I am loving the use of clam shells in design these days!
via Dwellers Without Decorators
Decorno via Matters of Style
When I was recently trying to find a centerpiece for my dining room craft project, I searched high and low for an affordable clam bowl to no avail. I ended up with something similar (but not really) from Pottery Barn. Who knew that Z Gallerie has two options at an affordable price point. What about you, do you like the idea of bringing a clam into your home decor?
I loved the dressing room in this Miles Redd designed home which was featured in the August 2010 Town & Country magazine.
Town & Country via The Love List
And, while we are not all fortunate to have the space for a dressing room….let alone the budget for the carrara marble and Fortuny wallcovering…the framed fashion prints would be easy enough to recreate.
A search for “fashion illustrations” on eBay yielded these results (and 100s more).
image from here
image from here
Here are a couple from Art.com….
Etsy also has some nice options….
from this seller
from this seller
Of course, 1stDibs has several options as well, but they get up there in price. However, as you can see from above, a quick search of the web will yield a plethora of affordable results.
I am headed to the Big DC Flea Market (with Eddie and Jaithan as my tour guides!) in a few weeks and may keep my eyes open for some prints. One of the homes we are looking at in Dallas has his and hers bathrooms in the master (joined by a large double headed shower that our realtor has coined the “party shower,” kind of funny). So, I may just be able to pull off something similarly girly in my new space!
In the last month or so, I’ve tagged a couple of images for new kitchen inspiration. I want our new kitchen to feel open and airy….and have clean lines.
The first is from Better Homes & Gardens and is the home of the CEO of CSN Stores. I posted a view of the adjoining breakfast area here.
Photo by John Bessler
My second inspiration photo comes via the Summer 2010 Renovation Style magazine. Do you sense a theme here?
Photo by Michael Partenio
I especially love this second image. Particularly, I am loving the clean lines on the cabinets and the combination of predominantly white cabinetry with the robin’s egg blue island. I also love the glass subway tiles.
If this were mine, I’d probably extend the counter over the island to accommodate bar stools. And, if the budget allowed and the scale was right, I’d have the below lanterns (I blogged about them here) custom painted in the same color as the island.
Brooks & Falotico via House of Turquoise
Of course, we haven’t even decided on a house yet. But, having these images in my head make me a bit more open to a home that could use a bit of fixing up.
I am often contacted by people looking for sources on various looks. The Chinese Chippendale / Chinoiserie inspired chair is a popular request these days.
Below is an example of this style of chair in a very traditional setting, with a wood finish. I believe these chairs are by Dessin Fournir, and are pretty pricey (just being honest).
image via Traditional Home, photo credit Tria Giovan
While the following images feature the popular lacquered look.
Elle Decor via here
via WaterLeaf Interiors
So, where do you find these chairs, you ask? They are available at all different price points. For more information on pricing, feel free to contact me.
Napa Home & Garden
Bungalow 5
Noir Furniture
Incidentally, here are the Noir chairs used in a room by Webb Designs (aka, Joni from Cote de Texas). Don’t you love the addition of the slips? I should add that most of the chairs featured here are available in both arm and side chair versions.
There are also plenty of high-end versions of these chairs available….
Baker Furniture
Althorp Living History
Ficks Reed
Ann Getty House Collection
I also like the versions available from Artistic Frame, as they are available in a myriad of different finishes. And, the chair can easily be modified into a barstool or an office chair, the cushion can be customized, etc.
Artistic Frame
And, of course, you can find these chairs in the design catalogs, such as Ballard Designs and William Sonoma Home. Jonathan Adler also has a nice option in multiple colors. Finally, it is always worth looking on Craigslist, eBay, etsy and 1stDibs.com for a vintage set.
Last but not least, want to see the chair motif on your walls? Check out this paper from Thibaut, available in 5 colorways.
So, do you like the look….do you prefer a bold lacquer or something more subdued? And, do you have a source we should know about? I’d love to hear about it if you do.
I recently shared an early inspiration item for our eagerly awaited son’s nursery. And, while our 2-year-old Maddie’s decor could last a while…..she’ll get a new room by default as we are moving cross country later this year. The July/August 2010 Veranda Magazine featured a Bermuda home decorated by Phoebe Howard. One room, in particular, caught my attention. It is now the starting point for “Maddie’s New Room” inspiration file.
image via Phoebe Howard
First off, Maddie is enamoured with butterflies. I just love the custom wall painting with pink butterflies and dragonflies. I am not usually a fan of “murals” in rooms as they often lean towards a bit over the top (especially in children’s rooms). But, I think this design is subtle and perfect for a little girl.
I have not decided if I want to do twin beds or a queen for Maddie’s room. In either case, I am loving this bed which is available in both options from Lee Industries. (Fabric on the bed is from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams). I think the natural fabric would grow with her as she will enevitably have her own ideas as to how her room should be decorated one day.
The textiles on the bed and the Sherrill furniture stools are all from John Robshaw Textiles. The drapery and bed accent pillow fabrics are by Raoul Textiles. And, I am loving that I can re-use the rug I am planning to buy for our living room for real estate staging purposes in Maddie’s room once we move. I checked out new samples on Friday….and am leaning towards a wool synthetic that has the sisal look….for comfort reasons. Still undecided on that…..but need to make up my mind soon!
I am absolutely loving the Oly Studio mirror (see closer shot below)….and love the bamboo frames on the prints. So, at least I have a starting point in my mind….need to start searching for the perfect (for us) fabrics, etc. And, anyone who may know of a good decorative painter in Dallas, please let me know!
image via Phoebe Howard
Any thoughts on the room, pros and cons of single or queen beds, etc. I’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, like what you see and need help with the sources? Feel free to contact me.
I am not usually a huge fan of Lucite. My decorating style tends to trend towards a slightly contemporary take on the more traditional. But, I spotted these chairs in the current Better Homes & Gardens issue that caught my eye. There is something fresh and casual about this family friendly breakfast room that caught my eye.
Photo by John Bessler for Better Homes & Gardens
As luck would have it the resources didn’t list the manufacturer but less than a minute of googling revealed that they are the “Mademoiselle Chair” by Kartell. And, another google search brought up some more images of these fun chairs.
Below, I love how the modern chair is mixed into a fairly traditional setting.
image via I am a Domestic Goddess
Here, the chairs complement an edgy Miami home. Again, a total departure from my personal style….but I love the room nonetheless.
Avram Rusu Interiors via Design Sponge
Here they are again in a garage transformation in Greece, originally published in Maison & Decoration.
image via Apartment Therapy
And, here is one last one…..how would you like this bathroom for your own?
image via flickr
So, despite the fact that I do not “need” these chairs….I’ve got them filed away in my “New House” inspiration file. I’ve just had an idea of how to incorporate these chairs and a favorite fabric of mine into a fresh kitchen/breakfast area. More to come.
What about you, do you like these chairs?
It was a whirlwind weekend as I’ve been in Dallas since Thursday visiting preschools and house-hunting. What an exhausting process but thankfully we made some progress in narrowing down our search to a few neighborhoods. And, we have a great realtor so I now feel confident we’ll find a house we love in a great neighborhood….and am thankful we have the time to wait for the perfect place for us! (And, Mom and Amy if you are reading….THANKS again to you both and Dad for watching Maddie for 4 days!!!!!! I know she is a handful!)
Anyways, I came home to stacks of mail and in it was the sample of the wallpaper I want to use in our baby’s nursery. I sampled three colorways, but I am pretty sure this one will be the go….
The color in the image above is way off on my monitor. The background reads an olive color here…..but the background on the actual paper is MUCH lighter. In fact, it is almost a dark cream/very light beige. I love it!
This paper is by Julia Rothman for Hygge & West. It was designed in Brooklyn, NY and screen printed in Chicago, IL. And, it is printed on high quality paper manufactured in the US.
I’ve got to thank the blog world, specifically Urban Grace, for the introducing me to this paper. Designer Laurie Rhoney used this paper in her daughter’s nursery and it was featured on the Urban Grace blog. This picture has been in my inspiration files ever since.
What do you think? I just think it is so sweet used on a nursery ceiling. This paper is my jumping off point, and I will share the various elements as I make progress. My goal is to have everything ready to go so the room can be put together as soon as we make the big move!
I am not going to lie. I hate the look of a ceiling fan with lights hanging down. But, they do serve their purpose….and it is one area where my husband has an opinion……which is “do not remove my fan!” I was able to replace the fan in my daughter’s nursery with a chandelier. But, no such luck in the master bedroom or guest rooms.
But, thanks to a new (to me) blog, I have found a wonderful solution that is sure to please both my husband and me! If you have not checked out “Dwellers Without Decorators” I suggest you do. Written by Suze Yalof Schwartz, an editor with Glamour Magazine, the blog has featured the remodel and decorating of her incredible NYC apartment. And, in addition to showing her wonderful finds, Suze graciously shares her resources.
The images below are from her blog, photos are by Dan Hallman. These images are from her living room/dining room……
Forgetting how great the room photos are (which would be an entirely different post), what do you think of the drum shades on the fans? I think it is just so cool! Here is another image from her apartment, different room.
I just cannot get over the transformation. So, today I called Suze’s source “Ira at 516-384-2487″ and got some more information on the process. First off, his company does a bunch of commercial work. They manufacturer and install the large drum shades at the BLT Steakhouse restaurants (see example below).
Ira is based in Florida, but will ship all over the US. Basically, you unscrew the “hub” from the ceiling fan (he said it is as simple as removing three screws) and send it to him. He’ll manufacturer the shade and attach to the hub and send it back. The price for this shade is surprisingly affordable. And, he offers a number of vinyl backed linen options. The result is a beautiful soft light.
Ira will use a custom fabric but he warned that it can get costly…..because there are minimums for the company that does his vinyl backing….meaning the job would require way more fabric yardage than needed for the small shade. In any case, the process sounds simple and relatively affordable (certainly cheaper than replacing the fan)! What do you think? Are you loving this idea as much as I am? And thanks to Suze for allowing me to post her photos, great idea and share her resource!
The Rug Company emailed a few images from Carrie and Big’s apartment in Sex and the City 2. The said that they are selling tons of the rugs and cushions featured in the film…..judging from the below……I can see why!
Carrie and Big’s Living Room
Both the rug (Candy Flower by Marni) and the Cushion (Birdie Blossom Cushion by Paul Smith) are from their Designer Collection. Here is another image of the same rug in a different setting. I love it….makes me want it in my new office.
The Bedroom
I love the colors and pattern on the Designer Collection “Harem” rug by Tasmin de Roemer. Here is a close up of this rug, love it!
And, the texture on the “Peony” rug by Helen Amy Murray over in the sitting area is quite nice as well. You can see a close up here. In addition to these rugs, they also provided the rugs for the kitchen and living room sitting area, respectively.
“Starflower Blue” by Barber & Osgerby, from the Designer Collection
“Stupa Silver” by Suzanne Sharp, from the Designer Collection
I recently stumbled upon the Rug Company via blog surfing here. Designer Caitlin Wilson’s blog is full of inspiration and she recently did a post on Spring Styling that included a number of rugs, wall hangings and pillows from The Rug Company. If you haven’t checked out their products, you should. They are not cheap….but they are stunning.
For more information on these products or pricing, please contact me.
In the meantime, have a great weekend!
Today I am doing a guest post over at Odi et Amo. She has been running a great serious entitled “Shop Like a Design Blogger.” To date, I’ve really enjoyed all of the entries in the series and have learned a ton of new tips and sources from fellow design bloggers.
Naturally, I was very flattered when Averill invited me to participate in her series. Since finding Odi et Amo, it has quickly became one of my favorite blogs. I am not an attorney like Averill, but worked in a similar field, doing investor relations and transactional work for a large private equity firm in DC before starting my family and switching gears. So, perhaps I identify with the whole corporate vs. creative pull that Averill often alludes to. Regardless, I know I love her style and quickly pop over when my blogroll indicates a new post is up on her site.
So, if you have time, hop on over to view my guest post and and if you have not been to her blog previously, stay a while and explore. You will not be disappointed.
Emily A. Clarke
