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Annie Elliott Design, Washington DC

Annie Elliott Design

Greater Washington DC

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Redux: Trim colors, window treatments, and furniture arrangements

Annie Elliott | August 5, 2024

Hello, Gentle Readers! Have you melted into a puddle? I know it’s so boring to talk about the weather, but GEEZ! And BLECH!

Two chairs by a pool
Annie Elliott Design. Photo by Markus Wilborn

August is always a funny time in the interior design business. It’s either absolutely quiet, because people are on vacation, or it’s super busy, because people are going on vacation ;) This year it’s the latter, in the best of all possible ways.

Even with the busy-ness, I usually try to do a little stock-taking in August, and that includes looking at blog stats. I’m always interested to see which posts have the most staying power. I know I’ve mentioned “7 Sanity-Restoring Rules About Trim Color;” that’s been in the top 10 since it first went up in 2011!! (I updated it slightly in 2022, but I was pleased to see that my advice holds.)

Grand light blue living room
Steven Gambrel in Elle Decor

Another post that you found particularly helpful — at least, that’s what you told me ;) — is “The Best Window Treatments For Half Coverage.” I just re-read it, and yep, I stand by those recommendations.

Green sofa in bay window with shutters
Annie Elliott Design. Photo by Kip Dawkins

Another post that’s been steadily popular since I first posted it 3 years ago is, “Which Is the Better Furniture Arrangement? 2 Sofas Or 1 Sofa + 2 Chairs?” Clunky title notwithstanding, I thought it was worth a mention.

Furniture layout plan in color
From that blog post.

I hope you get a bit of a break this summer, Gentle Readers, whether you’re stay-cationing or traveling. Stay cool, in every sense of the word.

Annie Elliott Design is expanding our horizons: if you live in New York and are ready for a color, pattern, and gin-infused update, be in touch!

Category: Color + paint colorTag: Brisbees, cafe curtains, furniture arrangement, moulding colors, paint colors for trim, painting trim, painting window trim, trim colors, window treatments

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Jun 26

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Before and after part 2: a NYC pied-a-terre part deux! In this video we move to the primary bedroom, guest bedroom/office/workout area (remember: it’s NY! Gotta maximize your space!) and the tiniest powder room in the world. Such a fabulous, fun project!Mentioned:@Schumacher_midatlantic@leejofa@visualcomfort@fornasetti#interiordesign #wallpaper #nycdesign

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Jun 26

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Another installment of my Before and After video series! This project is in NYC. SO fun!!! We start with a VERY challenging living space/kitchen and then…well, then there’s Part 2!Mentioned:@Schumacher_midatlantic@leejofa@visualcomfort@fornasetti

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Jun 23

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Having sworn I never would wield a paintbrush again, I recently found myself helping my daughter paint her first apartment. Thus a tutorial about paint sheens for her, thus a recap for you!My latest blog post explains the differences between paint sheens and tells you what goes where ;)Link in bio to read. #interiordesigner #paintinspo #apartmenrdecor

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Jun 22

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There’s no other word for it: Sheila Bridges’ pattern Harlem Toile De Jouy has become an American icon. Iconic and ironic: the pattern conflates her experiences as a Black woman living in Harlem with pastoral motifs from 1700s French toile. Delightful and lighthearted at first glance, the pattern gives you plenty to think about. Bridges created Harlem Toile as a wallpaper but later expanded the collection to include fabric, bedding, plates, glassware, umbrellas, and clothing. I strongly recommend getting a piece of this pattern any way you can. @harlemtoilegirl#interiordesign #harlemtoile #patterninspo

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Jun 17

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“Much of the wallpaper [in the Victorian era]—fabric, too—was made with arsenic,’ explains Elliott. ‘There are worse ways to go, I suppose.’”I loved speaking with @allisonpduncan @vogueliving about the art of using two wallpapers in one room. Happy Wallpaper Wednesday!#interiordesign #wallpaper #vogueliving #designopinions #annieelliottdesignSlide 1 📸  by Stacy Zarin Goldberg, Design by Annie ElliottSlide 2 📸 by Leslee Mitchell, Design by Kim ScodroSlide 3 📸 by Donna Dotan, Design by Ariel OkinSlide 4 📸 by Gordon Gregory, Design by Jenny Holladay

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Jun 13

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Pink, light yellow, and gold-y tan combine to create a soft, unexpected color palette. The quiet colors are sophisticated together, and the palette will age beautifully as this tween moves through high school and college. (Her parents won’t even have to redecorate if it becomes a guest bedroom someday! But one step at a time…)#homedesign #paintinspo #bedroomdesign

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Jun 10

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Deep down, I believe that a house isn’t a home without wallpaper 😊 My latest blog post identifies five unexpected places you can use wallpaper — and some are small! Wallpapering the space behind your island stools could be your gateway to my favorite home furnishing. If you have other creative spots for wallpaper, I’d love to hear about them!#wallpaperinspo #interiordesign #wallpaper

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Jun 9

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Welcome to my new before-and-after series! 🥰 I take you through my thinking as I design a space — my “process,” as it were. Pretty pictures are involved too, of course. I hope you enjoy it!This was a super fun project: a historic townhouse with the challenge of a loooong shoebox-shaped front room. You know the kind. Here’s how we made this color-and-pattern-loving client’s challenging space amazing. Like this series? Please let me know! #interiordesigner #windowtreatments #wallpaper

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Jun 5

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Don’t let your porch be a throwaway space! Make it a room. Get a high quality indoor/outdoor rug. Make sure your furniture is COMFY. Find a cordless lamp (they’re everywhere now!). Hang art! You can even add a vintage console table or cabinet if you’re ok with it weathering over time 🕰️. #interiordesign #porchdesign
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