Unexpected Wallpaper Applications

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Behind Built-Ins

This modern geometric pattern provides a sense of luxury and relaxation in this classic application.

Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Gamble Interiors

Inside Kitchen Cabinets

Look how GREAT Kelly Wearstler Channels Wallpaper POPS against these crisp white cabinets.

Photo Courtesy of Alice Home Collection

Inside Closets

I love the fact that no matter your closet size, you can add an element of design to a space that is primarily just functional.

Photo Courtesy of Domino

Photo Courtesy of Real Simple

Stair Risers

This contrasting wallpaper mural completely changes the mood of what could have been a boring, white space. Love the sense of artistic creativity added here.

Photo Courtesy of Design Sponge

Stair Stringer

Unknown Designer

Over Doors

Doors don’t need to be boring anymore. There are so many great peel and stick wallpapers out there that you can use on flat panel doors.

Apartment Therapy

Upset because you don’t have flat panel doors to do this to? Don’t worry! You can totally apply this method to trimmed panels too. See below.

Photo Courtesy of Rachel Winham Interiors

Framed Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a work of art.. Framing your left over wallpaper or samples is a great way to showcase your favorite patterns without the permanence of pasting it to a wall.

Photo Courtesy of Remodelista

Top 5 Stylish Mirrored Medicine Cabinets

Author: Sydney Piwowar

It wasn’t until recently that companies like Restoration Hardware emerged, providing aesthetically pleasing options for a very functional piece of decor. Traditionally, stylish mirrors are just surface mount mirrors, with no storage. If you wanted something more practical, you were stuck with the same utilitarian, old fashioned mirrors we have seen since the 50’s. We have curated a list of our top 5 modern medicine cabinet options to provide both aesthetics and needed storage.

1. Black Framed Mirror

Photo Courtesy of Home Services Directory

2. Round Mirror

Photo Courtesy of Felix Forest

3. Wood Frame

Photo Courtesy of Ema Peter

4. Brass Framed Mirror

Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn

5. Minimalistic - Frameless

Photo Courtesy of Brooke Holm

Brass Swing Arm Sconces

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Heres the truth about swing arm sconces - people are too afraid to use them. A light that attaches to the wall and sticks out far into the room can be intimidating because it is very permanent. Their placement can determine the layout of a room. With the help from your favorite designers at JTD, we are here to tell you that they are aren't scary. They take a designer with the right experience to make sure you are putting them in the right place for your space. We have curated a few of our favorite applications to prove it to you. 

1. Ambient Lighting - Long Swing Arm Sconce

By J.Fisher Interiors

2. Bed Task Lighting - Short Swing Arm Sconce

By Nest Interiors

3. Direct Lighting - Short Swing Arm Sconce

By Jen Langston Interiors

4. Task Lighting - Bent Swing Arm Sconce

Designer Unknown

Photo By Design Loves Detail

5. Spot Light - Directional Swing Arm Sconce

By Coco Kelly

By Visual Comfort

The Anti-Trend: Black Hardware

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Everywhere you look you see it - brass hardware! It is one of the biggest trends in both the design and fashion world, we love the classic warmth it provides. At JTD, we respectfully choose not to follow the trends sometimes though. I want to introduce something we are calling the "anti-trend" - BLACK hardware. Yes, black. While its not conventional, it is the perfect alternative for an edgy flare. If you don't believe me, see below and let these amazing pieces inspire you! We have pulled together a few of our favorites and curated a images that will inspire you to choose black hardware on your next project. 

Minimalist:

1. Park Studio

2. School House

Classic

1. CB2

2. CB2

Bohemian

1. D Pages

2. D Pages

Eccentric 

1. Park Studio

2. School House

By Studio McGee

By Z+ Interiors

By Prairie Home Styling

By Magnolia Home

By Jaclyn Peters

By Julia Robbs

By Coco Kelly

Top Indie Fabric and Textile Designers

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Im going to let you in on one of our BIGGEST trade secrets, we have a top secret list of our favorite up-and-comers. One of our responsibilities as a designer requires constant research for new furniture, fabric, and finish designers. Our knowledge of unique artisans is one of the biggest reasons why you hire us. As artists ourselves, we appreciate the creativity and hard work that many of these Indie designers put into re-defining textiles and the classic patterns. Please see our current Top Indie Fabric and Textile Designers list below.. Remember to spread the word to give these artists their much deserved credit as you won't see these designers in mainstream fabric shops. 

Imogen Heath

Viaduct Fabric - Blue 

Eskayel

Medina - Cyrrus Woven Jacquard

St. Frank

Terracotta Classic Kuba Cloth

Savanna Hayes

Vienna Fabric  in Nectar

Quercus & Co. 

 No. 5 in Black Ink

The Foundation Shop 

James Malone Fabrics

Khafra in Bronze 

 Jetavana in Peachbrown

Holli Zollinger 

Geo Series

Caryn Cramer

Aten Inca

Funky Side Tables

Author: Sydney Piwowar

When you go out for a night on the town with your pre-planned outfit you've been waiting to wear, you never go out without jewelry. It is what completes the outfit, right? At JTD, we see side tables the same way. There is no need to wear your old jewelry to a black tie event and there is no need for lame side tables. Here are a few attractive (and practical) side tables to liven up your space

Photo by Lawson - Fenning

We call this one the "anywhere table" because you could literally put this in any room and it would look good. 

Photo by Caste Design

For a more classic approach, this cast bronze side table ages perfectly with a brown patina. This is a piece you will want to hand down for generations. 

Photo by Essential Home

Photos by Pinch Design

For a more rustic or natural look, a pop of wood in its nearly original state brings a very raw and organic feel to the space. 

Photos By Baxter

For those that need some storage to hide coasters, remotes, and all those not-so-pretty things. 

Photo by Mr. Brown

Black, White and Brass Cabinet Hardware

Author: Sydney Piwowar 

Sometimes when considering cabinet hardware, brass just isn't enough.. You know that phrase less is more? Sometimes more is more. Sometimes when we can't decide one, we decide both. You're probably thinking, "What the heck, you can't have multiple types of hardware on a cabinet." Well, you're right, that might look a little weird. But that doesn't mean your hardware only has to be one finish! Take a look at these amazing multi-colored cabinet hardware pieces and you'll know what I mean. They have a very classic, yet fresh approach to accessorizing cabinets. 

Top 5 Media Consoles you NEED and WANT

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Now-a-days media consoles are mostly about aesthetics as most people no longer use DVDs and VHS players have gone extinct. There are still some needs for storage though as the modern family probably hides video and board games here. We have created a "Best Of" list according to 5 categories - including closed storage, open storage, bar storage, vintage charm, and funky flare. See our top 5 list below. 

Best of Closed Storage

Brooks Cradenza by Croft House

Photo By Croft House

Best of Open Storage

Thea Media Console by Burke Decor

Best of Bar Storage 

Guell Bar Cabinet by Baxter

Photos By Baxter

Best of Vintage Charm

Porthole Console by Bobo Intriguing Objects

Best of Funky

Plissé by Baxter

Best Counter and Bar Stools

Author: Sydney Piwowar

The perfect bar or counter stool requires a balance of aesthetic, lumbar support, and seat comfort. We have curated a few of our favorites below that we believe contain that perfect harmony. 

1. Phase Design - The Bride's Veil Stool 

Product of Phase Design

2. Gabriel Scott - Bardot Stool

Photo by Gabriel Scott

3. Palecek - Pratt Stool 

Photo by Palecek

4. Lawson - Fenning - Elysian Barstool

Photo By Lawson - Fenning 

5. Interlude Home - Darcy Stool

Photo By Interlude Home

A backless stool allows for cleaner, more streamlined views as you can tuck it fully under a table or counter. This is perfect for spaces where you don't want to overcrowd the room visually. Here are a couple of our favorites!

1. Interlude Home - Colton Adjustable Stool

Photo by Interlude Home

2. Mr. Brown - Lorca Counter Stool

Photo by Mr.Brown

3. Noir - Diora Brass Stool

Photo By Noir

4. Lawson Fenning - Orsini Stool

Photo By Lawson - Fenning

Timeless Brass Door Hardware

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Brass is all the rage now, but at JTD we dont like to get stuck in the trends! Here is our guide to the best brass door hardware for a classic, timeless look. 

1. Bonne Mazou - Goutte Ovale

Photo By Bonne Mazou

2. Buster and Punch - Brass Door Lever Handle

Photo by Buster + Punch

3. Schoolhouse - Rome Tall Door Set

Photo By Schoolhouse

4. Joseph Giles - FONTEYN Solid Brass Handle

Photo By Joseph Giles

5. Rocky Mountain Hardware - Metro Entry Set 

Photo By Rocky Mountain Hardware

6. Emtek - Octagon on Circle 

Photographer unknown. Product of Emtek 

7. Nanz - N° 1599AB

Photo By Nanz

8. Rocky Mountain Hardware - Flute Passage Set

Photo By Rocky Mountain Hardware

9. Chant Hardware - Flush Pull

Photo By Chant Hardware

10. Rocky Mountain Hardware - Edge Passage Set 

Photo By Rocky Mountain Hardware

5 Reasons to Consider NON-white Marble

Author: Sydney Piwowar

I have always been more of a visual person - so please let these 5 stones speak for themselves as reasons to consider other options than white marble. 

1. Norwegian Oslo Rose marble

Image By Byzantine Design 

2. Pink Marble

By Decus Interiors

3. Green Marble

By Hullebusch

4. Black Marble

Photography By Nicole Franzen

5. Red Marble

By  Palazzo Fendi

Look Up - Attention Seeking Bold Ceilings

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Growing up, my mother told me that as people, we have the tendency to look down a lot. She said to look up and it will give you a whole new perspective on the world. Design is similar. It is not limited to what sits on the floor in front of you and the walls around us -  it includes the ceiling too! At JTD, we do not limit ourselves in this way, we consider the entire architecture of the space when designing. 

We have curated a few of our favorite ceiling installations that are begging for your attention. These show stoppers will inspire you to start looking up. Let us know what you think of these inspiring, bold moves! Do you have the guts?

by Caroline Lee + Anne Sage 

  By Rafael de Cárdenas

By Sasha Bikoff Interior Design

Loft Living- Adams St Install

We are so excited about our recent install- we can barely contain ourselves. The space previously was a dated space stuck in 90's, with rounded walls and random suspension cable tracks lights. We gutted the loft, including every bathroom, ripped out the old gym style railing with a fresh clean modern version and replaced a curved wall leading into the master bedroom with a open concept steel and glass wall- punctuated by a dramatic white curtain.

We still have yet to professionally shoot the space. Stay tuned that is slated for end of August!

Accent Pillow Trends

We can not say enough how much we love the addition of accent pillows in a space. Accent pillows add warmth, character, personality, humor, drama and an opportunity to refresh the space quickly.  I am not one for seasonally themed pillows but a refresh to my living room, guest bedroom or master can completely change the tone and design direction. We love good pillows and are constantly on the hunt for a fresh selection. Scroll down for a few of our favorite spots to shop. I also often image a perfect pillow, color way or pattern that I can not find, so we source the fabric and have them made. It only take about 1.5 yards of material and a trip to your local dry cleaner to get a custom pillow made!

Our top places to shop for pillows.

1. Etsy 2. Lulu & Georgia 3. Burke Decor 4. Wayfair 5. Furbish Home 6. Kudd Krig Home

Color Palette Inspiration- Camel and Blush Pink

We love starting a new project with fabric and wallpaper selection. Opening a package of freshly sent samples is the best mail at the office. We love sourcing fresh prints and colors from new lines that are typically a small business run by an artist putting their ideas into print and paper. 

A couple of our new favorites are St. Frank, Skinny Laminx, Imogen Heath, Adelene- Simple Cloth. Check out a couple inspiration boards we are working on for upcoming projects. 

Deep Colored Walls- Powder Room, Family Room, Library... Oh My!

California can have it's light, breezy SoCal vibe with all white walls and boho splashed in. Fresh exciting, bold things are happening with deep, dark colored walls. Paint or wallpaper are all in.

Think of London library vibe.

Shake of the norm. No wall is permanent. Be brave and go for it.

xo, Jen

Blush Pink in Design

Blush Pink is having a major come back and we are fully on board! We just wrapped up the tween girls bathroom makeover that we craved out of a former laundry room. 

The space was tiny, but we used every inch wisely and the results are adorable! Check out images below.

Tween Boys Black & White Plaid Bathroom

We just wrapped up one of our favorite bathrooms to date! With twins and older brother started to out grow the families current bathroom situation, we revamped a former laundry room for the girls bathroom (details in another post to come) and renovated the existing bathroom to focus on the tween boys and a space they could grow into.  

We fell in love with this plaid stone tile, which became the jumping off point for inspiration for the rest of the space.

Can we all collectively say #bathroomenvy?!

Jen Talbot Design featured in Chicago Tribune

Exciting News and forget to post on the blog! Jen Talbot Design was featured in Chicago Tribune for our work we did for our West Shore Dr client.  One of the things we love about what we do is the people we touch. This family was in a special category of their own.

Click HERE to read the full article. 

xo, Jen

Flor Carpet Square Catalog

Hi Lovely Readers, 

The spring FLOR Carpet Square catalog is finally out! I though it would be fun to show the behind the scene or how the room before the FLOR team came in a place their product in the space we designed. 

Before FLOR:

After FLOR:

Before FLOR:

After FLOR:

Goes to show how much a rug can change the space dramatically! 

xx, Jen