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Sure, you can paint your walls with some great color, add an Ombre affect or tape off a cool geometric design. But how do you get a really great impactful design on your walls or your ceiling? Try wallpaper or a wallpaper mural!
Offering options with an attitude! Black Crow Studios located in Long Beach, CA, has a gorgeous selection of custom murals and wall paper printed on smooth matte wall covering material that is PVC-free. It is definitely not your grandmother's (or even your mother's) wallpaper. Each design has movement and color that will transform your space and set the mood for the rest of your home or give a single space the voice it needs to make it special and appreciated. Here is an article by Ginna Christensen highlighting their Rebel with a Cause campaign.
https://www.blackcrowstudios.com/ All from Black Crow Studios
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Amazon Removable Furniture Stickers
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Black Crow Studios
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Powder rooms and laundry rooms are great places to make a bold statement using wallpaper given they are usually relatively small spaces. Beware of putting up wallpaper on your own in these spaces. Although they are small, all the fixtures and corners can make installation complicated. (I know from personal experience!)
Where would you entertain the idea of putting up wallpaper?
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Every year I like to take a look at the buzz among interior designers, architects, and home builders about what they see as the trends for the new year as it relates to interior design. Since 2020 I've encapsulated it into a mood board that I refer to throughout the year as a way to check in out of curiosity while following trends and as a way to guide my designs for my clients. Every client is definitely different, but there are always elements that you can draw on to keep your spaces fresh and up to date without compromising your true design style, Keep reading to find out my view of interior design trends for 2023.
But first, here is a look at the last 2 years...
But first, here is a look at the last 2 years...
One year deep into the pandemic left us all hoping for a calm, orderly existence. Comfort and style were scrutinized and we wanted a home that was restful with elements from the outdoors brought inside in our furnishings, accessories, and easy-breezy window treatments.
2022 began with a continued focus toward comfort with modern furnishings, textured walls and wall coverings, homey art, fun lighting, and warmth throughout including our flooring.
The 2022 color palette began with soft pale neutrals, then as the year progressed it turned to darker neutrals and moody tones. Mid-year I changed up my trend board to contrast the light and airy trends with Steampunk style which trends darker and more toward maximalism.
I won't make you wait any longer. Here it comes - 2023 whether you are ready or not!
I picked 5 focus areas to concentrate on what is coming:
Curves - Not just for the voluptuous! Furniture, lighting, and accessories will boast large round contours that either envelope you in a comfortable bubble or send you figuratively in a spin.
Sustainability - We need to focus on our world and find ways to retain resources. Reusing materials, upcycling, repurposing, mindful and responsible manufacturing, and even using nature only when it is abundant. (I've been looking for ways to reuse all those pine needles at our cottage, but I'll leave making artful bowls like the one pictured to the experts!)
Old Meets New - What better way to reuse/recycle/repurpose then to bring in a few old, well loved pieces along with the newer items. You'll get a much better livable look that won't go out of style so quickly. On top of helping the world, you are building your own personal style. Who else has Grama's old side table and Uncle Fred's Mid-Century media cabinet?
Patterns and Textures - I've heard it said that Maximalism is trending. I don't think that applies, or should apply, to everyone. Adding pattern and texture, however, should. Without pattern and texture, your rooms will look flat and untouchable. Patterns can be found in fabrics, tile placement, murals, and more. The same can be said of textures. Have fun, remember to repeat 1 or 2 times throughout the room, but know when to stop. It can be tricky to pull off a highly patterned theme without adding chaos and stress, but you can have fun experimenting.
A Burst of Color - Let's not forget color! Be bold. Use what you like. If it turns out you picked an overpowering color you can't handle, either repaint or add loads of white in other elements to lighten it up. Try to stick to 2-3 main colors in any one space adding neutrals, woods, and metals to bring it all together. If one room has a burst of a certain color in a large area, try using the same color or shades of it in an adjoining room on smaller pieces. Remember that lighting will play a major role in how your colors work, so ask an expert (me!) if you need some assistance.
Curves - Not just for the voluptuous! Furniture, lighting, and accessories will boast large round contours that either envelope you in a comfortable bubble or send you figuratively in a spin.
Sustainability - We need to focus on our world and find ways to retain resources. Reusing materials, upcycling, repurposing, mindful and responsible manufacturing, and even using nature only when it is abundant. (I've been looking for ways to reuse all those pine needles at our cottage, but I'll leave making artful bowls like the one pictured to the experts!)
Old Meets New - What better way to reuse/recycle/repurpose then to bring in a few old, well loved pieces along with the newer items. You'll get a much better livable look that won't go out of style so quickly. On top of helping the world, you are building your own personal style. Who else has Grama's old side table and Uncle Fred's Mid-Century media cabinet?
Patterns and Textures - I've heard it said that Maximalism is trending. I don't think that applies, or should apply, to everyone. Adding pattern and texture, however, should. Without pattern and texture, your rooms will look flat and untouchable. Patterns can be found in fabrics, tile placement, murals, and more. The same can be said of textures. Have fun, remember to repeat 1 or 2 times throughout the room, but know when to stop. It can be tricky to pull off a highly patterned theme without adding chaos and stress, but you can have fun experimenting.
A Burst of Color - Let's not forget color! Be bold. Use what you like. If it turns out you picked an overpowering color you can't handle, either repaint or add loads of white in other elements to lighten it up. Try to stick to 2-3 main colors in any one space adding neutrals, woods, and metals to bring it all together. If one room has a burst of a certain color in a large area, try using the same color or shades of it in an adjoining room on smaller pieces. Remember that lighting will play a major role in how your colors work, so ask an expert (me!) if you need some assistance.
I hope this helped give you some inspiration as we move into 2023. The possibilities are endless. Don't let that overwhelm you. I can help you bring responsible style and comfort to your home whether you own or rent. I will guide you through the process and provide you with a design you'll love. Feel free to contact me via email, phone, or my contact form on this website.
From Autumn Light Interiors and yours truly, Brenda,
It's been a while since my last blog post. I've been building a tree! Why? What? Are you crazy? ...you ask!
This was not just any tree. It was a little hideaway for the students (and staff!) at Common Threads Family Resource Center in Madison, Wisconsin. As a design team member of the Design for a Difference movement in Madison, I chose to spend a lot of my summer and the start of fall bringing nature (an 11 foot tall tree to be exact) to one of the spaces where Common Threads will bring students for sensory exercises and a chance to calm themselves.
This is not my first contribution in the creative build department for a non-profit. I built a very large wall clock for the Wil-Mar Neighborhood center in 2019.
This was not just any tree. It was a little hideaway for the students (and staff!) at Common Threads Family Resource Center in Madison, Wisconsin. As a design team member of the Design for a Difference movement in Madison, I chose to spend a lot of my summer and the start of fall bringing nature (an 11 foot tall tree to be exact) to one of the spaces where Common Threads will bring students for sensory exercises and a chance to calm themselves.
This is not my first contribution in the creative build department for a non-profit. I built a very large wall clock for the Wil-Mar Neighborhood center in 2019.
Common Threads is a non-profit organization that brings many services to neuro-diverse individuals. They have a school program and a clinic that serve this special community via staff that are professional and so very kind, loving, and talented. They deserved the great makeover worth approximately $450,000, fully donated by designers, trades, and others providing materials, time, and definitely talent. The space I helped pull together is called the 'alcove', a space off the main cafeteria area which leads to a quiet 'take five' space designed by another team. There were several teams that worked together to provide great spaces for the students and staff. There is a short video of the reveal at this link.
For this blog post, I wanted to share my work on the tree itself. A bit of a departure on interior design? Yes. Once I committed to creating a tree, I worried all along whether I'd be able to pull this off on my own. I had offers of help, but bringing others in didn't fit into my schedule so I plodded along and surprised myself in the end. I'm proud of the result and kind of miss my tree now that I've handed it off to Common Threads!
Let's start at the beginning. I built branches out of foam core, pool noodles, and a lot of masking tape.
For this blog post, I wanted to share my work on the tree itself. A bit of a departure on interior design? Yes. Once I committed to creating a tree, I worried all along whether I'd be able to pull this off on my own. I had offers of help, but bringing others in didn't fit into my schedule so I plodded along and surprised myself in the end. I'm proud of the result and kind of miss my tree now that I've handed it off to Common Threads!
Let's start at the beginning. I built branches out of foam core, pool noodles, and a lot of masking tape.
The bigger task at hand was the main trunk. How do I build something that I can transport and put together that ends up being 11 feet tall and has a large enough space within to seat one child or adult? I decided three sections will work given that the material I used was 4x8 sheets of hard board formed (not easily, mind you) into cylinders.
I had to ensure it was stable enough for students that might be a bit rambunctious before they are able to calm themselves. I added wood slats to the outside, wet the hard board slightly, then used ropes and other supports to get the ends to meet.
I had to ensure it was stable enough for students that might be a bit rambunctious before they are able to calm themselves. I added wood slats to the outside, wet the hard board slightly, then used ropes and other supports to get the ends to meet.
I added plywood at each end of the two bottom sections and on one end of the shorter top section, plus some wood boards to keep it pulled together. I wasn't convinced that would work well with the strong resistance of the boards and the tiny screw heads, so I added several toggle bolts and wood boards along the seams to ensure more surface was covered to keep the cylinders closed and sturdy. I lined the bottom section with indoor/outdoor carpet generously donated by The Home Depot along with most of the supplies for this tree. This hard board fought me hard! I must have drilled my fingers 3 or 4 times getting the cylinders built.
There was a scary time when I cut out the hide-away opening because I wasn't sure if it would all snap apart. It worked well even doing it after I lined the inside! My garage housed the tree and all my supplies for a couple of months as I worked on this. I added the branches temporarily to ensure I could do it and that it looked like a tree. (Bottom section is shown upside down.)
There was a scary time when I cut out the hide-away opening because I wasn't sure if it would all snap apart. It worked well even doing it after I lined the inside! My garage housed the tree and all my supplies for a couple of months as I worked on this. I added the branches temporarily to ensure I could do it and that it looked like a tree. (Bottom section is shown upside down.)
Time to start adding shape and texture to the cylinders. Again, pool noodles to the rescue along with a couple of cases of expanding insulation foam! I also used Durham's Rock Hard Putty and leftover ready mixed joint compound to fill in the gaps left by the foam. When I realized I would need buckets and buckets more of this stuff, I just stopped. The majority of texturizing happened on the bottom cylinder.
I started painting by hand, then moved to using my paint sprayer (duh! should have started with that!). I finished up with more hand painting as there were still lots of groves to cover.
Finally, after finalizing how this would all get put together, I realized that there was one doorway I hadn't measured to get this into Common Threads! I held off tears until I could measure. I originally had an extra base of plywood that the tree 'roots' expanded onto, but thankfully all I had to do was remove that to get it in the door. This could have been a terrible mistake on my part, but it worked out fine.
Onsite after a test measure, I added the branches before putting each cylinder in place again. Then added more putty and foam to texturize the seams and finally lots of paint touch ups. I had the help of many to get this secure and in place.
It was hard work, but well worth it. Adults and kids tried out the hide-away space and we all agree it is comfortable as well as enchanting.
Don't you just love dining al Fresca? There are some beautiful table linens and coasters that work well in an outdoor setting.
Click on the pics below to see a few options I found to be unique and stylish.
Click on the pics below to see a few options I found to be unique and stylish.
The perfect way to use your tableware is by experiencing these refreshing mocktails from Nat at The Mindful Mocktail. Here are two of my favorites. Enjoy!
Ginger Mojito Mocktail
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Piña Colada Mocktail Recipe With Only 3 Ingredients
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Do you have a corner desk in your home office? Is it facing the corner? That may seem like a silly question, but really, who puts baby in the corner?!
A desk like the one above (available at Target) may work well in the corner, but what does it do for your esteem? Wouldn't you rather feel like you are at 'command central' facing the world head on rather than the corner walls? Do you want the first thing you see when you walk into the room to be the underside of your desk? Take a look at the layout and examples below for an alternative that just may increase your productivity and creativity, as well as your self esteem.
These corner desks face toward the door. One Feng Shui principle for a home office is to place your desk in a position of power. You can view who is coming in and also take advantage of the natural light entering the room without adding glare to your computer monitor(s).
One challenge with this layout might be the endless amount of cords you have to have for all your components. You don't want to see spaghetti when you walk into the room, so organizing your cables is key to a tidy and professional look. Here are some great ideas for getting control over those cables...click on the pics for links providing more information on the products.
This is just one dilemma some of us face. Let me know what design dilemmas you have and I'll get straight to work on a solution for you.
At the beginning of this year, this picture represented my prediction for interior design trends.
Thanks to my latest clients and my daughter's interest in unique corset tops, I started looking at the Steampunk genre and how it can apply to our interior décor. I modified my 2022 trend mood board to explore that very idea. It's a little darker, a little shinier, and a whole lot more dramatic. I like it. Do you?
| FYI - Most pictures have links for purchasing from Autumn Light Interiors through my trusted trade partners |
For lighting, I'm still seeing the mash up of fun and function. The gears and cages in industrial lighting emphasize both concepts. Colorful Tiffany style lighting brings in the Victorian scene where Steampunk is often based.
The colors and textures are from the Victorian era - deep jewel tones, velvety richness, and very tactile wall coverings be it grass cloth, murals, or any fabric application. Accessories can be used to corral small items or be purely decorative. Our iceberg filler (ball) is reminiscent of a hot air balloon. The theme of travelling all ways is another underlying Steampunk concept, so don't forget decorating with maps.
Believe it or not, this is on a shower curtain!
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The wood flooring is more rustic, but the area rugs are decadent. Fading is acceptable and adds to the well travelled look.
The overall style is quite liberal to the individuals' preferences. It represents a historical view, creativity, science, romance, and mystery. What more can one want! Steampunk style leans toward maximalism, but can be interspersed throughout other styles - Victorian (of course) and Mediterranean styles can take the layers of rich color and added trinkets. Industrial, Farmhouse, and Rustic Southwestern are good baselines for rustic wood expression. Mid-Century, Scandinavian, and Coastal are harder sells, so I won't go there! Oh why not! Add a bird cage pendant light and a rustic steamer trunk table to your Coastal vibe and I think you will have a one of a kind look that blends the ocean scene with a slight node to Steampunk.
I hope this trip down a different path from my usual stylings gives you a worldly perspective into the many faces of interior design. It's art with function. Or is it function as art?
Do you remember the commercial where 2 clients present an architect with a faucet and say "Design a house around this!"?
What a challenge! It can be done. Many times I take inspiration from things around me in order to design a space in someone's home. This next picture are favorite items from a home owner gathered together for the purpose of getting to know her before designing a kitchen and dining area.
What a challenge! It can be done. Many times I take inspiration from things around me in order to design a space in someone's home. This next picture are favorite items from a home owner gathered together for the purpose of getting to know her before designing a kitchen and dining area.
What’s important to the home owner?
History and stories from the past
Sharing time together with friends
Warmth
Unique conversation pieces
Functional, Elegant, Friendly
Imagination
Clean lines with pops of silly
The view rules - Nature, trees
This was the jumping off point for creating a color and texture scheme.
History and stories from the past
Sharing time together with friends
Warmth
Unique conversation pieces
Functional, Elegant, Friendly
Imagination
Clean lines with pops of silly
The view rules - Nature, trees
This was the jumping off point for creating a color and texture scheme.
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Next came a shopping trip for accessories to further the inspiration and set a direction for the new design. These new items tie back to the homeowner's favorite things and her story by bringing out her whimsical and dramatic nature in an updated and classy style.
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My Recommendations for her kitchen design
Countertop – Tea Leaf Silestone Ceilings – Because they are lower than she'd like, use Ivory Lace (SW7013) on ceiling Cabinetry - Because there are white appliances – use Ivory Lace (SW7013) To bring in the bling – change out the cabinet doors to shaker style or other raised panel that allows you to add picture frame molding in a coordinating metal. Optionally, use Spicy Hue (SW6342) on lower cabinets to weight the room and warm it up. Walls – Bonsai Tint (SW6436) or Haven (SW6437): These are light greens which will complement the green outside her windows. Backsplash – This can be a party! Think - Masquerade Ball - Harlequin patterned tile using Spicy Hue and a green to match the countertop, plus black and white. Remember her Mardi Gras Mask? |
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Here's my recommendation for a classy place to dine after whipping up a meal or having a cocktail in the new kitchen. I'd skip the mauve chairs in this inspiration picture. What a beautiful table adding history and character while comfy chairs allow diners to sit for lasting conversation after an enjoyable meal!
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More work will need to be done to bring the more mid-century modern kitchen design in line with the traditional dining area (or vice versa) as this design gets refined. Getting to know a client is key. Designing around their favorite things is fun for me as well as the clients as the details come to the surface and they see my interpretations are as unique as they are.
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When deciding on furnishings for a space, there is often an unused corner that begs for an inviting seating arrangement that will serve as a spot to relax or as additional seating. Have you ever wondered how to choose the right furniture and accessories to bring a corner to life? Continue reading for a step by step approach that is full proof in pulling together an inviting look that everyone will be fighting to call their own.
Here are the building blocks to get you started:
| 1) Pick a chair and table that match in style and compliment the style of the rest of your room. 2) Add a lamp that picks up the main color of the chair. Or pick one that is neutral and has a metallic or wood accent or gives you a color to use in picking the rest of your accessories. 3) Add a pillow and/or a throw for color variation with at least one color you have already included in your vignette. If your palette is only neutrals at this point, make it a colorful choice. 4) Add art and accessories that complete the picture. Make sure they give you joy and follow these tips to ensure they fit the space. - If you have angles, pick wall art with organic materials and/or shapes. - If your pillow reveals a theme, go with it - nature always offers options to enhance a space. - Think about holidays or seasons coming up and pick accessories that give a nod to that theme. Remember that art and accessories are typically meant to be changed up over the course of time. If you love it, use it. If you grow tired of it change it out. Most of all have fun. That is the key ingredient to bringing in your personality so that not only will you love it, but all those who love you will be able to appreciate it as well. |
Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels
Every now and then as an interior designer I'm asked for advice on how, when, and/or whether to downsize. At any age, this can be a difficult decision. Often times it is the adult children helping their senior parents work through that decision. Lydia Chan has provided some advice in the following article written for my blog this month. For additional information and resources especially for caregivers of Alzheimer patients please visit her website at https://alzheimerscaregiver.net/. The article itself has several links to great information! Thanks, Lydia.
| Home Downsizing Decisions for Seniors One of the hardest decisions you can make in life is downsizing to a smaller home, especially if you’ve lived in your house your entire life. If you’re thinking about downsizing, there are plenty of factors to consider — and they may not all be easy to resolve. Should You Sell or Rent Your Home? Selling your home is a great way to liquidate an asset and supplement your income, but it’s not without its drawbacks. For example, if you’re selling in an overheated market, you might find that you aren’t getting as much money out of your home as you thought. Plus, moving can be difficult and time-consuming — and who wants to do all that packing? Brenda Szarek, Designer/Owner of Autumn Light Interiors, has advice for home owners planning to sell in the next 5 years so you can get as much out of your home as possible now. If you're looking for a passive income, you might decide to rent out your house instead. This allows you to make money off of your property while living elsewhere, such as in an independent living or assisted living community. You can even cut back on costs by downsizing into a smaller space and renting out your old one. Keeping Your Home in the Family You may have been planning to pass your house onto the next generation in your family and move into an apartment after you retire, but how can you be sure that one of your kids will want to take it over? One solution is to rent out a home in a location that makes sense for their life and see if they like it. If they do, then you can discuss transferring ownership at some point. Another solution is to transfer ownership immediately upon your retirement. Is it the right time to move? One of the reasons why you might be slow to downsize is because you’re afraid of losing your home's investment value. In truth, selling your home can be an ideal option when it comes to downsizing, especially if you have a lot of equity in the house or it's paid off. When working out how much you can make from selling, you'll need to factor in Realtor fees, your outstanding mortgage balance, and average house prices in your city. If you’re a senior and considering moving, but aren’t sure if it’s time, ask yourself these questions: Are your children grown? Is your spouse deceased or do you live apart from them? Do you feel lonely in your home? Does your place no longer suit your needs and desires? Have you had a recent health scare that has shaken up your life (think heart attack or stroke)? If you answered yes to some of these, it may be time to consider downsizing. Get a Better Night Sleep Whether you decide to sell, rent out, or keep it in your family, make decisions about downsizing with clarity and confidence. And that translates into less stress, as well as better sleep at night. Visit Autumn Light Interiors, based in Verona, Wisconsin for creative interior design solutions for your changing lifestyle. |
Let's start the new year out with two topics that when addressed can bring you a sense of calm and order - Creating a focal point and practical, beautiful storage ideas.
I set out to write up all my ideas on these topics, but decided no one really wants to reinvent the wheel, including me! So here is a link to a brief article on finding a focal point which is the first step.
I set out to write up all my ideas on these topics, but decided no one really wants to reinvent the wheel, including me! So here is a link to a brief article on finding a focal point which is the first step.
I'd like to add to that list! Adding a great light fixture over a counter, a bed, a desk, a seating area, or in your hallway can provide that eye catching item that is both functional and fun. Here is my collection of lighting that I hope inspires you.
And now for your storage needs! I love a good IKEA hack, don't you?
Take a look at these ideas from House Beautiful.
I'll be keeping my eyes out for unique storage vessels.
I love the variety of basketry shown in this pic.
Take a look at these ideas from House Beautiful.
I'll be keeping my eyes out for unique storage vessels.
I love the variety of basketry shown in this pic.
Stay warm and, as usual, I'd love to hear your ideas on the topics presented.
Photo by Miriam Bulcher Photography
Meet Your Designer
I, Brenda Szarek, am the founder of Autumn Light Interiors. I have immersed myself in home design and problem solving for years and have creative solutions for all kinds of interior design dilemmas. I hope you enjoy my tips, tricks, trends, and inspiration to help you find your way to a well-designed, comfortable, and functional home you can be excited to live in and welcome others within.
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