Kiss my brass...

Brass is back! The finish so many have worked so hard to eliminate from their house is coming back. From light fixtures, furniture, to accessories, you can’t walk into a design store without coming across this trend. There is a bright side (no pun intended) to this comeback. Because brass was “out” it can now be easily found at thrift stores. Every piece that I have in my house came from a thrift store and is under $10.00!

How do you make brass work in your space? Here are tips to know when incorporating it into your rooms.

• Though brass is coming back it is the darker, duller, tarnished brass that is back, not the shiny 80’s brass we all remember (you know, from the Home Interior Collection).  Whatever you do: don’t polish your brass.  When this is done, it becomes too yellow and can fight with other elements in your space. The tarnish of brass dulls the finish and makes it work with more colors and with other finishes, while still adding a touch of glamour.
• You can mix metallic finishes, but no more than three different metallics.  For example I love the look of galvanized steel with brass.
• Brass compliments any color, but works really well with white and cool hues because it adds the warmth needed to balance the space. If you have a space with a lot of cooler colors instead of reading for tans and beige items to warm up the space, use a great brass accessory. It gives a sense of richness to the room that beige can’t.

Here are some examples how I've incorporated this trend into my home.

You can see in my mantle that the this space is very cool. It is all white, grey, and

pale blue. Without the brass accents incorporated throughout the mantle,

it would be too cool. It is important to remember in order for a color/finish to make an impact it has to be repeated at least three times in the space.

Here is another look at the mantle. On the shelf I mix tarnished brass, galvanized steel, and mercury glass for some shine.

This lamp is one of my most prized possessions. I found this lamp at
Goodwill for $1.99. Once gain I used the brass finish to warm up this cabinet's cool color.
The simple brass candle stick (.50 at a yard sale) and trinket box add warmth to all the white. 

This picture, in my dining room, cost me $5.00 at a second hand store. Once again this room is entirely white and gray so the brass finish on the frame is needed to add some "sparkle" to the space.

Mixing Patterns

“Oh, I love that huge leather couch.” How often do people walk in a room and say that? Never, they say, “I love that ______(insert any accessory pillow, curtain, rug).” Patterns and textures are what make a space interesting and exciting. Those touches say the most about you and your personality. So take a deep breath and don’t be afraid to mix it up.

You heard me right, you should mix patterns. Many of us are scared to mix prints. It took me quite a few attempts and many throw pillow purchases to understand and make it work. The most popular patterns from 2012 are not going anywhere. Chevrons, quatrefoil, Greek key, and modern floral prints will continue to dominate the market. It is time to embrace, mix, and use them. So how can you avoid this from looking like a hot mess? Have no fear, I've created 4 simple steps to be your guide.

1. Always stick with an odd number. Three is my go to number.

       2. First, pick your main pattern. This print should be your  

            largest or boldest. Typically it will be your favorite and  

            the one you want to be the focal point.           

    

       3. Next, pick a pattern that is smaller (about half the scale) 

           of your main pattern. Guess what? This doesn't have to 

           be the same color. You may want to draw out one of the 

           colors (from the first print), but it doesn't have to match  

           entirely, it just needs to go.

      4. Lastly, the third pattern should match one of the two, but 

          be the smallest scaled print. If you have a hard time 

          finding a pattern that matches remember texture (burlap, 

          tweed, ruffles, pleats, etc.) work as another “pattern.”  

          You should stick with the same color “rules” as you did  

          above.

    

       Here is a combination I put together. I can’t wait to use it this spring/summer.

The floral/bird fabric is my focal print. Next, I used the chevron as my second  pattern. I obviously pulled the green from the flowers in the first print. Lastly, I used a burlap as my third piece. I wanted a very small twig print, but couldn't find one that I liked. Remember if you can't find a small pattern you like, go with texture.

January Trends to Try

     Every week in January I’m going to introduce one trend to try in your home. With the start of a new year comes the opportunity to be your best and your home plays a part in this. Your spaces should make you feel special and happy. One way to improve yourself is to improve your surroundings. Even when you are feeling like crap, if you put on your favorite sweater you automatically feel a little better. You carry yourself differently and you treat yourself a little kinder. That’s what your space can do for you. So remember this is your home, your life.

I challenge you to try one of these trends. It doesn't have to cost a thing. Look around your house, just because it is in your living room doesn't mean it can't be moved to your bedroom. I'm constantly moving things around. That's one way I keep things fresh. During this process don’t be afraid to ask questions or share your great ideas. You can contact me at thechristophereffect@gmail.com. Remember this is a place for all of us to learn.

Oh, and don't worry, these trends will not require an entire can of AquaNet (you know what I'm talking about). Let’s get started!  

The Beginning...

     As 2012 draws to an end I've decided to embark on a new journey. Just like many life journeys I don't know the final destination or the stops along the way, but I go into it with excitement and enthusiasm. 

     For my first post I want you to know what I hope to accomplish in this small space in the blogosphere. 

     My partner and I have bought and completely redone two homes in the past 4 years. From these experiences I've learned many tricks along the way. These tricks not only save money, but also time. I plan on sharing the latest design trends, solutions for design dilemmas, seasonal and everyday decor ideas, and my many other “projects”.     

     One thing I want to avoid is putting limits on what I share. For me to feel a real purpose or passion behind this I must make it authentic and true to myself, so I will share anything that I learn along the way that may help even one person reading this.

     Through this blog you are going to get insight into my domestic adventures in cooking, organizing, gardening, and any other mess I get myself into. My goal is for this blog to serve as a learning experience for both of us. Do not expect that everything I attempt will be perfect or even great. I've done many projects and attempted many recipes that have been complete flops. I plan on sharing those with you, so that you can learn from my mistakes. 

     Along the way I will probably share healthy lifestyle tips including fitness and cooking techniques that I picked up on my own weight loss journey. This is another passion of mine, because I know firsthand the freedom that comes from this particular journey. I also know the struggle to begin and stay on that path.

     Lastly, I want this blog to be a place where you can share, ask questions, laugh, and learn. Allow this space to be a comfortable and safe environment for you to explore and improve your own domestic prowess and outlook. 

    So grab your glue gun, paint brush, baking dish, and quite possibly your workout gear, and join me.

Best,

Christopher