DONLENA DESIGN
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • PORTFOLIO
  • DESIGN SERVICES
    • FULL VIRTUAL DESIGN
    • INTERIOR STYLING
    • KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN
    • DIAGNOSE MY DESIGN DILEMMA
  • PRESS
  • LUXE LIVING BLOG
  • INQUIRE
Picture

Picture

One Room Challenge Fall 2020 -Week 3

10/24/2020

 
Picture
This week was all about placing more orders, purchasing, and assembling. 
I ordered the floor lamp, purchased the tv from my favorite wholesale store BJ's, assembled the tv console table with hubby and created the artwork. Yep, it was a busy week!! See all the updates below! Check out all the other One Room Challenge updates here!


Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

The Wayfair Fall Edit Is Out!

10/15/2020

 
Picture
Picture
Disclosure: “This is a sponsored post by Wayfair. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.”

I’m teaming up with Wayfair to bring you The Fall Edit, a collection of advice, inspiration, and trends f
or the upcoming season, starting with a Q & A between Wayfair and Donlena Design:


Fall Decorating and Renovation Q & A with Donlena Design 
Wayfair: What are some of the most common fall home decor challenges clients come to you with? 

Donlena Design: Clients come to me inquiring about how to incorporate fall decor into their current color scheme of their homes. The solution for many is to get neutral fall decor instead of the traditional orange and red colors you see in most fall decor.  

Wayfair: Are there any design trends you are loving right now?

Donlena Design: I’m loving what I call high contrast design accented with warm tones. This trend consists of  white walls contrasted with black decor or accent pieces and softened with organic wood textures and camel tones to keep the space from appearing too stark. 

Wayfair: What are a few ways people can spruce up their homes with fall decor while on a budget?

Donlena Design: Sprucing up your home on a budget has never been easier. Just going on a walk you can grab a handful of tree branches and style them in a glass vase or lay them flat in a wooden bowl to add texture in your space. You can also always rely on seasonal fruits and vegetables. A bag of apples can be placed in a bowl and displayed on your kitchen or dining table. Pumpkins and squash can be purchased in multiples and displayed on the front porch. Another favorite, is using mums to line each side of your steps to your front door.

Donlena Design’s Wayfair Picks for Fall 

My top picks for fall are:
https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/primrue-autumn-seeding-boxwood-candle-ring-silk-wreath-w000842174.html?piid=1378907325&experiencetype=1

 Love that this wreath can be used in multiple ways in your home.  It can be hung on the front door or used as decor around the house. 
https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/gracie-oaks-naughton-happy-harvest-lumbar-pillow-w001374102.html?&experiencetype=1

Love that this fall pillow is neutral and can be used with any color scheme!
https://www.wayfair.com/home/pdp/the-holiday-aisle-velvet-pumpkin-decorative-accent-w002378253.html?&experiencetype=1

Love these on trend white velvet pumpkins! They come in multiple sizes and can be used in any home no matter what the homeowners color scheme. Design Tip: get at least three in different sizes to create a festive fall vignette. 


Donlena Design’s Project Highlight:

Picture
Picture
Currently, I'm working on an eclectic themed guest bedroom. Follow my design journey transforming this space. 
https://www.donlenadesign.com/luxe-living-blog/one-room-challenge-week-1-guest-bedroom-space-planning-and-mood-board

This bedroom was used as storage for far too long! I'm transforming it over the next couple of weeks to a comfortable hotel inspired guest bedroom where guests will want to stay for more than one night!

Some of the furniture featured in this design: 
1.The console table 
https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/mercury-row-kardos-52-console-table-w000912944.html?&experiencetype=1
2. The nightstands

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/brayden-studio-dilbeck-1-drawer-nightstand-w000362210.html?&experiencetype=1

3.The table lamps
https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/allmodern-dillon-2925-table-lamp-w003529053.html?piid=&experiencetype=1
4. The JuJu hat
https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/the-party-aisle-celestine-juju-hat-wall-decor-w000081190.html?&experiencetype=1
5.The arched floor lamp
https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/foundstone-salena-65-arched-floor-lamp-w002890023.html?&experiencetype=1
​

Where Design Meets Function: Major Appliances
Picture

For those working on home renovations this fall, you know how important it is to find the right appliances to go with your design scheme. 

Donlena Design’s Advice on Selecting Appliances:

  1. Measure, measure, and measure again. This is especially important when purchasing new appliances for cabinet built-ins. Remember not to measure your old appliance but instead measure the actual space where the appliance is going. 
  2. Always read the reviews for your appliances. This is especially important if you are unable to go to the appliance store or showroom to see the appliance in person.
  3. When selecting new appliances it's best to keep all of them in the same finish and if you want to mix it up then you can use mixed metals in the finishes in the kitchen like light fixtures, cabinet hardware or kitchen fixtures.  Use no more than two different metals though.


    Wayfair is having a special appliance event from October 5-21. Scout out dream kitchen and laundry room updates including ranges, range hoods, refrigerators, beverage refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and more. 


    Wayfair Cozy Fall Category Staff Picks:
  1. Bulletin Boards - For creating mood boards + showing off your kids’ artwork!
  2. Blankets and Throws - Cozy time!
  3. Wine Racks - To hold all of those fall reds!
  4. Oversized Wall Mirrors - Add depth to a room - and check out your WFH outfit game!
  5.  Picture Frames - To put your favorite memories and artwork on display!

A Home full of Character: It’s All in the Details
Small home improvement changes can make a big impact. Try character-building home improvement updates like striking chandeliers, vintage-inspired ceiling medallions, upgraded lightswitch plates, ornate vent covers, and wallpaper.




Donlena Design’s Chandelier Picks for Different Styles:
 
​
My top picks for chandeliers:
  1. For my farmhouse clients I’m truly obsessed with the Tyshawn Chandelier. The contrast of the oil rubbed bronze paired with the gorgeous crystals creates the perfect amount of drama for over a rectangular dining room table or a kitchen island. 
https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/kelly-clarkson-home-tyshawn-6-light-unique-tiered-chandelier-with-crystal-accents-w003380094.html?&experiencetype=1


2.For my mid century modern clients I love the Offut Chandelier. I love to use it as a statement piece in a space where all the other elements remain in the background and it proudly stands out. 
https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/corrigan-studio-offutt-8-light-statement-wagon-wheel-chandelier-w003227206.html?piid=&experiencetype=1

3. For my glam clients I love the Birchley chandelier. It's reasonably priced and adds glitz and glam to any space. It is extremely versatile and can be used in foyers, dining rooms, master bedroom closets,offices and more. 
https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/willa-arlo-interiors-birchley-2-light-crystal-chandelier-wrlo5911.html?piid=&experiencetype=1

Thinking Ahead: Holiday Decor

While you may be finishing up your indoor or outdoor halloween decorating game, if you’re hosting for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukkah this year, you'll probably want to start checking all the boxes on your holiday prep checklist before friends and family arrive.

Donlena Design’s Tips for On-Point Holiday Decor: 

  1. Choose a color scheme or theme for your holiday decor to create continuity within your decor.
  2. Create small vignettes with decor to tell a story.
  3. Choose decor that inspires you and your family to create memories during the holiday season.

Some top holiday decorating categories to check out on Wayfair (it’s never too early to be prepared!):

  1. String Lights
  2. Outdoor Christmas Decorations
  3. Christmas Lights
  4. Christmas Stockings

  5. Holiday Wreaths, Garlands, and Flowers
  6. Outdoor Christmas Decorations
  7. Snow Globes
  8. Table Runners
  9. Christmas Dishes and Dinnerware
  10. Christmas Bedding
 
  1. Holiday Gift Ideas:
    For the Chef: Toasters, Coffee Makers, and Cookware Sets
    For the Entertainer: Holiday Dinnerware Sets
    For the Kids: Kids Decor by Disney (and more) Characters
    For the Dog Parent: Dog Ramps & Stairs
    For the ice cream lover: Ice cream makers
    For the coffee lover : espresso machines
    For the _wine lover:personalized wine glasses
​
Picture

One Room Challenge: Week 2

10/14/2020

 
Picture
This week was all about decluttering the room, finalizing paint selections and ordering the furniture and decor. So here is a snapshot of my progress!

I finalized the paint colors for the guest bedroom. You would think it would've been very easy to select a black and white paint color but they are not all created equal. The two black paint colors I was deciding between were Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258 and Sherwin Williams Caviar SW 6990. Let me tell you it was not easy! I loved them both , but the Tricorn Black won because it faired the best in every lighting condition and at all different times of the day. I will insert another photo so you can see the difference. The Caviar is on the left and the Tricorn Black is on the right. What you may be able to see is that in my room the Caviar paint color has a blue undertone that showed up that I didn't care for. The Tricorn Black stayed very close to true black without any noticeable undertones in my room thus it became the winner. 
Picture
The White paint choices were Sherwin Williams High Reflective White SW 7757 and Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005. I loved both but due to this room not having overhead lighting I decided to go with the High Reflective White. The Pure White was a close second but it looked more creamy instead of the crisp bright white I envision for the space to contrast the black accent wall, entry door, and closet door. The High Reflective White is great for a space that doesn't receive bright light at all times of the day. Especially if you want that crisp white look. At night the soft white table lamp bulbs will give the High Reflective White a soft warm inviting glow. ​I will insert a photo below so you can see the difference between the two white paint colors. The top is Pure White and the bottom is High Reflective White. They are very close but at night is where you notice a significant difference. 
Picture
Now onto the all the furniture and decor updates! Here's a list of all the furniture and decor that has been purchased , ordered , and delivered. Links included!
1. The Dilbeck Nightstands

2. The Kardos Console Table 

3. The Silver Orchid Faux fur accent chair

4. ZuoModern Mirror

​
Check out all the One Room Challenge updates! Until next week!
Picture

One Room Challenge:  Week 1- Guest Bedroom Space Planning and Mood Board

10/8/2020

 
Picture
I'm so excited to start week one of the One Room Challenge. My goal for this project is to  transform my guest room from storage area to a comfortable inviting guest bedroom.  Here are a few details on the room itself. The design theme is Global Glam,  African influences with gold glam touches! This room doesn't get used very much but is really needed for the occasional sleepover that my teenagers have from time to time as well as for family who may need to stay for a night or two. I want the overall feel of the space to be comfortable but also have an upscale hotel feel as well. The room is square shaped and has one closet for storage and a small window. This room is southern facing, so early in the day it gets a moderate amount of natural light  but by about 4 pm the light diminishes quite a bit.  Therefore, I have chosen to have one moody accent wall for drama and keep the other walls a fresh clean bright white to keep the space open and airy.  There was much to do this week and here's the run down of some of the accomplishments so far....

 To Do List for week 1 : 
  • Finalize space planning- designate sleeping and reading areas
  • Create a mood board for design inspiration
  • Create 2D Design Boards to visualize the design
  • Test paint samples on the wall and finalize selections
  • Declutter the room- wish me luck! LOL!
​

Here are the BEFORE pictures!

The Floor Plan!

Picture


​The Room Plan! Eclectic Glam Mood Board 

Picture

The 2D Design Boards

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

One Room Challenge Fall 2020 has launched!!

10/7/2020

 
Picture
Today is the launch of the Fall 2020 One Room Challenge and I'm honored to be a guest participant!!!

For those of you who don't know, the One Room Challenge was created by Linda Weinstein and features 20 designers with the goal of transforming a room in 6 weeks and sharing all the juicy design details along the way.

So now onto the big announcement! What room have I chosen to transform? It took me a while to decide which space to select, but as I peered into my guest bedroom and realized it had become a storage unit of sorts I knew it was time for it to return to its proper use.  So with a design style and color scheme in mind, I'm ready to get this design transformation started! Follow me here each week on Thursdays to get all the updates and see the room's progress. 

A little about me. I'm Dana Dyson, principal designer of Donlena Design. I started my interior design firm in order to bring luxury interior design virtually to busy professionals and families giving them a convenient and time saving solution to design their homes. My personal design aesthetic leans toward transitional glam but I appreciate the beauty of many design styles. 

Looking forward to showing you all the updates in the coming weeks!! 
Picture

    ARCHIVES

    October 2021
    May 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    January 2019
    October 2018
    December 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

    CATEGORIES

    All
    1123
    Benjamin Moore
    Benjamin Moore Color Of The Year 2012
    Flor Tiles
    Ikea
    Ikea Ps Maskros Pendant
    Knappa Pendant
    Lowes Home Improvement
    Modern Black Chandelier
    Palm Desert Tan
    Teen Retreat
    Wythe Blue HC-143

    RSS Feed

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • PORTFOLIO
  • DESIGN SERVICES
    • FULL VIRTUAL DESIGN
    • INTERIOR STYLING
    • KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN
    • DIAGNOSE MY DESIGN DILEMMA
  • PRESS
  • LUXE LIVING BLOG
  • INQUIRE