Solid vs. Pattern

As much as I love patterns, I still gravitate towards solid fabrics on big pieces of upholstery.  Don't get me wrong,  I adore a striped chair or a damask ottoman, but there is something so crisp and clean about linen covered furniture.  A lot of people buy solid thinking they will tire of a pattern quickly.  What are your thoughts?  If money weren't an issue, would you spring for patterned pieces of furniture?  Or would you still add pattern and color with accents?

Manly Monday: IKEA Elements

I think that this bachelor pad is pretty amazing.  The use of black, brown, tan, and cream is one of my favorite color combinations to use in interior decorating.  The result is a stylish, yet warm space in which the natural textures of individual items shine.  The overall feel is a comfortable and inviting space.

 

There is a whole lot of interesting texture going on in this room: 

A sea grass rug, woven chairs, cowhide, woven wood blinds, and those super cool baskets/stools.

 

And, a lot of the major design elements of this bachelor pad can be purchased from the affordable IKEA:

 

1. The Koldby cowhide rug is $249.00.  Each have their own unique markings and characteristics.
2. The Malm 3-drawer chest in brown/black is $79.99 . Put 3 together for a super long console!
3. Create a personal gallery wall using the Ribba frame for $9.99 each.
4. The Linus rattan chairs are $39.99 and can blend with a lot of design styles.

 

1.2.

3.4.

room designed by:  Samantha Pynn

Feminine Friday: Aqua & Zebra

One of my favorite combinations in design is the color aqua (and seafoams) paired with a little touch of zebra.  Aqua looks great with white and black - and mixing it with some feminine touches gives you a room good enough for the modern woman.  Hints of pink make it super feminine!

Designer:  Judith Balis

Designer:  Erica LeBlanc                                                              Max & Isabella

Zebra also looks great in brown tones combined with aqua hues.  It's a little softer and more warm.

HGTV

Porch Make-Over

This great, large porch was in need of some color and TLC:

• I gave the wicker furniture a new coat of white paint straight from a can. 
• New cushions add bright color in the form of fun green and blue stripes. 
• A ceramic stool acts as a end table for a chair and adds more color. 
• Finally, a rusty old white metal table got a new look with bright blue spray paint.

Before:  White old wicker furniture and a rusty table

After:

Before:  A bare and lonely corner

After:  Corner becomes a sitting area with color

This porch has been transformed into a wonderful outdoor retreat!

If you would like help decorating your indoor or outdoor space, contact me at Erica LeBlanc Design.

This or That: Geometric Screen

Which do you prefer?

Left:  Arteriors Guilded Screen from Layla Grace for $1198.00

or

Right:  The Geometric Lattice Divider by Oriental Furniture for $499.00

Pops of Porcelain Blue

I've always liked the porcelain blue patterns I see on plates, ceramic stools, and in fabrics.  But I never could commit to the color scheme of just blue and white.  Now, after seeing this image, I'm convinced that a few touches of the pretty porcelain can work in a room with other colors and patterns. 

This room by designer Samantha Pynn incorporates soft pink and white stripes and a tall wallpapered wall into the mix.  I think it's quite stunning and the blue looks incredible.

The winner of the CSN Stores $50 gift certicate is:  Kristen @ My Uncommon Slice of  Suburbia.  Congrats Kristen!  Kristen, please email me your mailing address and I'll have the prize sent out to you.

Thanks to all that entered.

Manly Monday: Family Man

A lot of my Manly Monday posts have focused on the single man, the stylish bachelor with a flair for design.  Today's Manly Monday is all about the family man, a cozy living room for the man to enjoy with his brood.

1.  Earthy brown, cocoa, black and blue color scheme

2.  Stripes and geometrics mixed with a little animal print

3.  Light and dark wood tones combine for a 'lived in' look

  

 The family man can play board games with the kids at the table and drink beer with the guys during game night in this incredibly stylish and comfortable room.  And I don't think the ladies would have a problem living in this room either... it's gorgeous.  What do you think?

design by:  Sarah Richardson

Giveaway!

Win a $50 gift certificate to CSN Stores.  They have 200+ online stores with everything for your home.

Enter now, it ends on Sunday, June 20th!

Feminine Friday: Subtle Softness

Amidst the stone floor, wood beams, and brick wall, this dining space still oozes feminine charm with a cozy bench, oval table, and skirted chairs in a tufted upholstery.


























via:  House Beautiful

{ Don't forget to enter Decorica's giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to CSN Stores shopping site! }

Oh, Where Art Thou?

I really love this long white parson table and vanity (disco'd IKEA piece).  Does anyone know where similar items are sold????  images via:  House & Home, Cottage Living

Designer Tip: Collecting Collections

A few years ago, my aunt and I were in an antique store in Maine enjoying the wide selection of collectibles for sale.  My aunt had recently starting collecting wooden foot stools, small doll chairs, yellow ware bowls, and more.  Another lady in the shop asked my aunt what she collects, and my aunt froze, and couldn't think of anything.  We always laugh about that moment because my aunt has so many collections, but just couldn't think of them when put on the spot.  Perhaps if she had displayed her collectibles together in collections, she might have remembered what she owns. 

Do you have any collections and do you display them together?

A group of pooches is an unexpected addition to the top of the armoire.

Country Living

Bright colors in large quantity make a big statement.

Modish Vintage

Beautiful botanical prints create a gallery feel when grouped together.

Apartment Therapy

Clever shelving maximizes a nook to display a collection of fish models.

Architectural Digest

Remember to vary the height of your items, add contrast with a different color in the background of your collection, and collect what you love!

Key West Style

During my recent trip to Key Largo, Florida, we took a trip down to Key West.  Walking around Duval Street and the surrounding neighborhoods, I snapped some shots of great looking homes and B&B's.  The colors and shutters are so beautiful.

Sizzling Summer [ Giveaway ] !!!

The weather is warm, the sun is out, your sipping sweet tea while lounging in bed on a lazy Sunday.  Sound good?  Well, nothing could be more relaxing than a beautiful bedroom, and upholstered headboards are a must for a peaceful and serene space.  CSN Stores have some incredibly stylish and affordable headboards and accessories to create that dream bedroom. 

Would you like a gift certificate to CSN Stores for $50 to help create that dream bedroom?  Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win.  But first, browse CSN's huge inventory of home furnishings and decor available in their 200+ online stores.  What would you pick if you won?  Here's a soothing, sunny and warm bedroom idea using CSN Stores products:

Tufted High Arch bed in Aztec, $535

Siena Stripe Pillow, $38-58

Bamboo Breakfast Bed Set, $42.99

How to Enter the Sizzling Summer Giveaway:

* Leave a comment telling me your must have item for a serene bedroom.  Leaving a comment enters you into the drawing once.

For additional entries:

** If you become a public follower, or already follow Decorica, you get an additional entry.  (Please specify if you're a follower with a separate comment.)

*** If you post about and link back to my giveaway on your blog, you get an additional point.  (Please specify if you post about the giveaway with a separate comment)

So you could have up to 3 entries to win the drawing for the $50 gift certificate to CSN Stores!  Good Luck.  The giveaway ends on Sunday, June 20th at midnight.  I'll annouce the winner on Monday, June 21st.  (US & CANADIAN entries only please).

Relax in Style

I'm back from my Florida vacation, and while I had a lot of relaxation, I'd like to pass on the feeling and give you a little moment of peace and serenity with this beautiful room by Lori Dennis.  Enjoy!

This room is amazing!  I love the pops of orange (my new fave color of the moment), chaises, and of course the leaning mirrors.  What an incredible place this would be to sit with a glass of wine and my laptop, blogging of course!