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

Uniquely Ever After (Great Wedding Gifts )

It's summer and wedding season is officially in full swing! We're joining the wedding festivities...but not without a unique gift that the couple will remember & treasure!

Of course it's nice to buy a newlywed couple something off their wedding registry, but sometimes there's not anything left on their registry. Or what is left, is kind of boring, too expensive, or too inexpensive. That's when we turn to our list of special wedding gifts!

We know the below items from our Special Gift List will make the couple "ooh & aah" and will add a personal touch to their new home.

Wedding Gift Product Details:

1. Eames Plywood Lounge Chair - Smart Furniture -  An Ables family tradition is to gift one of these chairs to all newlyweds in the family when they marry--to teach tasteful & classic style is lasting and important.   2. Mongolian Throw - Z Gallerie - Soft & luxurious, what more could you want for lounging on your new sofa?   3. Nelson Spindle Clock - Design Within Reach - A clock designed by one of the most celebrated mid-century designers of all time (George Nelson)--who doesn't love the classics?   4. Frida Vase - Jonathan Adler - Surreal inspirational pieces are conversation starters & are sure to make impressions.   5. Triangle Beach Towel - Jonathan Adler - Every couple will appreciate a set of chic beach towels they can even display as colorful accents in their bathroom.   6. Alessi Michael Graves Teapot - Hive Modern - A best seller since 1985, you can't go wrong with this fun kitchen accessory.   7. Reindeer Moss Wreath - Shop Terrain - A new wreath for a new home! And one that can be used indoors or outdoors, and that sustains.   8. Cutlace Gallery Frames - Anthropologie - Give the happy couple beautiful frames for some of their wedding photographs, these are romantic, timeless and perfect to frame photos of their special day!   9. Coffee Table Books - Design Within Reach & Anthropologie - Necessities that can be personalized based on who you're buying for. These won't be getting returned!   10. Luau Portable LED Lamp - Design Within Reach - Soft lighting for those romantic wine nights on the patio. Plus its rechargeable, portable & dimmable...all the perks!   11. Stone Pestle & Mortar - Hive Modern - A beautiful & functional kitchen accessory that never goes out of style.   12. Kaleido Trays - Design Within Reach - Serving guests has never been more fun with these amazing trays.   13. Beolit 15 Speakers - Beoplay - Speakers that are sleek and stylish, portable & bluetooth? The newlyweds will thank you forever.   14. Votive Cup Candleholder Set - Z Gallerie - Romantic accents will always be welcome.   15. Mr & Mrs Muse Place Card Holders - Jonathan Adler - Elevate the everyday accessory & keep your guests extra entertained.   16. Firepit - Design Within Reach - Whether they live somewhere cold or hot, the newlyweds will forever love you for this one too!   17. Monogram Pillow - Jonathan Adler - We love the idea of a monogrammed gift for a new couple, but usually despise the monogram. But this pillow is perfection...it can be customized to any color, border, or lettering you want. 

Want to give the happy couple an even BETTER gift than the ones above?!  Buy the happy couple the gift of Design with our a 2 hour consultation for $300.  We love helping create a wonderful space for new beginnings, including "how to blend his and her furniture" and help with "what stays and what goes".  Give us a call.

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

Home Sweet Gnome

Now that it is officially Summertime, we're spending a lot more time in the garden and outdoors! Finding the perfect flowers, furniture and accents for your outdoor spaces can be tricky.  You want the areas to be comfortable and function according to your needs, but how do you accent the spaces to highlight your unique personality and style?  We are here to tell you, Gnomes are where it is at!

Gnomes have been a staple in Scandinavian design since the early 16th century.  They protect the animals and guard your garden from birds eating all of the fresh produce and seeds.  I am the first to admit that when I told my hubby I wanted a gnome end table he said "NO WAY!".  Gnomes have always been portrayed in a more cartoon-ish, hokey light, but we are here to show you how to design with gnomes in a more classic setting.

Gnomes are no longer just for the garden (although that is where we prefer them). As you can see, people have started to incorporate them into their living rooms and bedrooms as side tables or quirky bookshelf accents.

Designer Phillipe Stark's take on the "modern gnome" design for tables and stools is my favorite!  The designs are agreeable and humorous, but also with an eye to practicality: the hats of the gnomes, in fact, are flat and circular specially to be used as a worktop or as a stool. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use!

We also  love the solid-colored gnomes that add some  pizzazz to a space, & feel the most modern.

If you love the gnomes, but don't know how to bring them into your own home, we are here to help! We would love to assist you in any interior design needs you may have.

Gnome Product details from above Moodboard (from top to bottom, left to right):

1. Gold Gnome - Kartell // 2. White Gnomes - West Elm // 3. Blue Gnomes - Loll Design Studio at Dwell on Design Exhibit // 4.  Group of Gnomes - Ikea // 5. White &  Gold Gnomes - Fox & Monocle // 6. Gnome Table/Stool - Kartell // 7. Gnomes Live Here - Sunshine Ceramics Etsy // 8. Orange Gnome - Urban Poppy // 9. Kartell Gnome Table - Hive Modern

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

US Forces-Bring Them Home Collection

With thousands of U.S. Soldiers at War, and Memorial Day upon us, we're taking time to thank and remember those who have served and continue to serve. Instead of doing the typical Blog post on Memorial Day Party Decor, or Memorial Day DIYs, we dug a little deeper to find something that symbolized the Brave who fight for our freedom.

Many of us have family who passed serving our country, or who are currently overseas. And while we can't bring them back, maybe we can take a little piece of remembrance home with these unique items, built or inspired by U.S. Military weapons.

Each item represents the 4 core U.S. Forces that fight for our freedom.

1. Marines - Machine Gun Lamp - Philippe Starck. . . . . . 2. Navy - Albatross Float Tank Couch [from recycled Navy fighter/float planes-Grumman Albatross] - MotoArt. . . . . 3. Air Force - Aviator Chair [inspired by WWII fighter planes] - Restoration Hardware. . . . . 4. Army - Elliptical Fireplace [recycled from Army mine shells] - Marine Mine Furniture

If you are interested in incorporating items like these into your home, or creating a USA/Military-themed room, we would be happy to help fulfill your vision!

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

At Home with Mom

Moms are often the ones who hold a home together and make home feel like our special place! For this Mother's day we picked out some of our favorite gifts for the home, to make your mom feel loved in the place that she does the most for you and your family.

A lot of these gifts are very functional, but are so cute they won't feel like something she needed, but rather something she's been wanting!

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Gift Ideas for Mom:

1. Yellow Serverware - Anthropologie - A happy, yellow tea set to serve happy guests // 2. Place mats - Design Within Reach - For the more contemporary taste // 3. Dish towels - Anthropologie - Cute accents always brighten a kitchen // 4. Floral Tablecloth - Anthropologie - Beautiful, spring linens cheer up a table and its guests // 5. Marble & Wood Serving Boards - Shop Terrain - Because you can never have too many charcuterie boards // 6. Mother's Day Card - Anthropologie - Adorable card for an adorable mother // 7. Glass Shadow Boxes - West Elm - For all the meaningful trinkets that remind her of you // 8. Gardening Tools - Shop Terrain - Cute tools make work in the garden more fun // 9. Ceramic Candles - Anthropologie - Her favorite scent is now a darling, home accessory // 10. Mongolian Lamb Pillow - West Elm - For the mom who loves a little luxury // 11. Yellow Zinia Wreath - Shop Terrain - Dried floral wreaths are charming and reusable // 12. Opaline Frame - Anthropologie - Because every mom can appreciate a framed picture of her loved ones // 13. Colored throws - West Elm - For cuddling up in style with her favorite people

We hope you enjoy your time with your mom and/or family this weekend!

Maybe you're looking to give your mom, mother-in-law, or wife more than just a gift for the home...We would love to help you with an entire room or home makeover! Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries.

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

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.