Rose-Colored Glasses

Red and Pink Color Inspiration

Love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is in two weeks, and the color scheme of the moment is red and pink.

While the colors aren’t typically paired any other time of the year, red and pink are timeless hues. There are plenty of ways to incorporate them into a beautiful interior.

According to Michael Pastoureau, author of a book on the color red, the word literally translates to “beautiful.” It was one of the first colors of paint that existed. Ancient Romans used cinnabar to create the color. It is associated with anger, passion, hunger and power. Ask what you should wear to an interview, and many people will you tell you the color red. Red is bold. Red is memorable. If you’re wanting to make a statement, it’s your color.

Pink, on the other hand, is not so daring. It is soft and comforting. While pink is known as a feminine color, it wasn’t always that way. According to Anna Broadway, who wrote an article on the color, pink was once considered masculine. It was viewed as a lighter shade of red, which was associated with war. Even so, these days it is hard to think of it any other way. Pink is delicate. Pink is lively. If you’re wanting to add a touch of glam to your interior, it’s your color.

Get inspired by some prints, patterns and pieces from our showroom:

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You don’t have to wear rose-colored glasses to see why these colors are timeless hues for any interior.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

http://blog.press.princeton.edu/2017/02/22/12-facts-from-red-the-history-of-a-color/

https://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/08/pink-wasnt-always-girly/278535/

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Beat the Winter Blues

5 Ways to Brighten Your Home This Winter

Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Falk_Oberdorf_Wiehengebirge_Winter_Heidbrink.JPG

With temperatures plummeting, it can be easy for your mood to plummet too. According to American Family Physician, seasonal affective disorder (or seasonal depression) affects about 25% of people every winter. 

These dreary, dark days definitely have me craving long walks in the sunshine with balmy air touching my skin and palm trees up above. Until then, we’ll just have to make the most of these puffy coat, red nose, slippery sidewalk days. There are lots of ways you can bring a little bit of summer into your home, even in the dead of winter. 

5 ways to beat the winter blues in your home:

1. Bright Décor

It’s hard to stay down with a room full of bright yellow, sunset orange or rainforest green. Try painting a wall in a bold color, or get an accent chair in a colorful pattern. Some simpler ideas include adding throw pillows or a blanket. One of my favorite ways to add color to a room is with artwork. You could also re-paint a tired, old piece of furniture in a fun color.  

Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/turned-on-flat-screen-led-television-1046639/

2. Bright Lights

Don't underestimate the power of adding a lamp or string lights to a room. On top of this, go ahead and change out any burnt-out light bulbs. The lack of light in winter is the biggest culprit of seasonal affective disorder. Making sure that every room in your home is well-lit will help beat those winter blues.  

Photo: https://pixnio.com/objects/electronics-devices/electric-lights-pictures/bright-light-bulb-electricity-glass-illuminated-incandescent-lamp-light

3. Natural Light

Better yet, take advantage of the little bit of natural light that is left, even when you’re inside. Pull back the curtains and enjoy the cooler sunlight that escapes through the clouds. As a bonus, you’ll save some money on your electric bill. 

Photo: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1039931

4. Indoor Plants

Flowers and greenery are two things we miss in the winter. Why wait for the April showers? Bring the outdoors in with some indoor plants. Plants are known to improve air quality and provide many health benefits. Succulents and cacti are popular choices right now.  

Photo: https://pixabay.com/en/succulents-bowl-planter-1993396/

5. Soft Textures

Another way to get through the winter is to fill your home with lots of soft textures. Blankets, pillows and area rugs add warmth to cold rooms.

Photo: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1397261

While we wait for spring to make its much-anticipated arrival, there are lots of things you can do to bring a little extra warmth to your home during these harsh winter months.  

Until then, grab some hot tea, take a seat by the fire and enjoy the snowy landscape while it lasts.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0301/p1531.html

Local Design Inspiration

Check Out the Springfield Home Builder’s Association Home Show

Photo: https://pixnio.com/architecture/house/home-house-facade-driveway-suburb-suburban-asphalt-entrance-lawn

In January, it can be easy to get a case of cabin fever, with the icy weather and slower social calendars. Getting out of the house feels like a breath of fresh air during this time of the year. Need an excuse? You’re in luck!

For home owners, interior designers and contractors alike, there is one annual Springfield event you will not want to miss: the Home Builder’s Association Home Show.

This event allows you to connect with construction companies, landscapers, insurance companies, cabinet makers and everything in between. You’ll find people to help you with every step of the home building process.

Then, your home will be all ready for James Décor to come and finish it off with a beautiful interior.

Photo: https://springfieldhba.com/shows/home-show/

Not looking to build anytime soon? Come anyways. The buzz of innovative home ideas is sure to spark inspiration, whether it be for decorating or remodeling.

The event features well over a hundred exhibitors and several live presentations.

Mark your calendars for next weekend! The Home Show runs from Friday, January 25th to Sunday, January 27th. It will be hosted at the Springfield Expo Center in downtown Springfield. Admission is open to the public and costs $7. For more information, check out https://springfieldhba.com/shows/home-show/hs-location/.

You don’t have to go far from your own backyard for some great design inspiration.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

New Décor for the New Year

5 New Pieces from Our Showroom

A new year makes a great excuse to add some new décor to your collection.

Whether you’re looking for new bedding, furniture or artwork, we have you covered. At James Décor, we have recently added several new items to our floor. To see it all, you’ll just have to come in and check it out for yourself.

Until then, here are 5 of our newest additions to give you a taste:

1. Turn your bedroom into a relaxing seaside escape with this seafoam bedding. I can hear the soft waves rolling onto the gray sand even now. From the Charmeuse Collection by Ann Gish, this luxurious bedding set would be a great new addition for your home.

2. This fur throw blanket from Paul Robert makes me want to go curl up on the couch right away. Soft and thick, it’s sure to keep you warm on the coldest of winter days.

3. Greenery is all the rage right now. This faux plant could easily be mistaken for the real thing. Add a refreshing pop of the outdoors to your home. We have several varieties of succulents and other plants.

4. This artwork from John-Richard would make a great conversation piece. Bold and colorful, everyone will wonder about the story behind the girl in the big hat.

5. From Century, the Adler chair would be a classy addition to any home. The Art Deco style takes you back to the roaring twenties, and the luxurious royal blue velvet is reminiscent of The Great Gatsby. There’s no doubt that this is a timeless piece.

As you can see, James Décor is brimming with beautiful new pieces. Be sure to come by and check it all out.

It’s a new year, and your home deserves some new additions.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Getting Organized in the New Year

10 Tips to Declutter Your Home

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rubbermaid/7203340384

Ah, 2019. A new year. A fresh start. We rang it in, and now it’s time to start thinking about those resolutions.

It’s up to you to make this year even better than the last.

Maybe you’re thinking about hitting the gym more, eating healthier or procrastinating less. These are all great ways to improve yourself, but what about improving your home? You would be surprised to find out how much the space you spend your time in affects you.

That’s why you should add one more resolution to your list: decluttering your home.

Out with the old and in with the new—it’s time to toss all the extra stuff that built up over the past year.

10 tips for decluttering your home:

1. While it may be tempting to run out and buy a bunch of new containers, baskets and shelves before you start organizing, consider organizing before you buy. Then, you’ll know exactly what you need to fit your stuff and space. This will save both time and money.

2. Take baby steps. Organizing the entire house in one day sounds nice, but it isn’t realistic. Setting unreachable goals can lead to burnout and giving up altogether. The solution? Take it one step at a time. An example of a small goal is organizing one room a week.

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/striatic/729822

3. Another way to do this? Set a time limit. For example, you could make it your goal to declutter for just five minutes a day. That’s the amount of time it takes to make a cup of tea or a bag of popcorn. It’s a piece of cake, and the little things add up.

4. You could also simply get rid of one item a day. Donate it, give it to a friend or throw it away if it no longer has any value. It may not seem like much, but by the end of the year, you’ll have 365 less items taking up your space.

5. One space I find the most difficult to declutter is my closet. Are you in the same boat? Oprah Winfrey once gave this great tip: hang everything in your closet backwards. Then, when you wear something, flip it around the right way. Do this for about six months. When you’re done, it will be easy to see what you still use and what needs to go.

6. Get some perspective. Try viewing the spaces in your home from the perspectives of different people. For example, what would you want to keep and get rid of if you had your boss over? Your grandma? A toddler? This strategy helps you notice things that need to be organized that you might not have otherwise noticed.

7. Ask yourself unique questions about your stuff to gain a new perspective. For example, how much would you pay for an item if you were buying it today? Or, would you consider this item to be one of your favorite things? Questions like these help you to gauge the value of your clutter.

8. Don’t be afraid to keep a junk drawer. Even though it may be cluttered, it’s a lot easier to get rid of the clutter if it’s all in one spot. It’s worth it to sacrifice one drawer in order to declutter the rest of your house. Pile it up, but don’t forget to go through it every once in a while too.

9. Once you’re done decluttering, keep in mind that the job is never really done. Don’t be discouraged when the clutter starts to creep up again in another month or so. It means you’re human. The work wasn’t all in vain— now, you have an efficient system in place to organize everything in the future.

10. Going into the future, set some standards for what you allow into your home. Make sure that the things you buy are high quality and serve a purpose. If not, you’ll risk the things you buy turning into clutter in a matter of months.

Photo: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/926185

Benjamin Franklin wisely once said, “For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned.” What better way to make this year the best one yet than to give yourself more time to enjoy it? This new year, make a resolution to start decluttering your home.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.becomingminimalist.com/creative-ways-to-declutter/

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/pro-organizer-tips-what-not-to-do-when-decluttering-your-home-168836

https://www.thespruce.com/ultimate-clutter-hacks-for-your-home-2647997

Step into Your Comfort Zone

Our New Comfort Air Recliners from American Leather

Photo: Comfort Air Pileus

It didn’t take long to figure out that our new Comfort Air recliners were going to be a hit. Come in and take a seat. You’ll see why we decided to write a whole blog post about them.

While recliners tend to be big and bulky, these are the perfect size. Even so, they’re just as comfortable as those bigger recliners, providing support right where you need it and ease getting in and out. Take a deep breath of the real leather smell, and only one word comes to mind: quality.

It’s no wonder, as quality is the linchpin of their creator, American Leather. James Décor is a proud retailer of the brand.

Photo: Comfort Air Cirrus

American Leather was founded upon the idea of providing quality, custom furniture in a shockingly fast amount of time—30 days or less.

Since every piece is made to order, there are countless options for leathers, fabrics and furniture types.

Take a step into their factory and you’ll see that there is something different about this company. The factory, located in Dallas, Texas, is a whopping 350,000 square feet. It has even been called the most modern factory in the country. This is largely due to the company’s use of advanced technology.

Each furniture order starts as a drawing rendered on a computer by the design team. After that, the design is sent to the engineering department, which makes sure the design will physically work.

Next, the manufacturing begins. Computerized cutting tools allow for precise manufacturing, to the thousandth of an inch.

Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leather.jpg

If the piece of furniture is going to be leather, it goes to the leather nesting department. As would be expected, American Leather boasts of one of the largest leather inventories in the country. The vast quantity does not mean they skimp on quality, either. Leather is selected from the top 10% of leather hides in the world.

In the leather nesting department, the sewing patterns for the furniture are mapped out on the leather hides. This reduces waste and ensures that the best parts of the leather are used for the piece. After this, computerized cutting machines cut out the patterns before assembling the furniture.  

As the icing on the cake, American Leather takes pride in the visual appearance of their factory. They strive to keep the factory a clean, pleasant place to work.

This company is clearly hard to beat. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Come in and try the revolutionary Comfort Air recliners for yourself.

Take a break and step into your comfort zone.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Intern

Photo: Comfort Air Pileus

Sources:

https://www.americanleather.com/our-company

Gift Shopping Made Simple

8 Ideas for Everyone on Your List

Have you started Christmas shopping?

December is here, and it’s officially time for Santa to start loading his sleigh and you to start loading up on gifts!

You probably won’t want to pick out a new sofa or area rug for anyone on your list, but did you know James Décor has a great selection of smaller items perfect for gift giving?

8 gifts you’ll want to snag right away:

1. Branché Charmeuse Pillowcase

For the beauty queen on your list, this pillowcase would be perfect. It’s made of luxurious silk, and even promotes skin and hair health. No more rough cotton to break hair and leave behind sleep lines. The pillowcase comes in a variety of colors, including blush, white and crème.

2. Branché Kiki Slides

Your feet will be stepping into the living room in style on Christmas morning with these slippers. They feature comfortable soles, and come in several shades of fur.

3. Beatriz Ball Tableware

For the hosts on your list, these aluminum serving dishes from Beatriz Ball would be ideal. They are both beautiful and durable. You would never guess based on looks alone, but these dishes are designed to hold up through many parties and events.

4. Nourison Plush Animals

Don’t forget about the little ones! Our adorable animals from Nourison’s Plush Collection would be the perfect furry friend to add to their collection. We have unicorns, sheep and several other options.

5.  Darzzi Baby Collection

What about the babies on your list? We have gifts for them too! Pick up one of our super soft Darzzi baby blankets, featuring charming animal prints. Or, we have the cutest hand knitted animal-shaped rattles.

6. Windwood Farm Soap

You’ll probably catch a whiff of these luxurious soaps from all the way across the store. They smell amazing, and would make great stocking stuffers. Will the Jasmine Night, Lavender, Oatmeal and Honey or another scent be your favorite? Available in a variety of scents, you’re certain to find one to suit your preference.  

7. Sferra Throws

Need something for the person that has everything? Anyone could use a cozy new throw blanket. Our line Sferra offers them in endless colors and patterns.

8. Accessories

If you know someone’s style well enough, another idea is to give them an accessory to accent their home. Succulents are all the rage right now, and we have several on the floor that would make the perfect gift for anyone looking to keep up with the latest decorating trends.

It’s time to stop stressing and come by James Décor to start checking off your gift list.

You’ll be relaxing by the fire, all your gifts wrapped and ready to go, in no time.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Intern

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

The Great Debate

Contemporary vs. Traditional Design

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wicker-furniture/8627482617

Coke or Pepsi? iPhones or Androids? Cats or dogs?

These hot debates never seem to reach a conclusion.

While there are thousands of styles out there, there is perhaps no greater debate than between these two styles: contemporary and traditional.

Similar to people’s preferences for certain phone brands or pets, most tend to side strongly with one style over the other. Contemporary style is shiny and new— a breath of fresh air. Traditional style, on the other hand, is timeless, and its mark on the interior design world won’t be fading anytime soon. At James Décor, we offer a selection of both styles to suit all different tastes.

What makes the two styles so different? Let’s take a look, so you can decide whose side you’re on.

A fundamental difference between contemporary and traditional interiors is that contemporary design places emphasis on space, while traditional design places emphasis on things.

Photo: Contemporary interior, from https://www.maxpixel.net/Chairs-Lamp-Contemporary-Interior-Design-Furniture-2181968

The adage “less is more” could be used to describe contemporary style. This style emphasizes light and the absence of clutter. You’ll find mainly neutral colors in contemporary interiors, although pale or bright colors may be used sparingly. One trademark of this style is bold lines, which can be seen in geometric shapes and color blocks.

Photo: Contemporary bedroom, from https://www.maxpixel.net/Indoors-Contemporary-Room-Window-Furniture-3058658

Furniture is typically simple and unornamented. Texture can be used to add some interest, but only on occasion. Common textures in contemporary design include wood grains, fur and natural fibers, like cotton or silk. Flooring can be wood, tile or vinyl. Carpet is only to be used if necessary for acoustics or other reasons.

Spotlights are common to highlight a significant piece of artwork or accent wall. Artwork and accessories are used sparsely. Bold, large pieces are common, rather than several smaller ones.

Large plants are also popular in contemporary interiors.

Photo: Traditional interior, from https://pixabay.com/en/photos/living%20room/

The traditional style is familiar to most, filling up furniture catalogs and showrooms. It is likely to be a style you grew up with in your own home, or perhaps your grandparents’ home. It’s no wonder this style is so cozy and comforting.  

In one word, traditional design could be described as predictable. It is orderly, and commonly symmetrical. You won’t find anything that stands out. Everything will match.

Photo: Traditional living room, from Unsplash

Colors are typically not very bright or very pale. Tones come from the middle of the road. Line is used softly, rather than boldly, and you’ll find a mix of vertical and horizontal lines. Fabrics frequently feature small patterns like florals, stripes and plaids.

Flooring could be hardwood, but carpet and rugs are also common. Furniture consists of soft textures and forms.

Lamps, books, plants, china and framed prints are common accessories.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of contemporary design or the comfort of traditional design, it’s clear that each style has an appeal in its own right.

We’ll just have to agree to disagree.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Intern

Sources:

https://www.thespruce.com/decorating-in-the-traditional-style-1977669

https://www.thespruce.com/designer-guide-to-contemporary-style-1976503

In Good Taste

Dining Room Inspiration from Our Portfolio

Photo: James Décor

With the holiday season around the corner, there are plenty of dinners in the dining room in store.

While the kitchen may be used for haphazard meals in between school and work, the dining room is reserved for those meals for which you really want to slow down and enjoy. It is a space for gathering around the table to share food, as well as stories. The dining room is perhaps the most elegant, refined room of the house.

If you are looking to update your dining room, our designers know just how to design them. Whether you need new furniture, new wall coverings or a complete transformation, we’ll have you dining in style.

Here are three dining rooms from our portfolio, and what makes the designs work.

Photo: James Décor

James Décor designed this dining room in October 2017, part of a residential project in South Carolina.

The room has an aura of grandeur, but feels cozy and welcoming at the same time. This is accomplished by the low-hanging chandelier, which brings the room to an approachable scale, despite the magnificent, tall windows.

Drapes hung above the windows make the ceiling looks miles high. Their lively pattern adds a pop of interest to the space.

The dark wood dining table adds richness to the otherwise light neutral room. The cream dining chairs are tied together with the table by the area rug, which features a mix of light and dark neutrals.

The ceramic accessories used as a centerpiece add the missing touch to the space.

There’s no doubt that dining in this beautiful room while overlooking the marshy, green South Carolina landscape will lead to some memorable dinners.

Photo: James Décor

James Décor designed this dining room in September 2017. It was part of a Springfield, Missouri residential project.

The glam space looks like it was taken right from the home of a movie star with its striking chandelier and elegant furniture.

Grey walls serve as a neutral backdrop that makes the furniture and accessories pop.

The stunning crystal chandelier steals the show as the focal point of the room.

A rich raspberry hue, adorning the area rug, adds interest to the otherwise neutral room. The accessories of the same color, featured on the sideboard, tie the area rug into the space.

The simple mirror opens up the space, making it appear larger.

The black table is bold enough to stand without accessories. The contrasting black and white, contributed by the dining table and chairs, is reminiscent of old Hollywood.  

This dining room will make the perfect gathering place for all kinds of important people.

Photo: James Décor

This dining room was also part of the October 2017 South Carolina residential project.

The creamy white walls, trim and area rug are balanced with rich, dark browns. The simplicity of the walls and rug leaves room for the intricate mirror and chandelier.

Bold dining chair backs serve as a conversation starter. The dark brown also matches the dark wood of the table and sideboard.

Candlesticks, a bowl and ceramic pieces accent the room well.

The warm lighting provided by the wall sconces completes the space, which is sure to be the setting of many cozy dinners.

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It’s easy to see what makes these well-designed dining rooms work.

Use this dining room inspiration as a starting point for deciding what your own dining room should look like. Will it be traditional, contemporary, cozy or glamorous like these rooms? The choice is up to you, but make sure you don’t overlook this important space in the house.

Whether designing the dining room or planning the menu, the key is good taste.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Intern

Hospitality for the Holidays

10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for the Upcoming Season

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tbwb/23411490762/in/photostream/

As soon as the Halloween costumes were put away, it seems like the Christmas trees instantly went up. It’s that time of year again!

If you’re anything like me, you think it’s still a little too soon for the Christmas décor to come out. I mean, we can’t forget about Thanksgiving—which means more pumpkins and gourds. Fall isn’t over just yet. Although, I’m all for getting the Christmas shopping started early. Those last minute gift runs are stressful!

Regardless, the upcoming holiday season means one thing for your home: lots of guests. Dinner guests, neighbors popping by, overnight out-of-towners… you name it. It’s called the most wonderful time of the year for a reason. Nevertheless, constantly having people in your home can cause even the most relaxed among us some stress.

Never fear, though, you’ll be ready!

10 tips to prepare your home for the holiday season:

Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-pumpkins-248469/

1. Make your home smell amazing. This is easy to pull off, and the way your home smells has a significant impact on the impression it leaves. Realtors keep this in mind when trying to sell houses. Candles or wall plug-ins will do the trick, or try this: Put two full caps of vanilla extract in a mug, then place in the oven at 300 degrees for one hour. It’s a surefire way to make the house smell great.

2. Organize the bathroom to make things easy to find. There’s nothing worse than having to ask where the toilet paper is stored. Set out some extra toilet paper, as well as soap, tissues and any other amenities your guests may need. At James Décor, we carry a line of soap that would be perfect for your guests.

3. Check furniture for nicks and dings. If you find one, grab a touch-up kit to cover them up. You can find kits with markers in several shades to match a variety of finishes. Another trick is to fill in small cracks with crayon wax. Don’t overlook these minor imperfections—it’s all in the details.

4. Try setting up a leftovers station. Gather some inexpensive plastic containers and bags, then fill them with leftover food for guests to take home. Label them with your guests’ names. It’s the easiest way to get rid of all that extra food, so nothing gets wasted.

5. For overnight guests, keep extra toiletries in stock in case they forget something. Shampoo, face wash, lotion and toothbrushes are all good things to keep on hand.

6. Prepare for a wide range of temperature preferences. Guests may wake up cold or hot and not want to wake you, so get ahead of the game. Set out extra blankets, a heater and a fan.

7. Leave a notebook with important information you’ll need to communicate to your overnight guests on the nightstand. This could include the wifi password or any alarm codes they may need to know. This will save extra time exchanging information.

8. Set out a key on a noticeable key-chain for your guests to borrow during their stay. This will make them feel welcome to come and go as they please.

9. Declutter the area where your guests will be staying. Whether they get a whole room or a corner, make your guests feel like they belong by clearing out the area they will be staying in. This is a no-brainer, but something that can be easy to forget when your holiday to-do list is endless.

10. Leave out some food and snacks for your guests in the morning, as breakfast is often overlooked with dinner stealing the show. Don’t forget to keep all the staples on hand—even the ones you may not usually use. Coffee, tea, cereal and fruit are all good choices.

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/proflowers/15698301000

These 10 simple tips will get you started on preparing your home for the holidays. Most importantly, though, don’t forget to relax and enjoy this time of the year. There’s nothing better than a house full of ringing laughter, the smell of turkey and plenty of guests gathered around to make new memories.

The house doesn’t have to be perfect for your guests to feel right at home.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Intern

Sources:

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-holiday-guests-254272

https://www.highya.com/articles-guides/29-tips-to-prepare-your-home-for-holiday-guests

https://lifehacker.com/5828262/get-rid-of-household-odors-with-vanilla-extract

https://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/holidays-occasions/prepare-guest-room-houseguest

https://theartofsimple.net/prepare-your-house-for-holiday-guests/