So while we’ve been very active, I hadn’t actually been over there for at least two months. Popped in this weekend after hitting up some antique stores and spent a few hours hanging/hemming curtains, putting in a floating shelf, moving some things around, and mentally making a checklist of all that needs to be finished. We are getting SO close!

And as it all comes together, it’s looking awesome enough that I not only want to have it shot for my portfolio, but I want to shop it to some of the online magazines… so I can’t share BIG pictures but I did snap pics of the new lamps we bought.

Lamp #1, leather with a marroon pleated shade.

Lamp #2, brass reading lamp. In serious love with this one.

We got them in Fremont at Deluxe Junk (there was a killer pair of brass table lamps with chinoiserie etching for $50(!) that we passed on, still sad but I don’t need them). They came out to like $115 together but they did both for $100. Super nice.

So what’s left to do?

1. Hang other set of bedroom curtains & hem.

2. Dresser/nightstand painted.

3. Finish hanging art.

4. Accessories for bar and entry table.

5. Throw pillows for living room.

6. Coffee table purchased (have it all picked out!)

7. Refinish a mirror and hang (got it at Goodwill for $20 and it’s HUGE).

8. Purchase/Hang art in kitchen

9. Window treatment for kitchen.

10. Buy remaining plants (fig tree and air plants!)

That’s it! We’re in the home stretch.

It’s slowly coming together (they’re also tackling their living room as well as a bathroom remodel!) and Christina posted some pictures on Instagram the other day. With her permission, I’m sharing them as a little sneak peek – can’t wait to finish it up and get a pro photographer in there!

Christina would like to note that the chairs are out of order in the first picture. I’m dying over how the gallery wall turned out and they snagged their curtains on sale (you may have seen my frantically tweeting her the day I noticed they were marked down!). Just a refresher, here’s the design board I sent:

So we still have to swap out and move the pendant light and another light (that requires an electrician though) and pick up a couple accessories. I love how this project is coming along! Great job, you two!

If you’re interested in my e-design services, find out how it works here, then shoot me an email at maggie AT maggieroseonline.com.

In a year or two when the mirrored trend is over, the stool could be swapped out for a rustic chair, lucite nesting tables, or marble table. The bath mat could be easily changed to a solid color (adding colorful towels as well). The sconces and mirrors could be switched out easily as well. I think this design will stand the test of time with simple tweaks every few years. And really, when you’re gutting a bathroom, isn’t that what you’re hoping for?

**Subway tile and glass walk-in shower not pictured! Don’t worry, it can be luxurious AND functional

1. Hang stuff on the walls. Yup, with nails (and drywall anchors if necessary!). Don’t be afraid to put a hole or two in the wall – that’s what spackle is for. It’ll immediately add a sense of comfort and home. And for the love of Pete, get those old concert posters framed! Nothing screams dorm room like posters thumbtacked to the wall.

2. Hang curtains. I know, more holes in the wall. But I don’t think there is anything grosser than those vertical blinds that so many landlords insist on. If you can’t take those down, at least you can disguise them with a generously sized curtain. To disguise mini-blinds, I’ll hang a roman shade right in front of them – when they’re up, no one is the wiser (and you can do a faux roman shade if you want and still use the mini-blinds for privacy at night. Not only will drapery add texture and warmth to the boxiest of shoebox apartments, it adds architectural interest as well and can make your windows seem bigger. Just remember to hang them high (at least six inches from the top of the window) and wide (at least six inches to the right and left of the window).

3. Don’t fill it with Ikea. I know the temptation is great – after all, who wants to invest in furniture that is specific to this apartment when the next may have totally different needs? I get it. And I think the occasional Ikea purchase is warranted. But for items like a coffee table, a pair of beautiful dining chairs, a console table… those are pieces that can go with you anywhere if they are something you really love. If you have the budget, invest in quality pieces. If your budget is small, search for vintage pieces with character. Learn to see your furniture in new ways. Just because that dresser was in your bedroom in your last apartment doesn’t mean it can’t be used as extra storage in the living room in your new place. If you move frequently, this may save a lot of “well this doesn’t fit anymore so we have to get rid of it” when there may be another use for it.

4. Make it over with lighting. Man, some rentals have the WORST lighting and it’s never where you really want it to be. Use a mixture of table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights (like mine, above!) to bring a lot of lower-wattage lighting into all corners of your home instead of one high-wattage light glaring down from above. Ask if you can swap out a fixture if you pay the electrician and put back the old one when you move out. You can also find hanging lights and chandeliers that plug in the wall and hang from a ceiling hook – run the cord behind a curtain or down the corner to disguise.

5. Finally, don’t put off decorating just because you rent. Unless you plan on moving in three months, I don’t think that a home being “temporary” is any reason to not make it as beautiful as possible while you’re there. Same goes for giving up and not putting in the effort because the place is already drab anyway. Life is too short to live in an ugly apartment! Choose things you love and make the most of being where you are. You can even see it as a chance to take some decorating risks – after all, it’s not your forever-home, so try something new!

Have specific questions from your rental? Ask in the comments and I’ll answer there (or book me for a mini session and we can really get detailed!)

All photos by Maggie Morgan.

Think I do my design boards just for clients? Nope – even when making decisions in our own apartment it can be really helpful to see everything laid out. Above is my design concept for our living room – minus the bar area, coffee table, and TV area, which are all staying the same.

One reason I feel that I work so well with budget clients is because I’m in the same boat myself (no one ever said being a first-year business owner was going to rake in the dough!). I too want quality products but I have to save up for each one or find creative solutions to get the same look… hopefully with the easiest DIY possible (I’m soooo losing steam on the DIY front – I’d just rather spend the extra money and save the stress for something else). Gathering my “vision” for the room early on can be a good way to steer clear of impulse purchases and quick fixes that only end up being a waste of money when it doesn’t work with the design or I end up hating it six months later.

And this is a good tool for me in combining my style with Ryan’s – I don’t have the luxury of total free-reign over our interior design and we have similar but still quite different taste (like many couples!). So mapping it out lets me see if our styles are both represented and playing nicely together. I think this room may need a chandelier but other than that we’re on the right track!

If you need a little guidance on your interior design, I’m currently accepting new clients! Contact me today.

Here are just a few of the items I’m loving from Room & Board (all available on their website):

Room & Board specializes in American made furniture with timeless appeal. They carry an extensive collection of mid century modern design as well a beautiful new traditional pieces. The prices are comparable to Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn (often I’m surprised to find that they have a lot of affordable choices, even though I think of them as more expensive than their counterpoints).  I can’t wait to see the collections in person.

The store will be opening in the fall – you can read the Seattle Times article about it here.

And for the debut of Designer Spotlight we have Ron Marvin, truly one of my favorite designers, from back in the Metropolitan Home days. He can do so much with brown, black, and white that it’s astounding. Neutrals really are his forte. Some of my faves:

What do you think? Any favorites? Any designers you’d like to see featured here? I have a bunch queued up but I’d love to discover new ones too!

Images from Ron Marvin (and lots more to see there too!)

1. Tassels. I’ve notices these fun little embellishments just popping up in the last six weeks or so, and I think they’re poised to make a big comeback in both fashion and interiors. I love using one on a lock or handle like this one, or slung around the neck of a ginger jar lamp. Pick one up at the fabric store near the upholstery doodads and curtain tiebacks.

2. Flamestitch. This incredible Mary McDonald interior (via Coco+Kelley) is just the beginning. Flamestitch is a great cross between chevron and ikat. I love it in upholstery for a what’s-old-feels-new kind of way.

3. Gingham. It’s been popular in fashion and I think we’ll see more and more of it used in interiors in 2012. It brings a lovely mix of tradition, prep, and country – and depending on the shade, can be totally gender neutral. Use it in excess… a little puddling makes this look luxurious instead of quaint. Isn’t this blue yummy?

4. Non-dining table. This is a trend for large spaces, but gone are the days of stuffing a living room with upholstered seating only. If you have space for a table and chairs, add one for book storage, playing games, extra seating, and a great place to display three dimensional art. I’d love a round of backgammon in this room from Elle Decor.

So that is what I’m calling out as trends we’ll be seeing lots of in 2012. Do you have any predictions to share?

1. Color. Color was huge this year – gone are the uber-white Scandinavian interiors of a few years ago. But now loads of color are being tempered by white and natural woods. Like with Naomi’s desk area above (from Design Manifest), a little bold color goes a long way.

2. Painted floors. I’ve loved seeing these start to pop up everywhere. The floors are usually two or three tone with a geometric pattern. A new way to get a graphic jolt without plunking down big bucks for an area rug. I’ve seen a few in showcase houses, like this one.

3. Chevron. Yep, still around. As much as I’ve enjoyed the modern look, this is one trend I’m ready to retire. This settee was shown in Atlanta Homes.

4. Etageres. These wide-open bookshelves have really become popular again, and I love that it’s a chic alternative to built-ins for those of us who rent. Bonus for those in my #6 favorite trend, brass, like this one in Lonny.

5. Wallpaper. Love that wallpaper is officially cool again. It’s been gaining in popularity the last two years or so, and I can’t wait to use some in a project. Especially been loving all the beautiful grasscloth wallpapers, for people who want texture but shy away from pattern. This room in Lonny embraced the look whole-heartedly.

6. Brass. Brass is back in a big way, and I think it’s here for the next couple of years. Steer clear of yellowy shiny brass and go for the timeworn look. Yum. Loving these tables from Dwell Studio (via Knight Moves).

Color of the year

Forget “Honeysuckle” (is it me, or is Pantone a bit behind the times?). My pick for 2011 color of the year is kelly green. It was everywhere. Can’t wait to see more of it in 2012. Image from House Beautiful via Coco+Kelley.

Designer of the Year

Of course there are many designers with gorgeous spaces debuted this year, but I appreciate a designer who takes on a challenge. And who could forget this tiny studio apartment by the talented Nick Olsen? Everyone was raving about it, and I’m still finding new things to love as I look over the pictures once again. Awesome job, Nick! From House Beautiful.

What do you think of my picks? What would you add? And what are you excited to retire at the end of 2011? Stay tuned – tomorrow I’m sharing my predictions for design in 2012.