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Friday, February 4, 2011

Blossom

Flowers are a wonderful, easy way to add life to your home. If you ever look at a space and think it looks bare or that it needs a pop of color, placing a pretty vase with flowers is a quick solution. I  believe that flowers add life and happiness to a home.

My one issue is that I am terrible at making pretty arrangements.  In fact, I would love to have Scarsella's (an amazing florist in Syosset) to do floral intallations in my house weekly.  However, I am sure this is not an added expense my husband would approve of.  I guess I should start budgeting my own money for this luxury.  Good thing I am a working girl!

One flower that always looks good even if they are not arranged by a professional are tulips.  Tulips are my go-to flower I tend to display on my entry console.  I love how after a few days they fall over the side of the vase.

Below are some pics demonstrating how flowers make beautiful decor......

via carolina eclectic

massuco warner miller

via delikatissen

eve robinson

kara mann

murdock young

via one hour

via bleosem

via carolina eclectic

Paula and Martha LLC

Thursday, February 3, 2011

I WANT THIS!

I know I recently did a post about amazing book shelf units. However, I obviously seriously neglected one of the coolest ones ever designed.  If only I had ceilings like this..... (sigh)

via Eve Robinson Associates

Monday, January 31, 2011

AGREED!

I just came across an article in the online magazine Adore Home, the British edition, titled
Jennifer Delonge's Top 5 Tips.  Delonge's advice really resonates with me as I can honestly say that I abide by the advice shared by Delonge with every project I pursue.

I was unable to scan the image of the article so I simply copied the print.  However, you should definitely take a look at the beautiful images of her San Diego home in the February/ March edition of Adore Home.

Jen gives Adore Home her top five tips to creating a beautifully styled home.

1.  Fresh flowers always makes a space feel alive.

2. Own items you love - you will never tire of them and you'd be surprised how there is always a perfect spot for each one!

3. Have a great inexpensive upholsterer/ seamstress in your back pocket for anything from reupholstering to quick changes such as new throw pillows.  You would be surprised how you can accomplish truly beautiful work at affordable prices.  It doesn't all need to be left to designer only!

4. Books, books and more books.  They always help a space feel aged and well-traveled and lived-in and besides it will make you feel like an intellect.

5.  Modern art is affordable!  There are great sites on-line that showcase accessible art from unbelievable artists in the form of limited editions at great prices.  Showcasing modern art, even if in a traditional room, always makes a room feel of the moment and fresh.

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P.S. You should also check out Delonge's furniture line.  I have always loved the candy colored fabrics she offers for her custom upholstery.  I actually used her child sized sofa in a project.



Headboards???

I often believe that if your bed consists of just a mattress and a boxspring then it looks as if you never got around to purchasing a proper bed.  Ergo, this category of people actually includes myself as I have slept on a mattress and boxspring for years having not have actually "done" my bedroom yet.

However, lately I have come across many vignettes that prove me wrong.  A bed could actually look very beautiful sans a headboard or frame if it is properly "dressed."  Take a look at these images and tell me what you think....

 
via elle decor

via coco & kelley


via diversion project


via lonny


via onehour



via onehour


via remodelista


stephen friedman


via bliss blog


via diversion project



via ekenstam


via murdock young



Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Come on Ride the Train....

Subway tiles aren't as old fashioned as some tend to assume. They can actually appear very modern and sleek if done properly.  They do not even have to be laid like traditional subway tile which is horizontal and staggered.  You can lay them totally opposite - vertical and one directly on top of the other.  I have used subway tiles many times both for myself and for clients and have yet to lay them in the traditional manner.

If any of you fellow Long Islanders have been to the restaurant Trata in Roslyn, you may have noticed that their bathroom is decked in glossy black subway tiles.  The entire restaurant's decor is absolutely phenomenal (and so is the food!)

Subway tiles are an excellent choice because they are extremely versatile in style, color/ finish, materials and size.  They also range dramatically in price from the basic two by four inch ceramic to mini sized marble ones.  You can also use them on your walls, floor or both.

Here are some different ways you can employ subway tile in your bathroom.


via Apartment Therapy

Take note of the dark grout which makes the tiles stand out.





Notice the two different types of subway used here.  The walls have a beautiful subway tile that stands out a bit from the wall and encased in light colored grout while the bathtub and bathtub wall is covered in basic subway tile with a dark grout.





Using these elongated subway tiles the length of the bathroom creates a larger space.







via Apartment Therapy

LOVE the large black tiles on both the floor and the shower wall.





 Mabley Handler Interiors



Steven Gambrell

I like the pop of glossy brown on the bathtub and backsplash.




Urban Grace Interiors

This is an interesting way to lay the subway tiles.  Do you like it?




Frank Roop Interiors

These metallic tiles are beautiful!  I am sure their price reflects that as well!

Do you like subway tiles?  What is your favorite combination?





Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Cover Me!

How do you feel about living rooms that do not have a rug? Most often I think that uncovered flooring in a living room tends to look naked.  While sometimes a particular interior style actually necessitates a bare floor, most of the time it is a vital part of the decor otherwise leaving the room to appear unfinished.

Below are some photos of how rugs can really bring a room together.

In addition, below the images, I have listed some of my favorite online resources for rugs.




via Domino Magazine


via Metropolitan Home


























Amanda Masters




 via Brad Ford Interiors



Toby Fairley

via hegegreenall-scholtz



Weiss Palmer






via chictip.com


Graham Moss





I know this photo was in one of my previous posts, but I certainly could not leave it out of a post specifically dedicated to rugs!  Does anyone love multi colored stripes as much as I do????



If your budget is friendly ;-) then you should definitely look at their collection.  Every time I visit their website or their showroom, I feel like a kid in a candy store.  If I could, I would fill my home up with their beautiful handmade rugs!  My favorite, favorite are the Paul Smith designs but I LOVE the Matthew Williamson and Marni as well.  Check out the site - I promise you will be in interior heaven!

Her collection is timeless and stunning.  These rugs can work in any decor and will never go out of style.

Another absolutely amazing collection can be found at Karkula.  While definitely on the pricey side as well, these rugs are so unique and will certainly be a conversation piece.  Check out the Rosa rug by Paola Lenti - LOVE!!!!!!!

Another wonderful resource for rugs.  Elson & Company has a fantastic collection of Tibetan and dhurries you are sure to swoon over.

On a less expensive note....

You could find very cool rugs at wonderful prices in both of these stores.  Some are actually really funky and would be perfect for a kid's room.

These rugs are pricier than West Elm and CB2 but still reasonable.  Most of their designs have muted colors and simple patterns making them versatile for most decor styles.