What's a rug to do?

Many of my clients struggle with what kind of a rug they should get. It can be exhausting, because it's usually a case of trial and error. You lug a rug home from the store with sweat dripping down your brow only to find it looks horrible with your curtains and sofa. One of my favorite "go to rugs" is the Flokati. It just seems to work in every room and give it that design mag look. I feel I shouldn't be telling you this trade secret. I hope you will still contact me for your interior design needs. After all you still need furniture and accessories right? Here is some inspiration to achieve your Flokati look. Also, check out the version at Anthropologie for $598. Xo ~ Annie

via Jonathan Adler (he loves a flokati)

(above)via atlanta homes and lifestyles (below)via palmer weiss

Contact Decorator in a Box at MyDiab.com to create your online custom design in the most financially savvy way!

Connecticut Master with Study Retreat

The latest MyDiab design was for a family moving from Brooklyn to a lovely home in Connecticut. The mission was to create a Master/Study retreat that had a coastal style with a twist of industrial (there is always a twist). The client wanted a soft look with pops of color. They sent me their inspiration images which got me running in the right direction. I selected an upholstered headboard with hotel bedding and grasscloth accent wall for that soft feel. I added the pop with a rug, pillows and quilt. I brought in the industrial vibe in small doses with accent lamps. I think these space designs will help this family transition nicely from city to suburb. Happy Decorating! X0 ~ Annie

Contact Decorator in a Box at www.mydiab.com to create your online custom design in the most financially savvy way!

Playroom State of Mind

I feel like I say every room is my favorite to design, but I really mean it with playrooms. Every space design transports me to a state of mind. In Playroom designs I think imagination, create, curl up, pretend and laughter. This design was for two little girls, so I really got to reminisce. The design objective was to create a playful space that had a flea market twist (always love when clients say that) and was not overly girly. They wanted function, comfort and durability.

On the floorplan I created three separate play areas. We had our main toy area with lots of storage, seating and FLOR carpet for durability (it is the BEST for playrooms). Reading nook equipped with "grass like" carpet and teepee. Then craft area with supply storage, workspace and of course lots of display for artwork (which you can see on the elevation drawing).

I think my favorite area of the entire room is the reading corner. It has a camping theme equipped with teepee, "grass like" rug and cozy bean bag seating. I also love the use of the non-functioning fireplace as a bookshelf. I would love to get lost in a book while pretend camping...I mean who wouldn't love it at any age. xo ~ Annie

Contact Decorator in a Box at Mydiab.com to create your online custom design in the most financially savvy way!

Quilts Stitched With Love

I have to show off this quilt made for my Cousins baby girl. My Aunt Heather makes these beautiful baby quilts and she is so talented. She also has a great blog Needles and Pens where you can see all her latest works. She made one for our baby girl when she was born and we cherish it. I now want all my friends having babies to receive one. The best part about her quilts is that she adds a fabric label with a personalized note. The label is place on the back of the quilt and says "stitched with love for (insert name)". Quilts always fit well in any nursery decor, you really can't go wrong. Heather will design a quilt for you or you can mail her fabrics of your choice for a more custom option. There is something about receiving a quilt that instantly warms your heart. I think it is because my Grandmother use to make us quilts, so they give me warm fuzzy memories of her. She also baked amazing pies, so when you received a quilt it smelled of pie crust. I think I have to go curl up in a quilt now. Xo ~ Annie

Bay Area Spruce Up

via sukan

The inspiration image for this Bay Area design was from my favorite Etsy pillow store Sukan. I love this image and that it has a "Elle Decor" vibe. I have long been a fan of suzani throws and the multiple uses they have. You can fold a suzani throw at the bottom of a bed, hang it on a wall, drape it over a table and so on. You always need fun lamps in any space, so I selected a chinoiserie pair...when in doubt add a little chinoiserie. It's all about having a blank canvas as your backdrop to add fun accessories to. Examples of items that act as a blank canvas are the duvet cover and light gray paint on yours walls. By keeping the background simple you can easily change out accessories to create a whole new look later on. All you need to do is replace an accent pillow, throw or lamps and poof you have a new room style. I am obsessed with flokati rugs at the moment, so I selected one to complete the look and bring in that much needed cozy feel. I hope this inspires you to spruce up your boudoir this Spring. Xo ~ Annie


restoration hardware bedding acting as a blank canvas for pillow and throw.


Sukan accent pillow


suzani throw via Yurdan


chinoiserie lamp via lamps plus


flokati rug via anthro


cozy chair via wisteria

Contact Decorator in a Box at mydiab.com to create your online custom design in the most financially savvy way!

Egg Art Beyond Crayola

When I was a kid we couldn't wait to break out the Crayola's and design Easter eggs. Our little fingers would be stained with egg dye and the smell of vinegar was in the air. It was always fun to draw a frowning face or stitches on the cracked eggs showing they had been injured. I love being a kid again and decorating eggs. I always enjoy the lovely spring color palette they create when nested in a basket. Here are some of my favorite egg ideas to push you beyond Crayola and into serious egg art. Happy Easter! Xo ~ Annie


via lepapierstudio.com


via ourbestbites.com


via topamazon100.com


via bhg.com


via thesweetestoccasion.com


via decor8blog.com

Contact Decorator in a Box at mydiab.com to create your online custom design in the most financially savvy way!

Minnesota Modern

I was delighted to receive a MyDiab order from a fellow Minnesotan. I grew up in Minnesota, so I can appreciate their lifestyle. The home is a modern craftsman, which is my favorite. The clients mission was to create a mid-century modern style with touches of nature and Candice Olson...also one of my favorites. This was their lower level family area, so it had to be cozy and functional. I think we achieved all of the above with the use of texture, color and some modern textiles.
X0 ~ Annie









Contact Decorator in a Box to create your online custom design in the most financially savvy way!