Design Tip Tuesday: Shelf Styling

Decorating is all about telling your story...The story about the things you love and the people you love in the place you love. Learning how to translate that story to shelves in your home can be slightly overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. You can decorate bookshelves so they are both fully functional and pleasing to the eye. 

First things first, if you’ve been collecting things for a little while, gather everything together. It’s good to have items that vary in size including books, art, greenery and vases. This is the perfect spot to add some of those family photos as well. 

If you already have items on your shelves, I recommend completely clearing them off so you are starting with a blank slate.

As you begin to reassemble the shelves, start with the larger items to create a foundation and fill in with smaller accessories. Create groups of smaller items such as vases or books to balance the larger items. 

Books are some of the most useful accessories because they are so versatile. Alternate stacking books horizontally and vertically. Horizontal books can be used as platforms for displaying other objects, like small potted plants while vertical books add height. Creating visual height draws the eye upward. 

To create flow, choose a color palette that pulls from other areas of the room. You can also add seasonal touches to freshen up the shelves and keep it interesting. 

Remember, keep it simple and meaningful. We can’t stress this enough. The more items you have on a shelf, the less of an impact each individual item is going to make. 

Design Tip Tuesday: Table Settings

Design Tip Tuesday: Table Settings

I don’t know about you but table setting is one of my favorite things to do. I typically change my table settings each month at my house (I know you are shocked I would change something). It’s a fun way to add seasonal touches to your home without a ton of effort plus it’s fun to be creative with your tablescapes and utilize things that most people wouldn’t. Since we are right before Easter, we thought we’d give you a little table setting inspiration. Whether you are having an intimate gathering, a large family affair or just doing it for yourself, there are a number of ways you can set your table. When dressing up your table a couple of basic principles apply: 

1. Table Selection:  First things first, determine the foundation for your table setting: round, rectangular, wood or plastic. Each of these tables can be decorated beautifully. Pick what works for you and run with it. 

2. Textiles: After you've determined your table, then decide what textiles you are going to use. Will you be using a tablecloth, runner, placemats or a combination? I like to layer for added dimension and visual interest. Seasonal table runners are really fun to use. We love the script on this particular Easter runner.

3. Plates:  Layering isn't limited to textiles, you can also layer your plates by using a charger, your dinner plate, and if the menu is formal, a salad plate or bowl as well.  For clarification,  a charger plate is a base plate that goes underneath your dinner plate. It's simply for decoration. I don’t always use standard chargers in my table settings. In this case, I actually used an old book. I love the way the pages look underneath the plate. Tip: If you don't have enough plates, mix two different coordinating sets to increase your quantity.  

4. Napkins: As you can see above, we used a coordinating napkin that matched our table runner. This particular “napkin” is actually a dishtowel. I interchange napkins and dish towels in my tablescapes because sometimes I find dish towels I like better. In lieu of using a napkin ring, we found super cute bunny ear headbands that we tucked underneath the napkin. These make great party favors for your guests and they are fun for kids too. Below is an additional table setting example with the layered effect. In this example, we layered a dinner plate with a beautiful scalloped edge bowl. Then topped it off with a bird nest and a jasmine tea sachet from PinkCherryMama as a party favor.

5. How to set Silverware: Sometimes silverware is tricky...But here are the basic rules. Forks are on the left and knives on the right with the blade facing the plate.  If you are having salad and plan on using a fork specifically for the course, the salad fork goes to the left of the dinner fork. Tip: When you sit down to dinner and there is more silverware than you know what to do with, remember to work from the outside in when it comes to silverware. 

6. Use Natural Elements that Fit With the Season:Whether it's a centerpiece or place setting decor, incorporating natural elements not only keeps the cost down but it also increases the festive feel of the table.   Daffodil plants are making their way to the stores. Instead of getting fresh cut flowers, pickup a couple of plants, use them on your table as a centerpiece. Then plant them in your garden for blooms to enjoy year after year.

The Takeaway: Making an impact doesn't have to be expensive.You can do a lot with natural elements and also by re-inventing items you have in your existing collection. The most important part of the day is simply being together and making memories for years to come.

 Need help putting a table design together, let the experts at Eddy Street Vintage Market help you! Contact us for more details.  

Design Tip Tuesday: Mixing Old and New

It’s been a little while since I’ve written a blog post so I figured there’s no time like the present to do a little spring cleaning and dust off the ol’ blog. Thanks to my good friend Lindsey, we will be bringing you Design Tip Tuesday, to give you a little decor inspiration each week. This week’s topic is mixing old and new decor.

Have you ever found yourself asking “What would Meredith do?” Well I’m here to tell you just that.

I don't play by the rules when it comes to designing spaces. I tend to make up my own rules. I love old things but I also like new ones too. For our March shop design, I’ve got a good mix of old and new. I also believe in designing what feels good to you.

In this particular photo, we have some new furniture mixed with some vintage accessories. Cozy blankets on the chairs add texture to the space. A small pillow with stripes gives the space a small pop of color. These are the cozy feel good things. Now, to add to the story, I added in the vintage pieces. Mixing old and new adds balance. Instead of using one larger end table, I’ve combined three small vintage tables that almost act as nesting tables. I like the different shape and style of each of these tables.

If you know me, you know I LOVE OLD BOOKS!! Old books are one component that is a constant in all of my designs. In this case, we took some books that had seen better days and repurposed them into a book garland.

I love the book garland because it adds dimension to the mantel plus it’s a conversation piece. You don’t see these everyday and you can’t buy it at any of the big box stores.

In addition to the book garland, I’ve got one of my all time favorite pieces on one of the small tables. An old book without its cover, wrapped in twine.

This book dates back to 1856, a true antique! What I love about it is how simple and elegant it is. I admire the writing and wish that my own handwriting was as beautiful as this.
Last but not least, I added in some faux greenery (because let’s be honest, keeping real plants alive is not my strong suit). Since Mother Nature refuses to cooperate, I’m bringing the spring feel inside. We also have some vintage style chocolate bunny molds on the mantel too.

All in all this space is cozy with a nice blend of old and new.

When you mix old and new, you keep the room fresh. It adds contrast and depth which ultimately gives the space balance. AKA: The space feels good!

Tips for Mixing Old and New:

•The number one rule is always be true to your own style. If you like mixing polka dots and stripes, you go for it. Be authentic to your style.

•Use what you have at home and then add what you need. If you are working with an older piece of furniture at home, add a few new decorative accessories to freshen it up and give it a new look.

•If you have new pieces in your home but you want to add some vintage charm, add in vintage decor. I personally love salvage pieces like corbels, old windows, doors or columns. As I mentioned earlier, vintage books are always a winner in home decor.

•Get creative: Vintage pieces are really fun to use and especially fun to get creative with. You don’t always have to use the item for it’s intended purpose either. For example, use an old chicken feeder as a table centerpiece. You’ll get kudos for being creative and you will have a fun centerpiece.

Mixing old and new in your home can add a lot of personality. What vintage or new items do you want to add to your home? Join us March 15th-18th at Eddy Street Vintage Market to find some one-of-a-kind pieces.

Ready, set, decorate!

Happy Styling!
Meredith

What do you want to know about?

Leave a comment with your questions for Design Tip Tuesday

Holiday Home Tour

We get a lot of questions about what our house looks like so I thought I would take this opportunity to give you a little behind the scenes tour of Eddy Street at Home, with some of our top picks for holiday decor of course. Here are our top 5: 

1: Flocked mini trees: 

These little guys have so much potential, whether it's adding the perfect touch of holiday green, embellishing table decor, or framing a mantle, these trees fit decor of all sizes. 

2. "Snowy Trees" Artwork from Silver Thistle Photography

Silver Thistle Photography's featured photo of the month, "Snowy Trees," was the perfect compliment to our holiday picture mantle. Plus, I love that she did this canvas in a trio! Even better, she took this picture in our own backyard. This image was captured near Frog Lake off of Hwy 50. She will have a variety of sizes of this image at our next sale including a greeting card.

3. Crepe Paper Flower Centerpiece from PinkCherryMama

It's so nice to have a flower arrangement that lasts the WHOLE SEASON for pretty much the same price as a live flower arrangement would cost. Plus you have it every year. Did you know that PinkCherryMama takes apart live flowers in order to replicate them in paper? Definitely worth investing in one or two of these for your home this season. The hardest part is picking from her array of styles. 

4. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe Pillows:

Loving this Meet Me Under the Mistletoe pillow. I thought it was the perfect touch for our master bedroom. This month at the shop we will have the pillows as well as a wooden sign with the same saying. You could even pickup some of PinkCherryMama's paper mistletoe. Pucker up! XO

5. Holiday Tins:

The holiday tins come in three sizes, Holiday Greens is the largest. These are perfect for throwing extra pillows or blankets in, you could use it as a tree stand if you weigh it down, or it's cute enough to stand alone. Sorry, cute dog not included.

These are just a few of my favorite items to decorate for the holidays with. Hope you enjoyed the behind the scenes tour. Come visit us at Eddy Street Vintage Market December 2nd and December 15th-17th to find these items and much much more to get your home holiday ready. If you have something specific to ask Santa for, fill out one of our Eddy Street Wish Lists and send it to your Santa. 

Hope to see you at the shop this holiday season! It's truly the merriest time of the year on Eddy Street! 

XO,

Meredith

Easy Living on Acoma

While we are waiting for the weather to warm up, staging season is already off to a hot start. One of the properties we recently staged is headed to market. This home is located at 5141 W. Acoma in Reno. 

When it comes to preparing your house to list, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way. This house was just repainted floor to ceiling. Leaving the perfect foundation for us to work with. They picked a lovely soft white called Antique White that has a creamy undertone. 

Even with fresh paint, walking into an empty space certainly isn't inviting. Click the image below to see before and after photos. 

The house on Acoma offers a perfect blend of space and separation. When you walk in, you'll notice the lovely views of the mountainside. After being furnished the sitting area with a fireplace calls your name and urges you to bring a good book along. Without furnishings, the master bedroom was hard to visualize the potential of the space... 

The master retreat offers a spacious living area with enough room for a king bed, nightstands and a seating area. The fireplace is a wonderful added touch. 

On the other side of the house the family room is the perfect area for lounging, spacious enough to fit a large sectional that can fit the whole family. With a dining area nearby, this room offers loads of space for memories to be made. 

Additionally, there is a whole wing of the house with additional  bedrooms. This is just a small glimpse of what this house has to offer. Check out the full listing by clicking the link below:

5141 W Acoma Rd, Reno, NV 89511 | MLS #170003404 | Zillow

For sale: $660,000. Wonderful single level home in Southwest Vistas situated on .73 acre lot with beautiful view of Mt. Rose. Features include 2 gas log fireplaces, hardwood floors in all rooms except bedrooms/baths and laundry. Entire house has just been repainted --walls, ceilings, doors and woodwork. Side-load over-sized 4 car garage.

If you would like to see more, give Lori a call today to see the whole package!

Lori Doyle, Realtor

Trans-Action Realty 500

Email: LoriDoyle@RenoHotProperties.com

http://www.RenoHotProperties.com  

775.721.3570 (cellular/voice mail)