Rachellabelle Interiors: Decorating + Staging + Green Living

Art Deco Design

2012-02-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

Those who know me well, have heard me say that I was born at least 50 years too late. I'm in love with times past, and the 1920s-30s is no exception. The design style that evolved during this time was know as Art Deco. This "new age" style combined facets of the industrial age, along with geometric shapes and the charm of the silver screen.

Art Deco is famous for its use of high contrast colour schemes, industrial materials and clean lines. Typical decor elements would include: glass block, neon, chrome, mirrors and panels of opaque glass. Colour palettes would most likely include cool shades such as purple, green and black. Creamy neutrals and metallic accents would provide contrast to these dark shades.

If you're looking for a little touch of luxury, and striking elegance of the 20-30s, look to this moodboard for your inspiration.

{Click to enlarge}

Did you like this post? Check out my Aqua Ambition moodboard, which also features excellent ideas for an Art Deco influenced style.

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Masculine Rooms

2012-02-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

Move over man cave. Farewell Frat House. Forget the ubiquitous black leather sofa, beer fridge and oversize TV. These standard trappings of the XY-zone have got to go. Masculine retreats can be stylish without sacrificing comfort. But, how do you get this look?

Think:
More animal prints and less animal heads;
More metallic accents and less aluminum cans;
More framed art and less sports posters;
In short: More Bruce Wayne and less Beavis and Butthead.

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Luxury Living

2012-02-14T17:22:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you want to forget about ugly words like "budget" and just get lost in a fantasy of luxury...

Serene Sitting Room

Modern & Funky Livingroom

Striking Bathroom

Glamorous Dining Room

Bathroom fit for a princess

Blinged out boudoir

Spa-like retreat

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Aqua Ambition

2012-02-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga's outfit choices are a topic rarely left untouched. From prosciutto frocks to armadillo shoes, she has worn it all. This colour theory/mood board was inspired by "Mother Monster's" decidedly restrained ensemble she paraded at the 2011 Fashion Icon awards.

I love the bold combination of aqua and black. It brings to mind images of mythical creatures like mermaids and endless oceans. Like these two things, this combination can be both mysterious and moody.

If you feel like you've got "Aqua Ambition", this palette lends itself well to the contemporary and art deco periods alike.

{Click to enlarge}

So, I have to ask: Are you "gaga" for aqua and black?

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Bedside Tables

2012-02-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

Whether you call them bedside tables, night stands, or night tables, they all serve the same function: a gathering place for our clock, glass of water, and whatnot.

Most people, when they purchase a bedroom set, they get the whole kit and kaboodle, including the matching bedside tables. This isn't necessary. Not only is it unnecessary, but it's not always space efficient. I see a lot of small spaces that can't always accommodate the typical bedside table.

Here are a few alternatives for you to consider. As you can see, it's easy to re-purpose furniture found around your home, to serve as a night stand in your bedroom.

Half Table

Floating Shelf

Floating Decorative Shelf

Wall Mounted Basket

Drum Table

Geometric Shelf

Lucite Table

Nesting Tables

Half Table

Illuminated Cylinder

Occasional Table

Painted Stool

Vintage Trunk

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Going Coastal with Capiz

2012-02-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

Looking to add a breezy, coastal feel to your home? Select decorative accents adorned with Capiz shells. Just like coral, I see this becoming a major trend in decorative accessories.

Capiz shell is a flat, semi-transparent shell with a pearlescent appearance found in the Phillipines. Lamps, pendants, mirrors and other accessories work best in this delicate, mother-of-pearl finish.

{Click image to enlarge}

Liked this post? Check out my post on Coral Craze.

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Shades of Gray

2012-02-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

Are you afraid of colour? Or perhaps you are looking for a timeless neutral, besides beige? Consider the many possibilities provided by shades of gray.

Gray ranges from the faintest whisper of silver to the deep shades of charcoal. It can be used to create peaceful bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and classic living rooms.

I've personally used a medium blue-gray, in my own condo for the past 10 years, and I've never tired of it. It's a fantastic backdrop for art, and it allows whites and blacks to pop.

Chez Rachellabelle

Gray provides a great balance to B&W interiors

Peaceful Bedroom

Elegant Boudoir

Classic Bathroom

Ethereal hiding place

Traditional Living Space

Comfortable Contemporary

Resting Nook

Glamourous in Gray

The many shades of gray/grey

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Black, White & Gold

2012-02-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

Well, it didn't take me long to fall back in love with high-contrast interiors. Besides, I think it's in my blood to love "Black Gold" -- after all, I was raised in Oil Country. And, if it's good enough for the Queen of Pop, it's good enough for me.

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

In the Navy

2012-02-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

I've always loved the classic, crisp combination of navy and white together. Throw in some gold, and a few stripes, and you've got an unbeatable combination.

(Click to enlarge)

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Colourful Cuba

2012-02-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

I've never been further south than California, so my recent two-week trip to Cuba was a real treat. Naturally, as a decorator, I was eager to soak up all of the unique architecture and brilliant colours.

I have to say, the Cubans whole-heartedly embrace a vibrant colour palette, and did I ever fall in love with it. I must confess, coming home to my high-contrast interior of black and white, made me long for the hues of my vacation retreat.

Below are a few rooms that remind me of the sunny colours of Cuba.

Turquoise & Coral

Sunset Orange & Leafy Greens

Lemon Yellows

Citrus Hues

Radiant Rainbow of Colours

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Coral Craze

2012-01-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't know if it's because I've got holidays on the brain, but I'm really growing fond of coral accessories. I've always loved the colour, but now I'm starting to appreciate it as home decor items. Are you into the coral craze as well?

Please forgive my absence over the next couple of weeks, but I'm off to gorgeous Cuba to take in the turquoise waters and tangerine sunsets of Varadero. I hope to come back with great ideas that I can use for my design clients here in Edmonton.

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Striped Walls

2012-01-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

Judging by the "re-pinning" flurry these images caused when I "pinned" them on Pinterest last night, I think you are going to like this post. I'll let the walls do most of the talking. But, I have to know: do you prefer horizontal or vertical stripes?

I've got an orange crush on these stripes

Baby blue & brown

Striped wallpaper

Multi colour stripes

That's the right angle

Offset modern stripes

Alternating pink stripes

Black and white pinstripe

Natural and Neutral

A little blinged out

{All images via Pinterest}

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living
Accessible and affordable interior design so you and your home can live in harmony.

Dreamy Spaces

2012-01-09T15:53:00.000-08:00

Behold, a collection of beautiful bedrooms and living rooms. Can you imagine making your dreams come true in these fantastically feminine spaces? *sigh*

{All images via Pinterest}

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Give-Away

2012-01-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

TGIF! Today feels like a great day for a give-away!

*Cue the Oprah-rific frenzy*

1. The Prize - An interior design e-consultation by Rachellabelle Interiors. The winner will get to submit a photo (or photos) of a room that is screaming for professional help. A custom moodboard will be e-mailed to the lucky winner. (Typically valued at $399.)

2. How to enter - Follow these two simple steps. a) Leave a comment on this entry. b) Then, "like" Rachellabelle Interiors on Facebook or follow on Twitter. (Anonymous comments must be accompanied by an e-mail address.)

3. Rules - Contest is open until Monday, January 16th (at 12:01 am). Only one entry person please. Winner will be selected at random. Contest is open to readers world-wide. Prize is transferable. (No cash value. Prize must be claimed before December 31, 2012.)

And as the French say, "Bonne Chance!"
Winner will be announced February 1st
Contest Canada Contest Beat Contest Girl

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

#1 Question

2012-01-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

Well, hello there, 2012. So nice to see you. Please be a nice year, and don't go ending the world on us, ok? I've got lots of pretty things to buy and homes to decorate. Not to mention, daily doses of eye candy, and free advice for my dedicated readers.

Now, seeing as this is my first post of the new year, I thought I would start with the the number one question I get asked about decorating: "What do I do if I have no budget?"

I guess if you watch shows like Real Housewives of Beverly Hills or Million Dollar Decorators, you might be led to believe that you need a six figure budget before you can consider changing things up in your home.

Absolutely untrue. There are three easy, and nearly free things you can do to dramatically transform your home.

1. Declutter. Be ruthless about it too! Clear off any flat surfaces. Remove excessive knicknacks. Only keep what is useful and visually appealing.

2. Rearrange your furniture. Does the room flow or is your living room like a corn maze? Reposition pieces until room feels more spacious. Remove extra furniture if necessary.

3. Paint. Think of the impact colour has when you paint your nails or put on a coat of lipstick. It's instantly uplifting! The same goes for your home. You don't have to stop with your walls, doors and trim either. If you're brave, you can consider painting your furniture, cabinets and even your floors. But, not if they have carpet...ha ha ha

And to debunk the #1 Myth about decorating -- it doesn't have to be expensive. I can customize a design package that will suit any budget.

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Card Catalogues

2011-12-28T17:34:00.000-08:00

If you're old enough, you'll remember the local library and it's large, wooden card catalogue. I must have very strong, and fond associations, with my childhood bibliotheque, because I'm totally enamored with card catalogues. I am on the hunt for the perfect one to store my jewellery and other assorted trinkets.

Red Card Catalogue

"Natural Beauty" Card Catalogue

Chocolate Brown Card Catalogue

Tarnished & Turquoise Card Catalogue

Simply White Card Catalogue

Big & Beautiful Card Catalogue

Rustic Card Catalogue

{All images via Pinterest}

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Furniture Makeovers

2011-12-24T10:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I grew out of the "matchy matchy" furniture sets a long time ago. Now, I'm all about building a design around unique, but complementary pieces. What's even more fun is finding vintage, or inexpensive pieces that you can transform into a thing of beauty.

Feast your eyes on these beauties. The creativity and skill that these DIYers possess is truly a gift.

Where do I even start with this dresser? It has writing on it. (Love it.) It has a vintage fan and camera on top of it as well. (More than love it.) Oh, and it's referencing NYC. (Big love!)

{via Lindauer Designs}

A simple Ikea dresser glammed up with Greek Key overlays

{via Amanda Carol at Home}

This piece marries my love of vintage furniture with black & white design

{via Food and Home}

Robin's Egg blue with Gold fretwork

{via Me, You and a Wiener}

Gold & white deco inspired desk

{via Me, You and a Wiener}

Orange Crush: Gold, white, orange and gorgeous legs!

{via Me, You and a Wiener}

Taking Ikea Aneboda to another level...

{via love Maegan}

Now, if I've got you all excited about giving your own furniture a makeover, you should make one last stop at O'verlays.

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Rachel Schofield, IDDP® Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Junk in the Trunk

2011-12-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

Don't ask me why I love the things I love. But, I must confess that I love old trunks and luggage. You can add that to the extensive list of vintage things I'm obsessed with: keys, coins, electronics, maps, and books. On the newer side, I prefer shiny things like chrome, rhinestones and lucite. But, we'll save that obsession for another day.

Now back to trunks: I just think they are such a wonderful way to bring a touch of vintage charm to a room, while providing valuable storage space. Here are a few of my favourites.

Studded & Classic

Weathered & Worn

Restoration Hardware

Nouveau Chic

Louis Vuitton

LV 4ever

Wooden & Worn

Shiny

{All images via Pinterest}

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Rachel Schofield, IDDP®
Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

The Price is Right?

2011-12-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

Who's familiar with the Price is Right? I seem to recall a game where you have to guess if the price is "high or low." I thought it would be fun to do that with some furniture picks. Are you game? Good, let's play! Unfortunately, there are no giveaways if you're right. Only good times!

A. Black Tufted Headboard

Is the price "High" (over $900) or "Low" (under $300)

B. Tufted Headboard & Footboard

Is the price "High" (over $3200) or "Low" (under $1000)

C. Black Acrylic Chair

Is the price "High" (over $600) or "Low" (under $200)

D. Brown Leather Chair

Is the price "High" (over $1800) or "Low" (under $500)

Glass and Wood Table

Is the price "High" (over $1100) or "Low" (under $300)

Silver Side Table

Is the price "High" (over $800) or "Low" (under $200)

Black Table Lamp

Is the price "High" (over $1100) or "Low" (under $200)

So, how did you do?

A- Low; B- High; C- Low; D- High; E- Low; F- Low; G- High.

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Rachel Schofield, IDDP®
Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Positively Patterned

2011-12-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

I'm a design junkie. Plain and simple. But there's nothing simple about the style I love. My favourite things to play with are pattern and colour. But, they don't have to be wild and crazy. A seasoned decorator is able to balance colour and pattern to create harmonious designs.

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Rachel Schofield, IDDP®
Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Tangerine Tango

2011-12-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

Pantone has unveiled a vibrant reddish-orange as the "it" colour for 2012. This vivid colour is aptly named, Tangerine Tango. I adore this hue, and it reminds me of sunsets and Bellinis. Would you tango with this wild tangerine?

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Rachel Schofield, IDDP®
Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Colourful Cabinets

2011-12-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Who says kitchen cabinets have to be boring? Here are some amazingly colourful, yet tasteful choices for the heart of your home.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Robin's Egg Blue

Tangy Turquoise

Blueberry Pie

Lemon Meringue

Granny Smith Green

Beautiful Berry

Spicy Tomato

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Rachel Schofield, IDDP®
Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Champagne Wishes

2011-12-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

...and caviar dreams. Personally, I've never dreamt of fish roe, but if that's what it takes to have my champagne wishes come true, then maybe that's just what I ought to do! Let's get lost in the luxury of the "Rich and Famous" and dream a BIG, juicy caviar dream...

Dreams of Paris

Dreams of Italy

Dreams of Tropical Getaways

Dreams of millions

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Rachel Schofield, IDDP®
Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Midas Touch

2011-12-01T22:12:00.000-08:00

These days, you don't have to be a king or a queen to have a stash of precious metals in your home. Gold is making a major comeback in the way of interior fashions. From tables, to table tops, give your decor a bit of the royal treatment with tasteful glints of gold.

Coffee table & golden starburst

Gold leaf table

Golden lamps

Starburst mirror & coordinating console

Settee with gold trim

Gold charger plates

Side table with golden globes

Gold foil wallpaper

{All images via Pinterest}

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Rachel Schofield, IDDP®
Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living

Spotlight on: Mary McDonald

2011-11-30T06:21:00.000-08:00

If you've ever watched the over-the-top Bravo series Million Dollar Decorators, you're familiar with the dynamo that is Mary McDonald. She's a very memorable character with equally memorable style. If I were to compare my design esthetic to anyone's, it would be Mary McDonald's. We share a fondness for: bold patterns, pops of colour, liberal use of black and white, combining different furniture styles, symmetry and elegance.

Take note of her signature touches including: chevron stripes, Greek key pattern, bolster pillows, Chinoiserie and glints of gold.

If this post left you wanting more, pick up one of Mary's most recent books.

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Rachel Schofield, IDDP®
Interior Decorating + Home Staging + Green Living