The Sketch Book Files

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Jen's spot for inspirations, inside her life as designer and artist. I share progress, tips on sources, spaces that inspire and how to push the boundaries of every space.

Be brave, and go for it.

xo, Jen

Posts tagged accessories
Creative Accent Wall Ideas

Accent walls are a great way to make a bold statement while adding visual interest to your space. While the “typical” concept for an accent wall is to simply use a different color of paint, there are many innovative ways to craft an eye-catching feature wall.

Here are a few examples of creative accent walls from our past projects at Jen Talbot Design:

ABSTRACT & UNDERSTATED

For this children’s bedroom, the goal was to create details that felt both youthful and modern. Custom painted by our Principal and Creative Director Jen Talbot, this accent wall creates an interesting visual element that ties the room together without overshadowing the design. 

The echoes of the repeating semicircular shape—which mirrors the rainbow light on the bedside table—creates a dynamic, abstract accent wall with a sense of balance. The color palette is fun and feminine, and ties in well with the colors seen in the throw pillows and accessories. Although this design is featured in a childhood bedroom, this abstract concept could be applied to many different spaces, and has the potential to make a big impact.

WALL TO WALL MURAL

During the height of the pandemic, our client wanted to overhaul her garage and create a well-ventilated gathering space for friends and family. Our team sourced a local artist to create this colorful wall-to-wall mural, making it the true focal point of this space, and creating a surefire conversation starter. Additional chairs were hung on this wall as a space save, but also add visual interest to the wall. A vintage yellow neon light fixture completed this bold, expansive design.

MODERN MIRROR

If you want to skip the paint, accent walls can also be created by adding striking accessories. This unique mirror is not only visually interesting on its own, but also adds more light into the space and makes the room appear larger. Using large accessories or distinct art pieces can be a creative, renter-friendly method for creating an accent wall.

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First Impressions: Foyers & Entryways

Winter in the Midwest can be harsh. Chicago is known for its blustery wind, with sudden gusts that knock you over while trying to shovel the sidewalk- speaking from experience!  But we aren't here to complain about the weather. Let's kick off those snow boots, grab a hot toddy, and discuss foyers. Foyers and entryways are the first impression of your home's inner personality. It should feel welcoming and functional.  

As traffic flows in and out of your home, it's inevitable that debris and weather will creep inside. Installing flooring material that can handle the elements like mud, salt, and rain is key. Tile is a durable solution.  Porcelain tile is a manufactured product that is non-porous, stain resistant, and easy to clean. The surface is screen printed to replicate the movement of natural stone or trendy graphic patterns.  Aesthetically, porcelain can appear flat because it is missing physical texture and ability to patina.  Ceramic tiles have many similar benefits as porcelain while providing a wide variety of colorful glaze finishes and exciting mosaic patterns. 

Porcelain Floor Tile. Image Source: Luxe Interiors and Design

Porcelain Floor Tile. Image Source: Luxe Interiors and Design

Entryways crave impactful statements and bold wallpaper give a boisterous greeting. Over-scaled botanicals, high contrast patterns, and quirky animals are currently some of our favorite themes.  We collaborate with our vendors to specify commercial grade printing in these locations.  This allows the paper to withstand the conditions and be wiped clean if necessary.  Painting the walls and ceiling in moody colors is a budget friendly way to set the tone of your home.

Bold Patterns by Osbourn and Little. Image Source: House Beautiful

Bold Patterns by Osbourn and Little. Image Source: House Beautiful

Small details offer subtle cues to your family and guests. An upholstered bench signals "take a seat and please remove shoes here." Make sure there is an easy spot to store coats and gear. Closet space is ideal to keep the area tidy. Add pizazz by continuing the foyer wallcovering and flooring, or purchase brass hangers. Wicker baskets, wall hooks, and coat trees also provide handy storage. 

Welcome Bench with Art. Image Source: Jen Talbot Design

Welcome Bench with Art. Image Source: Jen Talbot Design

Entry tables anchor the room, but they should not be a dumping ground for catalogues and bills. Keeping this space clutter-free is the first step to creating a calm, uplifting environment. A few simple accessories are all that's needed to complete the space, such as a vase of fresh greenery, a tray for keys, and something visually intriguing like a sculpture or a stack of books. Finally, a well placed mirror has two jobs: it reflects light allowing the area to feel brighter and makes sure you leave home looking your very best! 

Foyer Table with Accessories. Image Source: Jen Talbot Design

Foyer Table with Accessories. Image Source: Jen Talbot Design

Tips on How to Style Accessories for Any Room

Accessories are the key to rounding out a space. It is a critical piece to create a “well lived in” feeling and to personalizes a room. Accessories are much like a great pair of heels or chunky cuff bracelet to punch up a look. We are forever on the search for great accessories and have a private Pinterest board devoted to special finds we stumble on in our research in designing a home.

The happy combination of accessories is size, texture and layering. Key to any well styled accessory book shelf or coffee table is:

  1. 4-5 small to medium solid shapes.

  2. Open and woven shapes, such as small sculptures, baskets, etc.

  3. No glass vases. Solid colors create better silhouettes. Mix of the color and shapes, unless you are going for an intentional all white look. It will feel more organic and natural if they are different sizes and shapes.

  4. Personal items, such as a clients collection of vintage coins or memories from travels.

  5. Coffee table books and varied sizes of decorative storage boxes. These make great opportunities to create height.

Check out a couple of our current obsessions.