Inspiration from Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • March 26, 2022

There was a lot of interior decorating inspiration to bring home from my visit to the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach this week. The three main takeaways: Lots of bold (really bold) color. Spectacular ceiling treatments. Beautiful lighting in every room.

Twenty-four acclaimed designers and architects from all over the country participated in showcasing their talents and the best that interior design has to offer. Every square inch of the home is filled with every product and idea that you can imagine. Visual overload doesn’t begin to describe it. Disneyland for designers and décor enthusiasts does. So worth the drive to the other coast!

The décor is vibrant, optimistic and happy with shades of citrus colors like that beautiful tangerine we see so much of now. And green. Lots of green in every shade you can imagine. Pantone’s color of the year, Very Peri, a bold lavender shade, also made it into many rooms with color, ceiling treatments and accessories.

The pandemic has definitely given us all a chance to rethink how we want to live in our homes and look for ways to find happiness and joy in our décor. Each room offered lots of options to consider.

A modern take on a traditional Palm Beach sunroom says “come in and stay a while.” Designed by Paloma Contreras, the treillage walls and ceilings work with the dogwood leaf pattern and rattan to bring the indoor inside. Photo: Nicholas Sargent, Sargent Photography.

The home was built in the 1920s and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Because of its age, it presented many challenges to the designers who brilliantly hide them. For example, what does one do with slanted walls? Cover them with a beautiful screen!

“In the pink: a poolside paradise” by Janie Molster, offers lots of spots to soak up the sun. An entertaining pavilion is ready to get the party started and a romantic, fabric-draped pergola is perfect for enjoying time in the shade for a game of (pink) backgammon. Photo: Nicholas Sargent, Sargent Photography.

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I am constantly on the hunt for inspiration that I can bring back and adapt them to my client’s homes. A few of my takeaways are listed below. But first, a little information if you decide to venture over to the “other” coast. The home is open until April 3 so there is still time to visit.

If you go:

5th Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House

3001 Spruce Avenue, West Palm Beach

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily through April 3, 2022

All proceeds from the Show House will support the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in the Bronx, New York, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

A few of my takeaways:

• Rich bold colors with a lot of whimsy. Artwork, wallcoverings, paint and even a custom hood lacquered to match the cabinets.

• Small space or wall imperfections? Cover a wall with a gorgeous folding screen. It adds depth to a small room and covers a lot of things we would rather not see.

• Wallpaper the ceiling! This is beautiful when set within a coffered ceiling or a ceiling where you can add architectural elements. The sky is the limit on how creative you can be.

The “Wonderland Dining Room” designed by Beth Diana Smith is filled with patterns and accessories. The space is grounded by a pink rug and a lilac wallpaper on the ceiling. This room was a major draw with its focal point lotus chandelier and a monkey accent table. Photo: Nicholas Sargent, Sargent Photography.

• Make the exterior part of the interior. I know, we say this all the time. But carry it a step further with rugs, rattan tables, a chandelier, surround drapes to protect from the weather and you have a cozy outdoor room that is part of the home.

Much more than a placed to get dressed, one could spend a lot of time in this “Reimagined Closet” by the Lewis Design Group. The hand-painted wallpaper is the room's focal point and green and yellow fabrics on the settee and Roman shades play off the palm fronds covering the walls. Photo: Nicholas Sargent, Sargent Photography.

• Lattice on a grass cloth wall and ceiling gives the room the feel of a garden party.

• Bar carts. They are everywhere. And they don’t even have to be a traditional cart. A pretty vignette created on a tabletop, kitchen island, beautiful tray or console are perfect. The key is to creatively arrange colorful, pretty things that make you happy every time you make a refreshing beverage!

Visitors would be happy to spend a few days in this guest house. With kitchen and dining room designed by Catherine Austin, she took cues from her favorite travel spots, like Marrakech, Costa Rica, the Cote d’Azur and Palm Beach, to create the home's bright and whimsical breakfast area. The adjoining galley kitchen has vibrant green cabinets and a lacquered custom hood trimmed in brass. Photo: Nicholas Sargent, Sargent Photography.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information, visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

You've Got (design) Style!

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • Aug. 21, 2021

What’s your interior design style?

We all know that the interior of our homes impacts our mood, work, health and how we react to others. And nothing is more important than the style of your home and the way it makes you feel when you walk in the door.

This room styled by Pottery Barn has a mix of farmhouse, coastal and a little boho style. Pearce roll-up arm, upholstery, chase sectional; farmhouse end and coffee tables; a sprinkling of accessories and artwork. www.potterybarn.com

As a Fort Myers interior decorator, I tell my clients to select a design style that they can afford and one that suits their lifestyle. It’s often not quite as simple as it sounds. That’s why I want to share a few tips.

Before meeting with a new client, I have them answer a few questions. I give them a list of styles and ask them to pick the ones that describe their current decorating scheme. And I ask what style they would like to see in their home.

Some homeowners know their style and others only know what they don’t like (which is fine). Some tell me they have no style and they need help finding one (also fine).

Most of us hold on to our style and don’t change it over the years unless we are making a major change like downsizing or moving to a completely different part of the country. Even then we tend to take our style with us because it’s what gives us comfort in our homes. My own look in my home style is coastal with a lot of primitive pieces incorporated into the mix.

Why should you know your style?

Well, you don’t have to know your style but it will help keep you on track and eliminate expensive mistakes. It’s about making smart choices. And it’s a good guideline.

It takes time to curate your own style so have patience and have fun with the process.

I look at it like this: would you go into a clothing store and randomly begin to try on clothes without any thought whatsoever as to what would look best on your body type? Not likely.

And you would not begin putting a room together without giving some though as to what you like and what works with the layout of the home. Unless you want to end up with a hodgepodge of stuff. Not a good idea.

What do we mean by “design style?”

The short answer: features that define your home’s character and create harmony in a particular style that you love.

Hint: most homes have a combination of two styles. Which I find much more interesting than one style. And the best combination of all is the one that mixes old with new pieces.

First steps

Take a look at your furniture. See any patterns?

Notice what you really love and what can be eliminated.

Look for common characteristics: color, shape, materials.

Visit model homes. Here, designer’s follow a specific style throughout the home. Take notes.

Look at furniture showrooms. But don’t let the salesperson decide your style.

Create a vignette with magazine photos or digitally. Visualizing helps determine what you like.

If the various styles have you a bit confused, this is a very brief summary of a few. There are many more.

Transitional

This style is a “happy medium.” A mix of traditional and contemporary design. Here you have the freedom to mix and match styles for a cohesive style. It’s a no stress style.

Traditional

From 18th and 19th century England and France, you will see pieces that have stayed true to their period with little change. Velvet, lines, patterned fabrics, glamorous chandeliers, oil paintings, florals.

Modern

Time period is from the early to mid-20th century. Clean lines. Sleek. You won’t find extra embellishments and generally has a more neutral color palette with bold pops of color. No fuss. Clean lines, geometric form, clear spaces, function and storage. Love the 50’s and 60’s? This is your style.

Contemporary

Always changing and a bit hard to describe because it’s what is happening “now” in interior design. It borrows from current styles and trends without focusing on any one particular style.

Coastal

Reflects the natural environment and brings it indoors. Uses neutrals with blues and greens (jewel/sea glass tones). The indoors extends into the outdoors enlarging the living space. Minimal window treatments. Jute, wicker, indoor plants. Bright and breezy.

Eclectic

Eclectic rooms could be filled with iconic pieces from just about every style, and when done correctly, it can work together. Somewhat tricky to pull off but when it does, it is cozy, interesting and reflects the homeowner’s interests. Often combines traditional and modern.

Boho

This style is having its moment with a sudden gain in popularity. Maybe it’s reflective about how we are feeling these days. Free spirit meets different cultures for a look that can be spectacular and fun. Pieces from travels, different cultures, color, and patterns all combine for a totally unconventional and totally fun look. Exotic and layered with bright colors.

Modern Farmhouse

A modern twist on rustic. You know this style if you have watched the HGTV show Fixer Upper. It takes salvaged objects and puts them together in a modern way. Sleek lighting, wide plank flooring combine with blues, greens, lots of black are used to design a comfortable style. Think rustic yet refined with a little traditional.

Minimalist

This one is last for a reason. I rarely see it. For all the talk about minimalism, most homeowners are reluctant to part with their “stuff” to create an uncomplicated, clean and simple design. And I must admit, it takes a lot to pull it off for everyday living. Japanese-inspired, empty spaces with attention to hidden storage and neutral accents.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and solves decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Sprinkle your home with a little decorating whimsy

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press • July 6, 2019

Wendy Conklin’s Frida chairs pay homage to Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. Group them together for a dining room that your guests will never stop talking about! Photo: Chair Whimsy

Whatever happened to the fun in interior decorating?

Sometimes I think our home interiors are becoming too serious.

Why: I go into a lot of homes that tell me absolutely nothing about the people who live there. The home can look great, everything in the right place, good flow, nice color (although a little dull). But what is missing is something to tell me who lives there and what they like.

Garden party! Change up your dining room chairs with this colorful fabric set against a neutral palette bu Wendy Conklin. Photo: Chair Whimsy

Where is the fun?

It’s one of the reasons Southwest Florida homeowners call me. They are just plain bored. Their homes need a little something. They don’t always need to change the entire house. They want me to give their home a little injection of personality (definitely can do that). A little wow (they say, although wow is not a decorating style) or an accent piece to shake things up. Or a new color palette to change everything.

In other words, they need a little sprinkling of decorating whimsy. Something to make their house their home.

Brighten up a dull space with this black on black chair has lots of WOW. Photo: Chair Whimsy

The French writing desk and why are chairs so ugly?

I started thinking about this recently when a longtime client asked to help her create a space for writing. She’s a published author and had just downsized. She had purchased a French writing desk and wanted to incorporate it into an area for her writing. The writing desk is well, spectacular. A focal point of the room. And it needed a chair equally as spectacular.

I set out on a mission. To find a chair that screams WOW. And does the desk and the space justice. And so, it began.

First of all, let me say this: a pretty chair is hard to find. No, let me rephrase: most chairs start out ugly. I know this because I shop for chairs for many clients and I always tell them to find a chair that fits the space, fits them and is a style that works with the room. If we are lucky enough to find all three, we can make it pretty with beautiful fabric selections.

Pretty in floral pinks with a whitewash finish. Photo: Chair Whimsy

“Ugly chairs” on Pinterest

I was looking for another client’s pink chair recently and somehow ended up going down a rabbit trail and found myself on Pinterest. Do you know there is actually a board called “Ugly chairs?” Seriously. I have seen most of these chairs. Except for the one that looks like a potato. Check it out if you want a laugh. I did find a pretty pink chair at West Elm.

But I digress. Slightly.

Chairs as an accent

I’ve always used chairs as an accent piece. In my own home, I have one in every room. An old, wooden, shabby chic chair sits in my living room with a pillow that points toward the beach. In my bedroom, a treasured flea market find, an old, weathered beach chair that holds a pillow that I love from a trip to Paris. An old, heirloom wicker chair was given a new life with some beautiful, coastal fabric. And the list goes on.

But here is the thing.

You can’t really sit in these chairs. For long. If your accent needs to be for real life, you need something substantial.

And then I found it.

Chair “whimsy”

My search led me to designer and upholsterer, Wendy Conklin. Her business, Chair Whimsy, offers one-of-a-kind, out-of-this-world chairs that make wonderful accent pieces. From boho chic to vintage farmhouse to classic romance, these chairs reflect the personalities of their owner. They are new and fabulous. And you can create your own. Check them all out at chairwhimsy.com

Her boho chic line includes a collection of “Frida” chairs, paying homage to the colorful Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. A set for the dining room makes a perfect conversation piece when entertaining or one can stand alone at a desk or in a corner.

Be fearless

Find your inspiration and don’t be afraid to put an accent piece in every room. It can be a chair or something else that will make you love your home again. As I am writing this, I am thinking about how I can convince my husband that we need a Frida chair. Wish me luck.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and solves decorating problems. Her article appears the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 949-1808 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

What's in, what's out and resolutions for a new year

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press • January 6, 2018

Keep it simple in the New Year. Pillow covers inspired by nature nautical accessories, plants, Leona metallic tables, Jackson chippy base lamps work with this Townsend sofa as a focal point of the room. Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.

The lights and decorations have come down and if you’re like me, it seems that things seem a bit gloomy. You may be looking around your home thinking that it needs a little sparkle as we settle in for a new year.

There are lots of interesting trends in the home interiors forecast for 2018. Some are fabulous and worth a try. As I always tell my Southwest Florida interior design clients, pick your changes according to what you love and not the latest trend. And there are the fun lists of what’s in and what’s out. It’s all great fun and I have offered a sampling as well as a few resolutions for your home in 2018. I promise you can keep them!

Happy decorating and best wishes for the New Year!

 Resolutions to do NOW!

 ·       Show gratitude for your home. We always have a wish list and it all never seems to get done. But keep in mind that many in our area are still dealing with severe hurricane damage and would love to be thinking about decorating. Be thankful for what you have and don’t stress out about the small things.

·       Be intentional about your home décor this year. Make a plan before making purchases. We all crave simplicity so don’t go overboard.

Give a little love in 2018 with Pottery Barn’s Love Gallery art pieces, pillows, Bella crystal round chandelier, Madison upholstered settee and metallic tables. Check out details at www.potterybarn.com. Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.

·       Give yourself a little self-care. The early days of a new year are perfect for thinking about what is important for the upcoming months. And these cool days are perfect for relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book, some soft music. In other words: give yourself a break.

Treat yourself to a break with this love is love tray and accessories. Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.

·       Manage clutter. Eliminate your junk drawer (who needs junk?).

·       Say “no” to what you don’t love in your home. 

·       Discard duplicates. Donate clothes that you don’t wear. Take excess books to the library.

·       Buy plants or fresh flowers and put them in every room in your house.

·       Try something new! Suggestions below!

What’s in (trends)

Metallics are the hot accessory for the new year. Pendants in nickel, brass, copper, bronze, white, vintage glass.  Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.

·       Keep it simple! And calm.

·       Fish scale tiles for the perfect backsplash.

·       Space for a coffee bar.

·       Velvet. Couches, rugs, pillows.

·       Metallics: rose gold, brass, copper. And it’s okay to mix them.

·       Rattan furniture. If you see it at a flea market, grab it.

·       Fringe.

·       Typography (signs with your favorite sayings).

·       Art gallery walls.

A serene spa-like powder room with classic white console, marble top, metal fixtures is set against a dramatic wall covering for a customized look. Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.

·       Chandeliers.

·       Wall coverings inspired by nature.

·       Floral patterns.

·       Nautical laccessories.

·       Daybeds.

·       Terrazzo flooring and counters. Even walls.

·       Spa bathrooms.

·       Statement ceilings with paint, wallpaper or textures.

·       Herringbone flooring, walls, backsplashes.

·       Three dimensional wall décor.

·       The color green. And plants everywhere. Real, if possible!

·       Repurposing anything.

·       Dark wood. Chocolate brown floor and furniture.

·       Colorful doors. The front door of course. But also interior doors.

·       Subway tiles. They are still a classic and are affordable. The best kitchen backsplash option.

·       Natural light. Large windows. Light shades and drapes.

·       Mirrors to reflect natural light.

·       Mixing antiques with modern pieces.

·       Marble everything. Flooring, walls, backsplashes, counters.

·       Jewel tones. Colors from nature. Bye-bye beige.

·       Large wall art to take up large spaces in open floor plans.

·       Black and white patterns, prints, flooring.

·       Woven textures and artisan accessories.

What’s out

·       Brushed metals.

·       Too many throw pillows.

·       Decorative painting. Enough said.

·       Huge oversized furniture. It’s ugly and space is a premium.

·       Bare walls.

·       Artwork at the wrong height: 57-58 inches. That’s the general rule.

·       Chevron. Thank goodness.

·       Furniture smashed against the walls.

·       Huge hoods in kitchen.

·       Tuscan. Thank goodness.

·       Overuse of the farmhouse look. Thank goodness.

·       Too much white on white on white.

·       Designing your space without a plan. The result: costly mistakes.

·       Keep it simple. Be intentional with what you bring into your home. Follow what you love. Not trends!

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and certified gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her article appears the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 949-1808 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

What's your decorating style?

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press• July 21, 2012

Is your home feeling like a hodgepodge of all the furniture you have been moving from home to home for years?

Do you want to change your decorating style to better fit your current lifestyle but are feeling a little uncertain as to how to begin?

There are some tricks of the trade that may help. So before you head out to purchase a lot of “things” to “redo” your home, check these out and you will begin to find your decorating style.

The goal is to transform your home from something that may seem a little stale or discombobulated into something that reflects your personal tastes. Or maybe a change into something that takes your home from drab to wow.

Traditional style living room with colorful collections as accents, white walls and contemporary fabric, rugs.

Maybe you have been living with shabby chic for a while and want to go contemporary with less clutter as is the current trend. Or perhaps you have just moved to Southwest Florida and want to make your home a little more tropical.

This means having a plan and a willingness to make a (positive) change. So what will it be — contemporary, modern, classic, casual, Florida style, eclectic, traditional, transitional or a mix?

It takes confidence and self-awareness and it may take a while to evolve. After all, it is your personal style, distinct and expressive of how you live your life. Most important: You need to love it. It’s a process. Think about how you want your home to look and work around it.

Combining styles with this modular seating from West Elm, abstract artwork, wood flooring, vintage pieces and bold paint color results in a modern, yet natural look. Photo: West Elm.

Interior designer Deborah Chase of Norris Home Furnishings in Fort Myers recommends beginning with something that you love and working from there. She says it is also important when determining decorating style to consider how you are using your home.

“Is it a second home that will be used for family gatherings, entertaining and holidays? And don’t be afraid to try something different… a new paint color, something fun.”

Best-selling author and home design expert Lauri Ward of redecorate.com suggests “looking inside your closet for clues to your favorite colors. If you tend to dress in navy, camel, black and white, you probably will feel more comfortable living in a neutral colored environment.

“If you like to dress in primary colors, you can use one or two bright hues as accent colors for your home accessories, or even the wall color in one or two rooms (note: avoid bright color in every room as it can be tiring).”

Beautiful Echo Design and the Windsor Smith Home Collection for Kravet set the tone for a casual, Florida style with bright colors and patterns. Photo: Courtesy of Kravet.

Try some of these tips and your style will begin to emerge:

Visit a fabric store and note what appeals to you. Set up a Pinterest board and begin following other pinners who have tastes similar to yours. This will help you to begin to collect some ideas about how you would like for your home to look.

Visit model homes in the area and ask for permission to take photos of rooms that you like.

Follow blogs that offer suggestions and photos that are compatible with your wish list. Favorites: apartmenttherapy.com, houzz.com.

Create a vision board for one of your walls and include articles and photos from magazines that will give you ideas. Favorites: Home Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens, Traditional Home, Coastal Living, Veranda. Your favorites will quickly become obvious. Look for trends.

Visit home stores and design centers for inspiration. Take classes and seminars to learn as much as you can about decorating. Local favorites: Miromar Design Center in Estero and Norris Home Furnishings in Fort Myers & Naples.

Remember: Finding and fine-tuning your decorating style takes time. If you need additional help, call a decorator or designer and have them help you pull it all together.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator. Visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 949-1808 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog.