burke decor

Burkedecor.com is an online boutique where you'll find a fantastic selection of modern home decor, gifts and furniture. Search through different online "boutiques" to find that perfect piece to compliment your favorite room. 

Here are a few of my favorite pieces...

The Fiona Settee

Metal Cross Brace Desk

Ogee Embroidered Pillow

Mosaic Tile Mirror

Click here to connect to www.burkedecor.com.

Funky Accessories

I grew up in a house with white walls and white carpet. I think my parents thought this was a crisp, clean look. Really it had no interest. I remember bursting at the seams when I was finally allowed to paint a blue accent in my bedroom! It was a bit bold but especially fun for me at the time. Think about when you walk into a house with everything matchy, matchy. You know....the window treatments which consist of five different prints that match exactly to the sofa, chairs and pillows. You really aren't interested in anything other than how much everything matches. You don't take notice of any special pieces, it all just kind of blends together. Yes, its nice they actually took effort to coordinate. However, one of my main goals when designing a room is to add a piece or two to really create interest and pop from the rest of the room. I like to add a funky accessory, bold rug or a piece of furniture that no one else will have. There are so many things you can do, here are some awesome pieces I love.

I love this clock from uncommongoods.com.

These are some of my favorite side tables. They're Drum Tables from Arhaus and they start at only $149

This pillow is fun and colorful, a great way to add interest to a neutral room. Plus peacock is huge right now! It's from Pier1 Imports.

Don't want to do anything too bold? Try something as simple as adding fun decorative knobs. These Number Knobs are from Anthropologie.

Now this glass head is one of my favorites! It's also from Pier 1 Imports.

Why have a boring floor lamp when you can have something like this! It is a bit pricey but what a statement! You can find this at Restoration Hardware.

I hope this has inspired you be a little bold and go for something a little out of the ordinary! 

Bed Linens

Climbing into a fabulous bed with silky, smooth sheets that smell amazing can be just what you need for a great night’s sleep.  Bedding can be expensive, once you start adding in decorative elements on top of comfort and warmth so properly caring for your bed linens is important.

Look for gorgeous muted colors like these from Restoration Hardware.

Make sure you wash them weekly. Use a hot water wash and also high temperature dry. Don’t forget the scented fabric softener! Once the drying cycle is complete, promptly remove them from the dryer so the creases do not set in. If you are not immediately using them, fold them neatly into a square.

Folding a fitted sheet can be tricky. To properly fold a fitted sheet, fold in the elasticized pocket and then continue folding it just like a flat sheet. The elasticized area will be stretched around your mattress so no one will see any wrinkles. 

Here is a link to a video on the RealSimple website showing how to fold a fitted sheet.

www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/fold-fitted-sheet-00000000002236/index.html

Color and Design Forecast

I recently attended a color and design forecast for 2011. It was very interesting and also inspiring! I thought I'd share a couple of the trends that were mentioned.

Flying Creatures - I've written about birds and owls being popular already but they're going to get even more popular. Basically any flying creature will be big. I like this trend, like I've said before....I'll be happy as long as monkeys don't come back.

Graffiti - I'm just starting to see this trend in stores. Basically the raw look of graffiti will be big in fabrics, art and more. This is fun and unique. I think it will be fun to add something like this to a more traditional room interior to add interest.

Vintage - Vintage is already a huge trend. It's great that people actually appreciate antiques. Just because its old doesn't mean it needs to be replaced. I love to think of the story behind some amazing pieces.

Now get creative and start thinking about some of these trends during your next home interior project.

Need design help?

Do you need help with room decor? Are you struggling with paint colors? Maybe you'd just like some holiday decor advice.

Whatever it is, let me know. Send me your questions, I'd love to help you out.

Fall Centerpieces

Need some inspiration for Fall centerpieces?

Get creative! Use varying sizes of pumpkins and gourds or just take a walk and bring home some gorgeous, colorful leaves.

Bedding and Accessories

Are you looking for some unique bedding and accessories? Want to find something no one else will have? Check out the Garnet Hill website. There are luxurious sheet sets, duvets, pillows, rugs and more. To shop the site, click here.

Storage

Almost everyone could use more storage space in their home. Furniture manufacturers are now producing many options for extra storage.

Here are some suggestions: 

Ottoman

These ottomans are easy to find and are perfect to add to a family room, den, bedroom or even children’s room. They are wonderful to store toys, dvd’s, throws and other items.

Storage Bench

Look for a storage bench like this for an entry area. It’s perfect for storing extra shoes and bookbags. These are also nice in a bedroom for storage for extra blankets and pillows. 

End Table

This end table opens for storage. It’s also perfect for a bedroom nightstand.

 Bed Storage

When looking for a bed, take a look at beds like these that have storage spaces built in. They're great for storing blankets and pillows and even extra clothing. 

Take advantage of the amazing sale at Arhaus! 

They have stunning furniture and accessories that you can't find anywhere else. Visit the store in Brentwood Saturday through Monday to take advantage of 20% to 60% off.

 I previously wrote about decorative birds, well another popular trend is owls. When you think of an owl, you think of the wise old owl. This link goes back as far a ancient Greece when Athena the goddess of wisdom had the owl as a symbol. 

The owl trend is fairly new and I expect to see them around throughout winter. You can find owls in everything from home decor to children's bedding. Here are some great pieces from Pier 1, Amazon.com and Etsy.com