Candice Olson : Create a Livable Yet Stylish Home

Comfortable and chic don't have to live miles apart. Find simple tips for designing a home that's functional and beautiful.

• By Candice Olson

It's important to make your home both stylish and livable. There is one word that designers either love or hate: function. Personally, I love it. I really believe you can have the right balance of both style and function.
The one thing you need to do when embarking on a design project is to be realistic. Think about this question: How does your house have to work for you and your family? If you're like me with a young, busy family full of kids and pets, you should never have anything white in your house unless you're sure the material is stain resistant.

However, you can find the right mix of function and style. Just make sure you think your design decisions through carefully. If you're a large family that spends all your time doing homework in the kitchen and family room, then a large kitchen island or an open-concept kitchen and family room will probably work really well for you. If you're a retired couple who loves to cook and entertain, your priority might be gorgeous kitchen appliances, so you splurge on a chef's dreamy (and stylish) gas range.
It's important to know what makes the most sense for your lifestyle and home, so don't choose colors, fabrics or even materials that won't work for your family, children or pets. Be realistic about what you can and can't live with because there are some things you might love the look of, that are very stylish, but just aren't practical with a Great Dane. For example, I absolutely love the look of white Carrara marble countertops, but they can be stressful in a kitchen because they stain so easily, especially by red wine or coffee. You don't want to always be on high alert for spills, or be the crazy lady saying, "Don't touch the counters!"

That's not to say if you have a busy lifestyle with kids and pets, you can't have a gorgeous, stylish home. Companies have caught on and now function can be stylish, too. For instance, there are great-looking, durable fabrics that are made to handle extreme wear and tear. Some are even made with Teflon. Sometimes you might pay a little more for a high-performance material that looks great and can stand the test of time. Be smart about it, and if you get a light color sofa (or you had one before the kids came along), consider having a slipcover made that's in a dark, machine-washable fabric.
If you have a hectic home life with lots of activity, think about your choices and always go with the most durable materials you can find. Or tell you kids to stay in their rooms until they're old enough to go to college.

Functional Kitchen Before and After By Candice Olson

When a celebrity stylist needed help making over his kitchen, he called Candice Olson. The divine designer transformed his space from 1980s and old to glamorous and now.

• By : Candice Olson

Before: Outdated and Cold

This outdated kitchen doesn't exactly say "stylist to the stars."

After: Fashionable and Functional

Enter Candice Olson who created a new kitchen that is both traditional and hip. Divine details include travertine floors, a quartz-topped island, crystal chandeliers and a stunning, silver-foil wallpaper.

Functional Kitchen Before and After By Candice Olson 2013 Ideas

When a celebrity stylist needed help making over his kitchen, he called Candice Olson. The divine designer transformed his space from 1980s and old to glamorous and now.

• By : Candice Olson

Before: Outdated and Cold

This outdated kitchen doesn't exactly say "stylist to the stars."

After: Fashionable and Functional

Enter Candice Olson who created a new kitchen that is both traditional and hip. Divine details include travertine floors, a quartz-topped island, crystal chandeliers and a stunning, silver-foil wallpaper.

2013 Candice Olson Bedding Collection from Dillard's

Choosing your bedding can be an even more important choice than the type of bed frame you choose, just because of the difference it makes in overall comfort. Make sure to take quality, feel, material, and style into consideration when you're making a purchase. You want everything to be comfortable and luxurious. Your bedroom is your oasis, and it should feel that way.

Make sure you choose the right size. If you've found the perfect sheet set, but they don't have it in the size needed for your bed, it can be tempting to buy a size larger. While you can pin and tuck the bedding, it'll never have that smooth look that it should, so it's usually not worth the investment.

Some primary fixtures of bedding sets include: 

Bed Pillows and Shams: Choosing a good bed pillow can make or break your night's sleep. The best way to pick a good pillow is to try out several different styles, and then stick with what you know. Fill materials, support, cover material, and size are all important considerations. There are virtually endless combinations, and each person is different, so make sure you test out whether down, goose feather, or memory foam works best for you!
Shams are usually a stylistic choice, and should complement the rest of your bedding. Make sure your shams actually fit with the pillows that you've purchased! Trying to cram a pillow into a case, or finding out you've chosen a case that's far too large for your pillow is never a good look.

Bedskirts: Also called a dust ruffle, bedskirts help hide your mattresses box spring, and can help add another touch of flair and style to your bedding set. While most bedskirts are sold according to standard mattress sizes, you can always measure your boxspring's size in order to play it safe. Bedskirts today come in a variety of styles, from simple and casual, to more tailored and fitted options.

Bed cover: A good bed cover can make all the difference in the look and feel of your bedroom. Not only is it the main piece of visible bedding, but it's also what's going to help keep you warm at night. There are several main options for bed covers, but most people tend to go with one or a combination of the following:

Comforter: Most quality comforters and duvets are rated based on a tog rating and filling. This is a measurement of its weight, softness, and warmth. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the comforter will be. Comforters are usually filled with a natural or synthetic material. Natural fillings (such as down), are usually much better at trapping heat than synthetic materials.

Duvet Covers: Essentially a pillowcase for your comforter, duvet covers come in a variety of fabric options, and are usually attached at the end with ties, buttons, or velcro. Make sure you choose a fabric that's easy to wash!

Quilts: A quilt can complement or replace a comforter or duvet. A quilt won't be as fluffy and full as a duvet, but it does make a significant difference in overall warmth.

Sheets: Most sheet sets include a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Other than making sure you choose the right size, the most important thing to consider is material. Even if you've settled on cotton, you have tons of options to choose from, including Egyptian, Pima, Supima, Organic, Synthetic, and numerous blends. Thread count is also important. This counts the number of threads per square inch of fabric (both horizontal and vertical). If you're looking for a soft and durable sheet, a higher thread count (at least above 200) is better. There are also weave styles to choose from, including sateen, pinpoint, percale, and twill. All of these materials have different effects and overall textures. Make sure to actually touch the sheets to see how they feel, but also research different weaves and materials to see which is best for guest bedrooms, children, or daily use. Some weaves breathe and clean better than others.

Get inspired by this ideas . I hope that you will find it useful for you ... Only at Dillard's; designed by Candice Olson. Imported ....  Enjoy it !!

Sweet Dreams creates a contemporary presence with a sleek, sophisticated platinum palette and is the perfect illustration of Candice Olson's design philosophy of clean lines and luxurious details - add a little luster and you get high impact. The comforter, flanged Euro sham and 20" square button-tufted pillow all boast an oversized tonal scroll pattern. The standard flanged sham, bedskirt and breakfast pillow are all a solid platinum. The standard and king shams add another layer of charm.

candice Olson, the Sweet Dreams bedding collection features:

contemporary presence

sleek, sophisticated gold palette

oversized tonal scroll pattern

solid goldtone color

candice Olson , this Natura bedding collection features:

soothing tones of cool blue and soft green

updated floral with stripe accents

a sophisticated look for your bedroom

window treatments (tab-top drapery, pair)

The Maze bedding collection from Candice Olson reflects well-designed objects that are grounded in classical proportions and design elements. This collection is interpreted in a way that adds character, personality and drama. The comforter is a woven jacquard in warm reds and dove grey. Layer on the duverlet for added warmth on those cold winter nights. Increase the drama with decorative pillows. Add a pair of tab-top draperies to tie the look together.

candice Olson loft, this In the Grove bedding collection features:

an eclectic fusion of contrasts

a puckered, tactile contrast to smooth cotton prints

a modern look

candice Olson loft, this Whisper bedding collection features:

the cool, fresh feeling of nature

glossy textures

a modern, youthful attitude

candice Olson loft, this Aviva bedding collection features:

classic architectural fretwork

multifunctional duvet

classic design with a modern twist

candice Olson loft, this Satori bedding collection features:

pleats on the comforter

careful beading

geometric patterns on the comforter/shams

The Frill Seekers collection by Candice Olson offers a rich medley of textures and luscious details that will engage and delight the senses. The jacquard comforter features a beautiful paisley design with textures and details that feel like pure luxury. Also in this collection are luscious shimmering accessories and decorative pillows featuring ruffles and metallic hues. Layer with the duverlet, which is the coverlet that can also double as a duvet cover. Finish the windows with the matching drapery set, which includes two lined, tab top drapery panels, 84x48" each, made of shimmer fabric/polyester; includes two tiebacks.

Add some unexpected sparkle and life to your bedroom with this Bedazzled bedding collection from Candice Olson. The comforter features ornamental fretwork in dramatic neutral tones: bronze, taupe, dark brown. The standard shams mirror the comforter, while the Euro shams in thin neutral lines create a strong yet subtle backdrop. Layer with the gold, diamond stitched duverlet, which is the coverlet that can also double as a duvet cover. Increase the dramatic flair with decorative pillows. Dress the windows with a pair of tab-topped draperies.

2013 Fireplace Design Ideas By Candice Olson

Make the fireplace a dramatic feature, whether your style is contemporary, classic or full on glam. Take a look through Candice Olson's best fireplace designs. I hope you like it ....

A soaring stone fireplace is an impressive and rustic focal point in this living room. To reduce the scale of the stone and add interest, a long mirror is placed above the mantel. Candice also uses the fireplace as a jumping off point for the room's palette, by selecting the hues of sage, stone, taupe and caramel from the fireplace stones.

A sleek stainless steel gas fireplace is installed at the perfect height to enjoy from anywhere in the space. Surrounded by a beautiful stone facade, the fireplace is the perfect combination of contemporary and natural.

Paint the wall over the mantel the same color as the surround to give a fireplace more presence in a room. When a fireplace is flush with the floor, place a beautiful screen in front to provide ambience and safety.

Floor to ceiling glass and marble mosaic tiles in brown, gold, cream and grey tones are a spectacular setting for an elevated gas fireplace. The contemporary focal point adds both visual and physical warmth to the room.

Sophisticated moldings are combined with a marble tiled surround for a traditional fireplace. To allow the space to be a conversational area as well as a space to watch television, Candice hides a television behind a piece of remote-controlled artwork so it's out of sight when not in use.

A simply elegant fireplace surround is painted cream to offset the dark wallpaper in the dining room. Raised off the floor, the visual warmth of the fireplace can be enjoyed from each seat around the table. The fireplace is also flanked with mirrored panels that add depth and dimension, as well as reflect light into the room.

The show stopping feature wall is a modern arrangement that boasts a long, linear gas fireplace and a massive surround of grey and white marble mosaic tiles. Not only is it eye-catching, but it brings much needed warmth into the space. The fireplace is flanked with a custom-built cabinetry unit that holds a big screen television, media equipment, books and some display items.

A true glam centerpiece of the room the fireplace surround is covered with silver dollar sized stainless steel tiles and above the mantel is a glittering ebony quartz.

The fireplace, which features a wood mantel and is clad in a beautiful circular glass tiles, anchors the room. Traditional beadboard panels above the fireplace add texture.

Create a Livable Yet Stylish Home By Candice Olson

Comfortable and chic don't have to live miles apart. Find simple tips for designing a home that's functional and beautiful.

• By Candice Olson

It's important to make your home both stylish and livable. There is one word that designers either love or hate: function. Personally, I love it. I really believe you can have the right balance of both style and function.
The one thing you need to do when embarking on a design project is to be realistic. Think about this question: How does your house have to work for you and your family? If you're like me with a young, busy family full of kids and pets, you should never have anything white in your house unless you're sure the material is stain resistant.

However, you can find the right mix of function and style. Just make sure you think your design decisions through carefully. If you're a large family that spends all your time doing homework in the kitchen and family room, then a large kitchen island or an open-concept kitchen and family room will probably work really well for you. If you're a retired couple who loves to cook and entertain, your priority might be gorgeous kitchen appliances, so you splurge on a chef's dreamy (and stylish) gas range.
It's important to know what makes the most sense for your lifestyle and home, so don't choose colors, fabrics or even materials that won't work for your family, children or pets. Be realistic about what you can and can't live with because there are some things you might love the look of, that are very stylish, but just aren't practical with a Great Dane. For example, I absolutely love the look of white Carrara marble countertops, but they can be stressful in a kitchen because they stain so easily, especially by red wine or coffee. You don't want to always be on high alert for spills, or be the crazy lady saying, "Don't touch the counters!"

That's not to say if you have a busy lifestyle with kids and pets, you can't have a gorgeous, stylish home. Companies have caught on and now function can be stylish, too. For instance, there are great-looking, durable fabrics that are made to handle extreme wear and tear. Some are even made with Teflon. Sometimes you might pay a little more for a high-performance material that looks great and can stand the test of time. Be smart about it, and if you get a light color sofa (or you had one before the kids came along), consider having a slipcover made that's in a dark, machine-washable fabric.
If you have a hectic home life with lots of activity, think about your choices and always go with the most durable materials you can find. Or tell you kids to stay in their rooms until they're old enough to go to college.

Candice Olson Window Seats Designs Ideas 2012

The divine designer creates 5 nooks that are perfect for reading and relaxing

 Candice annexes an old porch and adds a sectional for a nap-perfect nook.

 
 Simple seating and exotic pillows give this retreat a warm, inviting feel.

An already lush bedroom gets an extra dose of luxury from a chocolate-colored window seat.

In this art studio (once a closet), Candice adds an alcove for creative contemplation.

This easy-breezy window seat is perfect for lazy days.

2012 Candice Olson Living Room Design Tips

Check out these designer living rooms with simple tips from Candice Olson on how to transform your ordinary living room into an extraordinary space the whole family can enjoy.

Add Floor-to-Ceiling Tiles

Glass mosaic fireplace tiles are an easy way to spice up a living room design. To create a vibrant and contemporary focal point, designer Candice Olson suggests adding an elevated fireplace covered in floor-to-ceiling glass tiles in hues that coordinate with your palette. This will add both visual and physical warmth within a room, she says. Design by Christopher J. Grubb

Splash Color on the Walls

Add some zest to your living room design with a fresh coat of paint. Use the mosaic fireplace tiles to help inspire your entire color palette. Whatever color you choose for your walls will set the mood and tone for the entire space. To create a warm and inviting environment, Candice prefers using bold hues, like charcoal or chocolate brown. Design by Kenneth Brown

Warm Up the Window Treatments

One of the most common decorating mistakes is forgetting the window treatments. To soften charcoal walls and make a dramatic statement, Candice suggests adding copper-colored silk panels and woven blinds. In this contemporary living room, designer Ana Donohue enhanced charcoal walls with ivory, copper and charcoal patterned panels in a shiny silk fabric.

Create a Conversational Atmosphere

You can never have enough seating, and if you're living room isn't quite large enough to house a large sectional or L-shaped sofa, then individual chairs are always a great option. Candice suggests adding lounge chairs with a high, round table to provide plenty of space for guests to relax and unwind. In this contemporary living room, designer Troy Beasley added four separate lounge chairs on either side of a sofa and small bench. A conversational furniture arrangement can make all the difference in the world, especially when hosting parties.

Add an Extra-Large Sofa

When creating a family-style living room, comfortable seating should be one of the top considerations when choosing furniture. A stylish and cozy L-shaped microfiber sofa provides plenty of seating for everyone, and the kid-friendly fabric is ideal because of its durability, absorption and softness. Add lots of throw pillows in various patterns and fabrics for extra comfort, Candice says. Design by Gregory Augustine

Showcase Your Collections

A built-in wall unit can be the perfect addition to a living room. Add mirrors to a few of the shelves to visually expand the space while adding extra dimension. Candice likes to use living room bookshelves to showcase the homeowner's collection of artwork, accessories and books. This can also be the perfect place to hide a flat-screen television. Design by Christopher J. Grubb

Add Proper Lighting

Along with a beautiful wall color, proper lighting can alter and affect the tone of a room. To help brighten a space without washing out the walls and furnishings, Candice says to install recessed lighting, monopoint spotlights and to incorporate stylish drum pendants above the sofa side tables. The result is a bright and inviting living room with continuous warmth and comfort. Design by Andreas Charalambous

Don't Forget the Accents

No room is complete without striking accent pieces and coordinating decor. To finish off a room, Candice says to add a contemporary coffee table, a spacious area rug and eye-catching pieces of art. Designer Joseph Pubillones spiced up a neutral color palette with vibrant blue artwork and unique sculptural pieces.

luxury living rooms Decorating Ideas 2012 by Candice Olson

Designer Candice Olson mixes comfy furnishings with elegant textiles and color schemes to create family rooms that define the meaning of lived-in luxury.

Contemporary yet Rustic

Rustic elements are combined with streamlined contemporary furnishings to create a couple-friendly living room. The tumbled marble fireplace contrasts well with the dark, luxurious wooden hearth and cabinets. For optimal fireplace and TV viewing, a large sectional sofa in creamy chenille and an ottoman in espresso brown are centered in the room.

Effortless Style

To brighten up this attic living space, Candice installs light-toned wood floors, brings in a cream sectional and adds track lighting. A color palette of greens, blues and tans complement the lighter tones, while paisley fabric and wall decals add a feminine, bohemian quality to the space. A reclaimed wood ceiling with faux beams adds architectural interest.

Eclectic Mix

Modernize a living room with a combination of different design styles. Sleek chairs in a classic paisley print are mixed with a traditional tufted ottoman in butterscotch leather and a contemporary sectional in taupe velvet. Rustic meets elegant in a two-layer treatment of woven blinds and silk draperies on the bay windows.

Multi-Functional Living

To create a more functional space, divide a room into different zones. The bay window is the perfect setting for a home office and features custom built-in shelving, while the area next to the back window is the library lounge, an ideal spot for conversations and reading. The main area of the room is used for TV watching and hanging out. Tie the entire space together by using the same color palette, like the combination of chocolate, caramel and oatmeal in this living room.

Romantic and Feminine

Dark wood paneling is painted antique white to brighten up this living room, which features a color palette of pink, green, cream and chocolate. To mimic the fabric used on the chairs, whimsical vinyl graphics of an agapanthus flower are transferred onto the ceiling, giving it the quality of a hand-painted piece of art.

Cottage Casual

Custom cabinetry plays a key role in this living room, providing plenty of storage and a place to display collectibles. The fireplace flows seamlessly into the cabinetry and features a sandy-tone mosaic tile surround. To give the room a more intimate feel, a fan is hung 36 inches below the ceiling, while a color palette of white, sand, pale blue and green keeps the space light and airy.

Gender Neutral

For most family rooms, creating a space that appeals to both genders is a must, so Candice chose a mostly neutral palette of deep browns, cool creams and inky charcoals for this living room. The corner is turned into an office with an antique desk flanked by mirror-backed bookcases, and the living room is ideal for relaxing with a large sectional and leather club chairs.

Muted Sophistication

Finding the right place for a TV is often problematic; however, in this living room, the 46-inch TV takes center stage since it doubles as a mirror when not in use. Carpet tiles in shades of calming blue, green, taupe and beige reflect the fabric used to cover the bench seat and pillows on the sofa. Stainless steel accents add a contemporary flair to the room. 

Comfy Elegance

A metallic floral-patterned wallpaper provides a luxe backdrop to the cozy living room, which features a silvery linen sectional and a classic writer's desk. Soft, gauzy sheers trimmed in gold satin separate the living and dining rooms, as well as diffuse natural light from the large windows at the end of the rooms.

Bold and Colorful

Two feature walls, one a brilliant fuchsia and the other covered in teal-and-gold paisley wallpaper, create an instant wow factor is this open plan living room. Low-slung furniture in white and peacock blue create a cool, lounge-like vibe, while natural-stained maple flooring and updated shag carpet ground the space.

Urban Functionality

In this urban loft, a color palette of gray, black and white is paired with shimmery steel and rich wood accents for a cool, contemporary vibe. Modern furnishings, smart track lightings and a dramatic ceiling fan combine for a stylish and functional living space.

Rustic Chic

Hand-scraped oak flooring is the perfect contrast to the impressive limestone fireplace, and a wall of cabinetry with custom bookcases and stainless steel dressers provides plenty of storage for the TV and media components. Distressed leather furniture with tufted detail adds vintage elegance to the room with blue linen draperies creating a beautiful backdrop to the space.