Back in my lawyerly days I was mentored by an awesome attorney, one of the smartest chicks I know.  She recently switched firms and wound up in this glamorous office.

But there is a bright side – her firm actually encourages the lawyers to decorate their offices.  Imagine my delight when I got an email from my former mentor asking for a little design advice!!

Although she really wanted fun colors like hot pink, lime green and orange, she worried that such vibrant colors might be too much for a law office – so she requested a variety of options, some including the fun colors and others with more traditional “office” colors like warm reds, greens and tans.  Keeping a “traditional but not stuffy” design scheme in mind, her only other requests were for a lamp, some artwork and new, matching in/out boxes.

Design Quickies don’t usually include 10 options – not gonna lie, I got a little carried away!!  If you have the strength, check out the different goodies I whipped up for her:

Option 1: artwork 1, artwork 2, artwork 3, artwork 4, artwork 5, artwork 6, frames, lamp, shelves, trays (from See Jane Work, no longer available - try this or this instead).

The artwork in this design is a more affordable, somewhat DIY version of a very popular set of art from Crate & Barrel, as well as Ballard Designs.

{ You’ll notice that these floating shelves make an appearance in each design – they are super long and will look awesome on that long wall by the bookcase.  I would stagger them so that the upper shelf extends over the bookcase a bit, and the lower shelf is scooted to the left (towards the door) at least two feet.  That way there will be room to lean diplomas, add a narrow vase, personal photos, a book, etc. }

Option 2: artwork 1, artwork 2, artwork 3, artwork 4, frames, lamp, shelves, trays.

Option 3: artwork, lamp (from Target, out of stock – try this, this or this instead), shelves, trays.

{ This print is a steal as compared to an almost identical print from Ballard Designs. }

Option 4:  artwork 1, artwork 2, lamp, shelves, trays (from See Jane Work, no longer available- try this or this instead).

Option 5: bull dog artwork, basset hound artwork, lamp, shelves, trays.

{ Disclaimer: I definitely didn’t expect her to pick this option, but when I came across these quirky prints I just had to concoct a little design with them in honor of her bull dog and beagle pups. }

Option 6: artwork, lamp, shelves, trays.

Option 7: artwork 1, artwork 2, lamp, shelves, trays.

Option 8: artwork, lamp (base & shade sold separately), shelves, trays.

{ The Bed Bath & Beyond artwork is a an affordable alternative to the Z Gallerie piece. }

Option 9: artwork, lamp, shelves, trays.

Option 10: artwork, lamp (from Target, out of stock- try this, this or this instead), shelves, trays.

Whew!  Still with me after all that?  If you were redecorating your office, which option would you choose?  And speaking of offices, what’s your office situation?  Do you work from home, from a cube, from a corner office?  Or maybe your office days are behind you?  Do tell!!

Click on the following link to snag some design advice of your very own – Interior Design Services.

In addition to being cute, this house is also famous – it won the 2007 Renovation of the Year Award for its conservation district.

I love this porch directly off the master bedroom – it feels so Southern, don’t you think?  And the pale blue siding accented with periwinkle is just awesome – I wish fun colors like that would look as perfect on every house!  Although the exterior is picture-perfect, to be honest I wasn’t really expecting to be wowed by the inside of the home.

But I was wrong!

Just inside the front door you are greeted with this unexpected open floorplan – as well as some decor that had me totally swooning.

What I love most about this open living space are the bold choices and unexpected combinations made by the homeowner – the pops of orange in an otherwise muted color palette, a mirrored side table, luxurious silk curtains and statement lighting all work together flawlessly.

I like that the homeowner chose to add modern chandeliers to both the living room and breakfast area – they are in a straight line across the ceiling so instead of competing with one another they simply serve to define the two spaces in an otherwise open floorplan.

I like the kitchen a great deal, but I’m not bowled over in comparison to the rest of the home.  I think it’s the cabinetry that isn’t doing it for me – maybe something in a richer wood tone would have felt a bit more historic and flowed a little better with the furnishings throughout the home.  Or maybe it’s just me!

This little dining room is just past the kitchen, and is in its own little world.  I actually really like that – I feel as though the focus would be solely on you and your guests, without the distractions of television or anything going on in the rest of the house.  And it overlooks a great backyard, as an added bonus.  I love the combination of the sleek West Elm circle chairs with the more luxurious upholstered chairs – and they all work well together with their lovely curves.

Just off the main living space is a small half bath (under the stairs), and then the master suite.  And not to hype it up too much, but this is probably the best master suite I’ve ever seen in person – it’s awesome!

You walk directly into the master bedroom, which is serene yet bold at the same time with deep chocolate browns and pale blue paired with faux fur and two statement lamps.  The rich curtains act as a focal point behind the bed in place of a headboard, and the door to the right of the bed leads out onto that gorgeous patio you saw above.

On the left-hand side of the master suite is this spa-like bath.  The luxurious and spacious feeling is enhanced by the sliding panels (from Ikea!) which allows the two spaces to either become one or remain totally separate.

This bathroom has all the basics you would hope for in a master bath – double sinks, soaker tub, walk-in shower, and storage.  But beyond that, it has all the little details that you can only dream of – a crystal chandelier, floating vanity, the shower has frameless glass panels, and the soaker tub overlooks a beautiful side yard.

My only complaint has to do with the vanity – have you noticed it yet?  The mirror is about 10 feet away on the opposite side of the soaker tub!  I’m guessing that the homeowner typically uses a small mirror on a stand that remains on the ledge behind the vanity.

On the opposite side of the master bedroom is this totally drool-worthy closet.  I don’t know any woman (or man, for that matter) that wouldn’t give her right arm for a closet like this.  Tons of built-in storage, windows, a chandelier, and an island?  I’m sold!

If you head back to the front door and head upstairs, you are greeted by this lovely capiz chandelier:

At the top of the stairs and on the left is this sunny and funky guest room – I would never have been so bold as to paint the walls orange, but now I’m feeling completely inspired.

I love the combination of orange, white and chocolate – the shock value of the orange is tempered beautifully by the chocolate and white, and keeps what could be a very loud color from screaming at you.  Instead, it just feels rich and eclectic.

This bedroom adjoins a hidden study through the sogi screen:

My favorite part about this study is the antique desk that has been painted a stark white – while some would shudder at painting such a piece (sometimes I feel that way, too), you can’t deny that it both looks fabulous and acts as a neutral yet interesting piece in this space.

The homeowner has clearly learned the lesson of pairing bold colors with only one or two other shades – in this case, the mustard yellow is calmed by white and black for a totally chic look.

At the top of the stairs, between the two bedrooms, is this bath remodeled with a walk-in shower and oodles of glass tile – we all know I’m a sucker for glass tile!!

The last room in this surprising home is the third bedroom, which is glamorous and refined with a bit of an edge.  The element of painted woodwork is repeated with the antique bed, and the mirrored side table and chandelier add a touch of sparkle to the space.  As the homeowner demonstrated in the master bedroom, the combination of chocolate brown and blue (in this case a steel blue) is instantly luxurious.

The sophisticated flair of this room is accentuated with a pair of vintage Barbie illustrations.

And although I didn’t get any pictures of it, this property also had a full guest quarters in the backyard – how cool is that?  Curious about the stats of this house?  Check out the detail sheet below:

So what do you guys think of this house?  Are you as bowled over as I am, or do you think it’s a little over the top?  While I love it, I’m wondering how I would feel living in a home like this 24/7 – I mean, how would it go with my sweatpants and tank top?

Some images courtesy of GoliadAve.

These nifty bookcases range in price from $59.99 for the smallest to $229 for the large TV stand, so these babies provide ridiculous amounts of storage on the cheap.  They would be perfect in any bedroom for folded clothes or baskets of socks, as a pantry, in a garage, as a home office, in a craft room, or in a kid’s playroom.

But don’t be fooled – these bookcases aren’t just about functionality – they also give you a great opportunity to really show your stuff and spice up any room.  Check out how these bookcases can really become a feature and focal point of any room with just a little creativity:

Got any creative ideas for using an Expedit bookshelf?  I’m thinking it would make an awesome headboard . . . no need for nightstands, books are right where you need’em . . . what can you come up with?

Images courtesy of Ikea and Desire to Inspire.

Think you have a pretty good idea of your decorating style??  Test yourself with this interactive on-line quiz from Sproost!  This fun quiz that I came across on Young House Love shows you fully furnished and decorated rooms that fit into one of 16 different design styles and directs you to decide whether you “love it” or “hate it” for each room.  You may look at anywhere from 16 to a bazillion rooms, depending upon how quickly Sproost can nix a design style from your answers.  Interesting and pretty darn fun, if I do say so myself!!

I was surprised by the personal style combo that the Sproost quiz came up with based upon my answers to the quiz – a mix of cottage chic (36%), Nantucket style (36%) and vintage modern (28%).

While I never would have said that my style included anything called “cottage chic,” Sproost’s explanation of the style proved that its analysis was right on:

Who says that cottages can’t be modern and chic? Who says that they have to be floral and cheesy? Not you!

You love the carefree spirit that the cottage interior inspires, but you are also serious about your appreciation for modern art and hip treasures. You love old and new alike, and love to highlight them all to expose the uniqueness of each. What better way to show off these treasures than with a light background?

Although you haven’t had a chance to check out my art and accessories collections yet (you will, don’t worry!!), I think that “cottage chic” describes our living room to a “T,” don’t you?

But what about “Nantucket Style”?  Not so sure about this one, Sproost.  While I’m all about greens and blues and whites, I’m a sucker for dark wood over light wood any day of the week!

Oh how you love the beach! Who doesn’t, right? And so your dream home is either perched in your favorite beach town, or you’ve brought that favorite beach town into your house.

Your art and accessories speak directly to the activities that are found at the beach. Pieces of driftwood you found here, pictures or paintings of the amazing views there. Things that remind you of the coast – surf boards or fishing boats – are found throughout the house. The feeling of the seaside is both abstract and literal in the design of your space. The fabrics are natural, cottons and linens and are light in color and touch. Much of the furniture is wood or wood framed (the lighter the better, think driftwood!) and wicker, when done right, is a must.

And since your true inspiration is the sea, the colors and textures in your home are the same that you would find at your favorite beach: white, light beiges and grays of the sand and driftwood, a variety of blues for the ocean and sky, and greens and vibrant blues of the sea glass, but the key is white! Your space should feel light and airy and give off the mood one has when at the beach: laid back!

Your furniture is comfortable and the layout is cozy. The more it reminds you of actually sitting on the warm sand, the better! And what do you do at the beach? Hang out with family and friends – and your home is just an extension of this play place. And though the space is filled with large white furniture, it somehow manages to feel both durable and casual.

“Vintage Modern” makes up the last 28% of my design style:

Flea Market, anyone? You know you are drawn to modern furniture and interiors, and yet you don’t like a space that feels cold and sterile. And who could blame you? That’s why Vintage Modern is so appealing to you. Though the backdrop of the room, the walls and windows, are many times white or monochromatic, the furniture and accessories have the color, shape and texture to bring the warmth into the space.

The great thing about Vintage Modern is ease of mixing different styles in the one space. You can have a new modular sofa mixed with a great pair of chairs that your grandmother purchased in the late 1950’s. The new and old work appear as though they were destined for each other. Even if you don’t have time for swap meets and garage sales, so many of the mid-century pieces were so great that they have been remade and mimicked year after year.

I’ve gotta say, I think Sproost nailed with the Cottage Chic and Vintage Modern.  Not so sure about the accessories Sproost picked for me, though… what is that boat doing there?

Think you know what your design style is??  Give the Sproost quiz a whirl, you may surprise yourself!

Images courtesy of Sproost.