Halloween Holiday Decor

 Is this you?

what I plan to do

It is me!  

I start off every holiday with the best of intentions, then BAM!  Halloween is tomorrow and I haven't even remembered to buy the candy, much less decorate.  Today's blog will show you a few simple items that you can buy to make your house a little more festive without cutting holes in fruit and making a mess.  Here we go...

It is almost time to bring out the Halloween Decorations and get ready for the spooky parties and adorable Trick or Treaters. If you are tired of the same old hokey stuff you see on everyone's Pinterest and want to have something a little more unique and sophisticated, today's Mood Board is for you. I feel that throwing a few things here and there - if they are the right things - give you just as much impact as draping your entire house in cotton spider-webbing that you are pulling out of the siding on the house well into next summer.

Halloween photo w numbers

Halloween Product Details:

1.Eek! There is a mouse in the house! These simple black construction paper mice are a fun addition to any steps/stairs in your home. 2.Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein-Etsy Simple silhouette pillows that give a hint of Halloween without getting cheesy. 3.Skeleton Taper Candles- Z GallerieChange out your day to day dining room candle sticks and display these on your dining table or mantle. They give a fun spooky glow for that one month a year thrill. 4.Designer Pumpkins and Skeleton Cat-Grandin RoadSkeleton Animals are where it is at this year. If you have a pet, why not get it a little skeleton friend to play with for the month?! Don't be afraid to break out the paint and add a little design to the pumpkins either. You can't go wrong with harlequins and stripes. 5.What will you leave behind? Skull Tile-Nino SarabutraThis beautiful porcelain tile could be a more permanent addition to your home. When walking over this unique tile, the artist wants you to ponder your existence and think about what you will leave behind when you have left this world. 6.Fire and Ice Lanterns-Grandin RoadThese battery operated lanterns are a fun way to light the path to your front door for the little trick or treaters. 7.Bling-Bling Skull Candle-Z GallerieThis jet black glossy candle with it's jeweled eyes will set your house aglow. A perfect addition to any Halloween decor. 8.Orange mums and pumpkins are an easy, yet understated way to decorate your front porch for the holidays. This look can carry you from the first of October to the end of November without even blinking an eye ... assuming you can keep them alive. 9.Black  Branch Wreath and Carved Wooden Ravens- Crate and Barrel These two items are a great addition to any door, mantel or buffet. Add a pumpkin or two and some of the lighted twigs for an extra spooky affect.

Would you like your home decorated for the Holiday's but don't have the time or know how to complete the job? We are here to help. Not only do we do new construction and remodels, we also love to help you set your house for parties, holidays and other special events. Let us help you create a sophisticated Holiday decor in your home.

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors

Haute Hacienda Decor

Here in Texas we are excited to be celebrating Cinco de Mayo next week! With Mexico right next door, we honor this holiday and our shops fill up with Mexican art, food, decorations, etc.

To get in the spirit, today we are featuring some of our favorite interior design items with Spanish and Mexican influence.

In Texas, Hacienda is more than just a style, it is a lifestyle as well. For interior design, we are seeing the Spanish influence become popular beyond our Texas borders! And we can't say we hate it...

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Haute Hacienda Product Details:

1. Otomi Floor Lamp - Stray Dog Designs // 2. Metal Wall Mirror - All Modern // 3. Orange Kasbah Cowhide Rug - Kyle Bunting // 4. Embroidered Pillows - Chiapas Bazaar // 5. Blue Mosaic Tile - Mosaic House // 6. Talavera Tile - La Fuente Imports // 7. Mexican Pottery - Direct from Mexico // 8. Striped Chair + Ottoman - Jorge Kurczyn // 9. Gray Otomi Lounger - Olli

Interested in taking your house in a new style direction?

Do you love the hacienda style, but you aren't quite sure where to start?

Give us a shout!  We would love to talk with you about all of the style possibilities and how they might fit your needs.

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors

Driftwood Decor

With Summer just around the corner, we are seeing more and more driftwood and natural wood accents drift into homes. Many people associate the worn, sun-faded décor with beach or lake houses, but it can look beautiful pretty much anywhere!

The natural fluidity of driftwood as well as live edge furniture adds texture and interest to any room.  Pairing natural elements like driftwood with materials such as metal and glass can make this earthy accent feel right at home in contemporary or even industrial style spaces.

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Driftwood Decor Product Information:

1. Natural Driftwood Chair - Jeffan // 2. Round Driftwood Chandelier - All Modern // 3. Natural Bowl - All Modern. Serving Tray - Wayfair // 4. Petrified Wood Book Ends - Z Gallerie // 5. Root Accent Table - Z Gallerie // 6. Bathtub - Y Bath // 7. Driftwood Watercolor - Z Gallerie // 8. Live Edge Coffee Table - Mohr & McPherson // 9. Mirror - Crate & Barrel // 10. Coated Driftwood Lamp - Lamps Plus

We love how some shops are even coating natural wood in metallic paint to create a luxurious piece while still maintaining the natural form and movement of the driftwood.

The natural soft grays and whites of driftwood, as shown above, can practically meld into any décor, or you can make it the focal point of the room.

Need help bringing in more natural elements into your home?  We are happy to help!

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors 

7 Easy Spring Updates

Your Spring Cleaning is done, yay! Now why not reward yourself for all that hard work? Get some new items to fill in those now empty spaces & add a cheery touch to make your home completely Spring/Summer ready!

 

1. First off, Flowers

Nothing says Spring more than a fresh bouquet of flowers on the dining room table or kitchen island!

And maybe go a step further and buy new outdoor pots and/or plants. It will instantly bring life to your indoors and outdoors [pun intended].

 

2. Dazzling Dishtowels

Bright-colored or happy-printed towels and placemats always illuminate and warm up a room. And they are the easiest decor items to replace!

 

3. Pretty Pillows

You've flipped the mattress, ironed your sheets & comforters, and packed up your winter quilts and blankets.

Now get yourself some vibrant accent pillows to put on your bed or sofa. They are an inexpensive purchase but make a big impact!

 

4. Niceties Now

Why wait for that bridal shower your hosting this summer to take out the china and pretty vases?

Putting your nicer accessories on display can soften a room and even lighten your mood!

 

5. Candy Crush

People often associate candy with kids, but candy can be used as an affordable, colorful, and tasty statement piece in a room.

Buy large glass jars and fill them with pretty colored candy. Place them on your bar area or side tables and you'll be surprised how many positive reactions you get.

6. Mount a Mirror

With these longer, sunnier days there is more natural light coming in to your house...take advantage of it and mount some charming mirrors!

They will reflect the light and give your house a beautiful glow.

7. Select a Scent for Spring!

Buy some lavender candles and even lavender plants to place around the home. And if lavender isn't your thing, there are hundreds of other floral scents to choose from.

But if your home doesn't look completely spring-ready, at least it will smell like it!

*You can view product info, by clicking on the above images.

If you are looking for more than just little, Spring updates to makeover your house, we would love to help! Feel free to reach out to us here.

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors.

All Things Green

In honor of St. Patrick's Day we wanted to post about one of our favorite colors...Green! Green is the color of balance, growth and harmony.  Whether turning a room green or only putting in a small accent, green has earned its way into the "neutrals" area of the color palette.

One of our design goals with every home is to tie the interior of the home to the exterior in some way.  We call it "bringing the outside in."  Where an architect strives to seamlessly blend the home to the natural site, we take it one step further by pulling colors from the lands, lakes and vegetation and make them part of the home.

Below are images from various home interiors that we designed with green in mind.

As seen in the photos above, green can be used as a paint color for an entire room all the way down to onion grass accents on a kitchen shelf.

Green makes you feel relaxed, restored and happy. Some even believe that green is a sign of new beginnings.  The shedding of the old and introduction of the new.

If you are interested in updating a room or two, or even your whole home, but are not sure where to begin, give us a call.  We will help you find YOUR new beginning.

Green Product listing:

 Color Swatches are all Benjamin Moore Paint Colors - from left to right - Guilford Green, Meadow View, Castleton Mist, & Split Pea

Stone Swatches are all from Pacific Shore Stones (in the left corner) - from top to bottom - Rainforest Green Granite, Green Onyx 

Tiles are all from Walker Zanger (in the bottom center) - from left to right - Skyline Tile, Chelsea Art Glass in Spring

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Pastel Picks for your home

Easter is just around the corner and it has us in the mood for Pastels! We love how Pastels can soften a room & create a more calm & relaxing environment.

Below are our favorite Pastel Picks from some of our most loved shops this year.

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Pastel Product Information:

1. Chairs - David Geckeler.    2. Magnolia Wallpaper - Cole & Sons.   3. Clock - Design Within Reach.   4. Refrigerator - Smeg.    5. Pillows. Mint Pillow - Pine Cone Hill. Pink Pillow - CB2. Yellow Pillow - Dwell Studio.    6. Vases - CB2.   7. Coffee Table - Anthropologie.   8. Pastel Painting - Maria Martin Art.   9. Sofa - Jonathan Adler.   10. Yellow Throw - Crate & Barrel.   11. Chandelier - Design Within Reach.   12. Floral Rug - Jessica Swift.   13. Colored Shelves - Design Within Reach.

People often associate Pastels with Spring time, but they don't have to be seasonal!

For example, we love using pastel blue paint as a wall color, pastel yellow sheets for a soothing bedroom, or a pastel pink rug in a bathroom.

They can easily replace tans, grays, & whites and act as beautiful neutrals.

If you have an area of your house where you would like to use pastels, we would love to help!

Click here to see other Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors

5 Things to Expect after Hiring a Designer

Hiring A Designer Series - Part 3

Hiring is fun.  Let the process begin.  You have done the research, interviewed multiple designers, and hired someone! Now what??

NOW the fun part!  You get to start the creative, design process. And although the process is fun and exciting, with it comes a lot of things you may not expect!

Below we have listed 5 expectations to have after you've hired an interior designer to help provide a better understanding of what the project will involve.

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1. Patience

As it's been said, patience is a virtue--especially when it comes to Interior Design Projects, or even general home projects.

The creative process takes time and shouldn't be rushed. And as it's also been said, results don't happen overnight--so if you don't expect them to, you will get the best results!

Recognize that there will be delays and that most items you want are not immediately available. Items usually have to be ordered and delays from manufacturers are a common occurrence. BUT it is worth the wait!

2. Communication

A man's favorite word...But seriously, the more you communicate with your designer and share your ideas, the happier you will be!

Be open to sharing your inspiration or thoughts. Then the designer can interpret them in his/her own way and get you what you want.

Also, if you don't like something don't be afraid to say so. And if you really like something then definitely say so, to help give clear direction.

3. Decision-Making

If you are great at making decisions the design process will probably go more quickly for you. Just be prepared to make a lot of decisions!

And if you are an indecisive person, don't worry! You have hired an interior designer to help guide you and make decisions for you! You just have to let go a little bit and trust them to work their magic.

4. Budgeting

As we discussed in Part 1 of this series, having a realistic budget for your project will make the process easier for all involved.

It will save the designer time when searching for products, and will save you stress about going over your limit.

Also, giving yourself a little "cushion" room for spending is extra important--there might be something you "can't live without" that's a little out of your price range; or, as mentioned, the process may take a bit longer than anticipated.

5. Trust

You did your research and found a designer you love, so trust them to lead the way.

You know you like their style and personality. You have given your list of wants and desires. So sit back and enjoy watching the process unfold!

The designer may show you things that are not on your list, and that make you think outside the box, but stay open. In the end, you will have a finished product that is all your own & totally you!

We hope our "Hiring a Designer" Series was enjoyable and insightful for you!

If you have any further questions about selecting and hiring a designer feel free to contact us here!

Part 1 - Are you Ready to Hire an Interior Designer?

Part 2 - 5 Tips for Hiring the Perfect Designer for YOU

Click here to see other Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors

5 Tips for Hiring the Perfect Designer for YOU

Hiring a Designer Series - Part 2

Once you have decided to seek professional help for your design project, the next step is finding the perfect person to do the job!

This step of deciding who to hire can be just as difficult, or more difficult, as the previous step of deciding to hire a professional. So, we have provided you with some tips that should help you find the perfect designer that is right for your project & your style!

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Details for hiring the Perfect Interior Designer:

1. Do Your Research 

It is important to research designers to see if they are licensed and how many years of experience they have. Registered Interior Designers have a very broad range of skill sets. Looking for designers that specialize in the type of project you want to do can help you narrow down quickly! Visiting their website and Houzz profile is also a good first step when researching.

2. Know Your Style

Once you know the design style you want to achieve—traditional, contemporary, eclectic, transitional, etc.—then you can explore the work of designers in your area & find the best fit for you! Also, if you do not find any local designers you are interested in, many people work with designers from other cities, states, and even countries.

3. Consider Compatibility

After you have chosen your top designers, the interview process begins! As you meet the different designers, note their personalities, hobbies, communication style, etc. If you “click” with the designer on multiple levels the whole process will be more fun! Projects typically go more smoothly when personalities match.

4. Know the Designer's Ability

If you are looking to hire someone for an extensive remodel project, be sure that the designer has experience in this. For instance, Paula is a Registered Interior Designer that worked at an architecture firm for 10 years, so she can easily draw new construction plans for a remodel or addition.

5. Be Honest & Open

When you are meeting potential designers it is better to talk about too much than not enough. The more you get to know them initially, the easier it will be to choose a designer. Also, make sure to discuss your budget and your time frame realistically. These are 2 huge factors the designer will need to know to keep you happy!

**In the next few weeks we will wrap up this “Hiring a Designer Series” and talk about what to do once you've hired that perfect designer!

If you have any further questions for us, we would be happy to help answer them! Contact us here.

Part 1 - Are you Ready to Hire an Interior Designer?

Part 3 - 5 Things to Expect after Hiring an Interior Designer

Click here to see other Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors

Worlds of Wallpaper

By now, you have probably noticed that Wallpaper is making a BIG come back in the Interior Design World. Who would have guessed 15 years ago that Wallpaper would be the most-wanted textile of the decade? Not us!

But we are actually loving it!

Below are some of our favorites from 9 different categories of Wallpaper.

Worlds of Wallpaper Product info:

1. Floral 

Florals are great for kids rooms & fun accent walls. They are usually more bold and playful, but there are beautiful, subtle florals that can provide a more traditional or romantic look.

Resources: Hygge & West, Mr Perswall, Ellie Cashman

2. Geometric 

As designers, we love Geometric wallpaper! It is the best way to convert a simple room into a modern & chic space.

Resources: Cole & Son, Clever Spaces, Shumacher

3. Textured  

If you want to keep your room simple, but add interest in the details, textured wallpaper is perfect for you! 

Resources: Rockett St George, Lowes

4. Damask 

Damask is a classic print, which makes it very versatile. It can be used for almost any style of interior design to bring a sense of luxury to a room.

Resources: Graham & Brown, Fabrics & Papers

5. Replica 

Do you want a tile wall, but don't want to spend a fortune? There are multiple companies that create almost exact replicas of tile, wood, or other natural materials on wallpaper. It is also similar to textured paper, in the way that it is usually 3D and adds a layer of depth to a room.

Resources: Wallpaper Collective, Piet Hein Eek

6. Motif 

There are endless options when it comes to Motif wallpaper. You can find motifs of animals, food, and other exotic objects. It is especially great for a thematic room!

Resources: Hygge & West, Mini Moderns, Spoonflower

7. Mural 

Mural wallpapers are the coolest! They are mostly used on one wall to create a beautiful accent. If you have a large wall and don't want to buy a lot of art to cover it, mural wallpaper is a wonderful solution.

Resources: A New Wall, Rebel Walls, Murals Your Way

8. Metallic 

This is the ultimate interiors trend right now. Everyone seems to be bringing in touches of metallic to their home, and wallpaper is an intriguing way to do so!

Resources: Calico Wallpaper, Anthropologie, Flat Vernacular

9. Retro 

Mid-Century Modern Elements are also trending right now & what better way to play up those elements than with retro/vintage wallpaper? 

Resources: Graham & Brown, Aimme Wilder

As you can see, the options are endless when it comes to cute wallpaper. Plus, there are so many creative ways to use it, besides just pasting it on to a wall!

We have seen people wallpaper their old furniture, or the inset of their stairs, or even their ceilings!

The world of wallpaper is your oyster, & we would be happy to help you find the perfect way to use it.

Contact us here for inquiries.

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors.

Happy Thanksgiving Table Decor

What are you setting your Thanksgiving table with? We're loving bright Texas sunflowers mixed with metallics to make for a fun and inviting table! 

 We love the holidays.

They are a fun time with family and friends.  They are also a fun time to make a few temporary updates and changes to  your home.  Below are some ideas for making this Thanksgiving an extra special one. See some of our fun ideas featuring companies like West Elm, Anthropology, Target and many more.

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If you are interested in creating some new family traditions and adding fun decor to your family holidays and everyday, give us a shout.  We would love to help you achieve your new fun goals.

Paula Ables Interiors would like to wish everyone a relaxing Thanksgiving Holiday! 

Click here to see other blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors