You’d think my cupboard had a celebrity colorist considering all the colors it has been, which is  currently painted in Windy Sky. It has been in my former living area and son’s room, displayed children’s books, beach artifacts, linens and currently showcases kitchenware. But how do you master the art of a display?

An attention to the right pieces and color over clutter creates an effective vignette.

Thoughtful Displays of Affection:

1. Consider the Space: With limited shelf space avoid cramming all of your favorite pieces. (I am so guilty of this). Be prepared to do an edit where some items may not make the cut. Simply stow them away in a clearly marked container and revisit to use again for when you entertain or want to rejig a theme.
2. Scheming: In this vignette I picked items that have colors represented in the adjoining kitchen and living spaces. I added pink for pop, whimsy and it goes with the playful theme in our household as we are always experimenting with recipes and party ideas.
3. Create Levels: Pick a variety of objects in different heights to fill in blank spaces. Pedestal plates, trays and the decorative boxes they were packed in are great accessories to stack pieces and add interest.
4. Mix It Up: From modern basics to heirlooms, traditional and updated accents come together to make a personalized look. Dainty porcelain you thought was destined for your Great Aunt Polly’s 90th birthday need not be relegated to storage. Rose printed china looks cool against simple colored pieces.

While the idea of a front parlor room where you can make embroidered cushions and read letters delivered on silver platters is quaint, we had uncertainty if the original room would make sense in our modern lifestyle. After giving the home a few test months, we valued the separation of the front and back sections of the first floor. Since this is a smaller home, different areas for family to retreat in is key. Thus we transformed the original parlor room into a “calm room.”

The “calm room” is minimally furnished to nurture restful activities for modern times, like reading, homework or games.

The bay window brings in natural light and added seating, which helps keep the room uncluttered and relaxing. I kept the furnishings to a few functional pieces that are low to the ground–movable chairs like the rope poufs and stools, with plenty of books tastefully displayed. The home’s primary palette of blues and seaglass green is amply represented. A sisal rug is always key to bring in warmth and seamlessly integrate into the design scheme.

Upholstered pillows allow you to control the design.

The design theme of this room has a combination of influences, notably favorite places I have lived in like the Hamptons and Laguna Beach. Both coastal regions, though on different coasts, which share a casual elegance–comfortable, ethnic-inspired, light with beachy shades. I upholstered the pillows, valances and seat cushions with a Kravet fabric.

My most dependable design accent is coffee table books. If you saw my last storage facility you would say it is an obsession. Being an author of a few titles I am partial to what’s inside the book, though they also have design cred in accessorizing. I painted a brick wall white and kept the shelving for my books, which I organized by scale and color with a few accents here and there. (More to come later…)

Every home should have book shelves in at least one room.

The coffee table is an anchor piece in a designed home. What makes it on the table are favorite books chosen for size, color and style–peppered with supporting accents. When I came across Bitten by Witch Fever (which is actually a lovely book on colorful Victorian wallpapers) the scheme seemed intended for the room.

Coffee table book chosen for its pattern and color, which fits with the room’s theme. Design wise that is.

First impressions is not exclusive to good shoes and handshakes–they matter in a home. With only so many New England months to tackle the exterior we’ve been focusing our attention to lightening the color scheme and adding the right details. The flow of what outwardly appears continues to the #entryway.

Design techniques used on the front entrance are applied to the interior. Simply framed prints of eggs following the line of the staircase are clean, calm and keep to the neutral color scheme. Invest in a chandelier or quality lighting, which takes the drama above, dazzles the eye, and keeps your space clutter free. Bay windows are always appreciated to seat more guests and add a dash of color and style with thoughtfully appointed upholstery. Even better is to create storage beneath for valued organizational space in a small home.

A small entryway is simple and welcoming by selecting the right accents and neutral colors. (Rug from Dash & Albert).

A great chandelier adds impact. This simple beaded piece with rope trimming by Au Courant Interiors is not so fussy like a crystal or brass chandelier. Choose pieces that are small and practical, such as movable chairs, cushions and foot stools.

We painted the entryway door in the same shade of icy blue as the porch walls. The result is unexpected and happy.

Paint a door a vibrant shade, which is less of a commitment than an entire wall.

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With a year to mull over paint colors and hardware you’d think we would get it right. As with every design project there is some trial and error. Unfortunately my budget is not a fan of trial and error. The current before and after of our home’s exterior makeover does show improvement, and for readers treat it like a “count the differences” exercise in those children’s game books my son adores.*

We secured the right painters, who powerwashed the shingles with a bleach cleaner. We changed the paint color of the porch from dark blue to gray, door from red to yellow and trim from light blue to white (with plans to add shutters–more to come on that project). The yellow door makes me smile, which was an impulse change after thinking it would be blue–still have the paint can to prove it.

The other color in flux is the stain, which had an orangish reaction to the wood. Learn from my mistake–do not paint the entire project until you are satisfied with a test patch. Currently considering white based stains and any feedback is appreciated.

White based stains from Benjamin Moore in consideration.

Finishing details with the hardware and accents complete the styled look.

Ellie will never refuse a photo opp and loves the new porch.

Doormat made from recycled lobster rope is good for the environment, good for style.

Making a yellow entrance.

Classic adirondack chairs are updated and durable in their plastic reincarnation.

Sand dollar door knocker is jewelry for the home.

The right hardware is a simple way to update the look.

Pillows weave in color and comfort.

The door knocker is by Michael Healy. Yes, door knockers now have designers for those who care about such things. Packaged in a lovely box and felt satchel, it felt like opening a piece of jewelry. It is in fact jewelry for the home. The floating house numbers were a quest to find as most available have a dated feel. Made from recycled plastic, the Pollywood adirondack chairs have a modern feel and are made to endure. Pillows in our color scheme bring in whimsy and comfort. The nautical inspired front light updates the look. The doormat from Cape Porpoise Trading Company is made from recycled lobster trap rope–good for the environment and good looking always earns high points for the ecologically design friendly group.

*Answers to before & after changes: 1. Porch brackets removed 2. New paint color for trim, porch and door. 3. Lighter stain 4. Door knocker and house numbers replaced. 4. Addition of pillows and doormat 5. Ellie in different positions.