Where do I  begin?

Like any new project, small or large, that's the
first question. Not knowing can make you
put if off and put it off...

A simple way to get going is start  with your
favorite shelter magazines and flag pages that
show designs you like. Or you can do what
designers do and make tearsheets. That just
means tearing out the page and collecting it
with others in a folder or binder. You can
categorize them by style or room. Then you
can go back to that binder and see all your
favorites together, weed out ones  that you
don't want anymore and add new ones. If
you are doing one room at a time, you will
still have those pictures of other projects
waiting for you! Click here to go to our
magazine page and find that style that says
YOU!
The Studio News
"No Furniture so Charming as Books"
 Rev. Sydney Smith

When looking at layouts in magazines of the latest trend, showhouse or designers'
projects, you may notice a recurring design element: the coffee table book. It may seem
like just a pretty accessory, but in truth it can be an invaluable tool. Interior Design
books can help you define your style by showing you elements in depth and scope that
a magazine can not. If Cottage style is your favorite, Cottage Style magazine or Country
Living can give you inspiration, but a book devoted to it can show you room after room
of variations on that style. It can show you color palettes, fabrics and furniture styles in
a wide variety of presentations. You may find that one picture captures the whole of
what you've been looking for or you can take elements from different looks and make
something unique to you.
The Robin Studio
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Color! Go Pink!
Where did I hear that pink was the new black?
There are times when one can be surprised by when and
where a new inspiration will strike. Sometimes the "what"
can jolt us too! Unexpected color in an unexpected place
can cause a double-take, but sometimes shaking things up
and going outside the "accepted" box is just what is
needed. My current and growing fascination and (yes I'll
say it!) obsession with pink has definitely caught me by
surprise. I've always loved pink, but usually as an accent,
whether for design or fashion. Lately I've been seeing it
spring up in many places it hasn't appeared before and
taking a dominant role. I even bought a pink sweater!
The chairs in the room above are striking in the color and
the fabric. Leather! Whoa! But it works and is still lovely
and elegant and a off-center touch to a traditional
setting. I say, Bring it on!
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Project Corner
Mud Room Fix-up
We started working on a small project that
can have a big impact, if done smartly. And
it can look cute, so BONUS! Here are some
before pictures to get us started. Read the
whole story at the Studio Blog, here.
Color! Mellow Yellow!
A new inspiration for a new season
Color! Orange Me!                     
The Color of Fall.
I don't know if its the advent of spring or a change in
viewpoint, but I seem to be drawn to Yellow this season.
Check out Country Living for some inspired designs
using yellow as the focal point or as accents to add a
subtle splash of color.                                                  
"Yellow increases your focus. It is known for enhancing
intelligence and mental agility. It can help stimulate
conversation and clarify thoughts."
The House Beautiful website has an article about what
colors mean. Ever wonder why you're drawn to a certain
color? Check it out!
I've never been a Yellow fan but now I see it everywhere
and I'm excited about bringing it into not only my design
but my home as well! Keep tuned here to see pictures of
how I do with my new best friend: Mellow Yellow!
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I suppose stranger things have happened than to fall in
love with a color simply from seeing it on a pair of boots. It
seems a very girlie thing to do, but I choose to blame it on
my designer mentality than my barely contained
shoe-fetish! On the cover of this month's Country Living
Magazine are a pair of not-to-be-found orange rubber
boots from Hunter and an orange plaid throw that
started this whole color episode. Now I see that shade of
orange everywhere and simply must have it in my house
somewhere. While I don't really believe I will win the
contest-throw from the cover, I take heart in the ability to
buy one just like it and transform a room around it. If you
didn't know designers did that, well, we do! As any artist
will tell you: don't questions the inspiration, just go with it!
Perfect timing for the season! Yay!
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This was a nice use of a carpet remnant when          
 first laid down, but dogs and backyard parties      
 have taken their toll. Lets try a little update             
 that is inexpensive but doesn't look it.                         
 Curious? Keep checking back!
A little paint and some simple curtains will add          
 small touches that make the room feel finished.        
 We definitely need some better shelving here.         
 There is a lot of usable space wasted.
More coming soon!
A good start here with storage and                             
organization, but I think we can go a few steps        
further to make it hold more,  be more                            
user-friendly and look great!
Color Palettes by Suzanne Butterfield