne replica? Or would you rather get a temporary feel for the throne at the touring Game of Thrones Exhibition?

PS – This is a real product review: “This has to be the single greatest purchase I have ever made. I love chairs, and this is the kind of chair I would spend [$] on. The way the swords curve to my large posterior, it’s like I’m sitting on a cloud! Not a chair made of swords! It makes for a great gift too! Give it for housewarmings, bridal showers, birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries! It’s the gift that just keeps giving!” Mother’s Day is coming up…