Let's Talk About... How Not to Sacrifice Your Style

Becoming an adult and having kids has somehow become synonymous with giving up stylish décor for the “kid friendly” or over the top primary colored furniture. No more whites, beiges and leather because they’ll just get ruined with sticky fingers, markers (that really aren’t completely washable) and unnamed food stains. And let’s not forget about the dogs. Just like kids, they don’t come potty trained.

Well rejoice because you can have your cake and eat it too!! I know what you’re thinking? Easier said than done. Well it’s actually not that hard with a little planning and these great pieces I’ve found.  Regain your living room and your sanity. And have a glass of Malbec.

Designed by Interiors By Michelle

The first thing that usually goes is your rug. You quickly realize that silk and wool don’t go well with spit up and doggie accidents. Maybe you buy something cheap that can be tossed because really what’s the point? Welcome Ruggable, the 2-piece washable system by founder Jeneva Bell; she was not willing to give up style for practicality. The nonslip rug pad stays in place and has a Velcro-like top to keep the rug from slipping. You can choose from many colors and sizes, and the best part – ITS MACHINE WASHABLE!! Yes, really. Just pull off the rug, throw it in your machine and stains be gone. So enjoy your Solid Tonal Natural (like me) and don’t be afraid to make a mess.

Ruggable

Quickly head over to @InteriorsByMIchelle on Instagram for your chance to win a 5 x 7 Ruggable System -- and if you're not following me, please fix that :)

I love to entertain in my home. Many Friday evenings and birthday celebrations are spent at the dining room table eating, drinking and enjoying my friends and family. Dining Room chairs are a great way to add personal style with a statement upholstery but that can be a little scary given how easily they can get dirty. And here is where we can’t even blame the children. Adults can be messy too and accidents happen – usually with marinara sauce. Calligaris NYC has designed the Saint Tropez chair from fine polycarbonate to be strong, ergonomic and elegant. The glossy seat features a stunning quilted back to be admired from all sides. Just wipe off the mess and party on!

Calliigaris NYC -- Saint Tropez

For added style when the kids are at grandma's throw a fun sheepskin over the chair. Even cozier and just a little sexy.

Styled by Interiors By Michelle              Calligaris NYC -- Saint Tropez

I recently went sofa shopping with a client and she had a simple request: it must look good, be comfortable, withstand little kids and not cost $$$$. Sure, I got this. No big whoop!! We headed straight for Famaliving in New Jersey. OMG once you sit on a Fama sofa you will be hooked. There are tons (or too many for some) of colors, sizes and styles to choose from. Traditional, contemporary or bold and dramatic are all possible. You just have to choose… The best part is that many cushions feature a removable cover. Unzip, clean and keep living.

Famaliving of New Jersey

So what's your design dilemma? I'd love to help you create a stylish and comfortable home. For me its always about Form & Function. Comment below.

Let's Design Your Life {Style} Together

Let's Talk About... The Rule of Three

A guiding principle of interior design, the idea is quite simple. Things arranged in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and visually effective than even-numbered groupings. One is just lonely (unless it’s a showstopper element, such as an oversized vase or statue; in which case let it take center stage) and five things can become too much (and beyond that we have clutter, which is a separate blog post) … so three it is!

Light: Tom Dixon

Grouped, similar items create harmony and are pleasing to the eye.  This notion of 3s can help create a space with form and function, style and timeless appeal. And this works in any room, like this classic chef's kithcen corner and in lighting.

Designed by Interiors By Michelle. Photo by Chris Veith Interiors

Where to begin?

It’s always best to start from scratch, with a cleared space. Empty the shelf or surface. Bring all the items you have, even if they don’t make sense or “match” right away.

Now group all the similar colored items. Great, you’re almost there!

The fun part is pulling 3 from each mini group. Take a good look at what you have. Is this something you love? Does it evoke a warm memory? Is it a conversation piece? Those are the types of accessories you really should display.  It’s your home, your haven, so let it be something that has meaning or makes you laugh.

Here is a snapshot of an etagere in my office - Milo Baughman!! On it I have a framed pen sketch of 2 watering cans and 1 calla lily (final art project in Parsons), aroma oil from CB2 and photo from my wedding :)

My Office. iPhone8Plus

The last step is the best part. Take those much-liked 3 pieces and place them close together; preferable 2 next to each other and 1 slightly in front, to the side. Remember, we are creating dimension and visual appeal. Or line them up like soldiers, as seen below. Same vases with greenery of varying shades and textures.

Designed by Interiors By Michelle. Photo by Chris Veith Interiors

Congrats! You’ve done it.

One down and so many more to go.

But don’t fret; I’m just a phone call away…

Photo by Chris Veith Interiors

Let’s Design Your Life {Style} Together.

Michelle’s Life {Style}

Welcome to my world of Form & Function. Get to know me and let's Design Your Life {Style} together ...

Food: obsessed with GG crackers and F-Factor

Fashion: never met a white shirt I didn’t like

Beauty: nude lipstick is a color

Music: I’m a little bit country and Garth Brooks is king!

Office: You’ll always find a tall glass of water and my favorite Mont Blanc pen on my desk

Let’s talk about… Organization

Order: such a small word with such a major impact.

I’ve always craved order and neatness, and designed a life that allows me to bring that passion and my style sensibilities to others.  Welcome to my world of form and function.

Whether it’s a custom, walk-in closet, chef’s kitchen or gut renovation, I help my clients Design their Life {Style}.  And within those rooms, we will create organized, thoughtful and timeless living spaces.

As a busy mom, wife, hostess and shoe addict, my home is my sanctuary. Now let’s create yours, together.