Call of the Wild

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Simply Styled

I’ve been dying to incorporate animal print into our home somehow – we’re not talking a huge cheetah print sofa in the living room, but more like a cool accent pillow, animal print cushions on the dining room chairs, or an upholstered bench.

Of course, getting Kris on board with a little animal print is a process, so I pulled some inspiration to show him what I’m thinking…

Like this cool zebra ottoman that doubles as a coffee table…

Traditional Living Room design by San Francisco Interior Designer Benjamin Dhong Interiors

Or these twin cheetah stools flanking the coffee tables below – they provide extra seating, but I love that they can easily be pushed up against a wall

Mediterranean Living Room design by Los Angeles Interior Designer Dayna Katlin Interiors

This accent chair is fierce (literally) but also very neutral… LOVE

Traditional Living Room design by San Francisco Interior Designer Kathleen Burke Design

Or THIS accent chair… see the animal print actually blends in with a neutral palette

Traditional Family Room design by San Diego Interior Designer Decorating Den Interiors – Susan Sutherlin

This zebra print is thicker, and a bit more modern, and I love the chocolate brown and creme on this Louis style arm chair

Traditional Family Room design by Chicago Architect Culligan Abraham Architecture

And finally a pretty animal print bench (with nailhead trim) – does it get more fabulous?!

Traditional Living Room design by Los Angeles Interior Designer DTM INTERIORS

So after taking a look at what I am thinking for animal print accents, what are your thoughts? Hate it or love it?

Pretty in Pink

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Simply Styled

Isn’t this room the epitome of luxe?!

I am 100% certain that Kris would die if he came home to pink curtains in our living room, but one day after we win the lotto and make it rich, I will have a ladies only sitting room that looks just like this. Bright and cheery – the pink adds just the right amount of sass, don’t you think??. This room will be dedicated to book club (aka wine club), rousing discussions of Real Housewives, and crafting parties. As I said… ladies only.

Alas, if you are a single gal living on your own, or your man has been perfectly trained to say, Whatever you want, honey (my favorite phrase, by the way), then get to work on recreating this dream room, and don’t look back!

I love how the soft greige (beige / grey) wall color, and white furniture keep this from being over the top girly, and brown is a natural compliment to pink. It’s like they were born to be together.

This coffee table is pretty much what I am looking for to replace ours one day – I love the gold metal, and glass top, and I love that it is BIG, so it can hold a lot of stuff on the shelf below. Add a few mirrored pieces to reflect light (and your pretty face of course) keep the floor neutral and fuctional, so there is no competition with the draperies, and you’ll be sitting pretty. Take a look at my design board for a little inspiration…

If you are going to do it up right, I’d go custom on the curtains. That can get expensive, so if you are handy with a sewing machine, this could be perfect for you. I found these curtains on Linens and Things, and they are a steal if you are trying to recreate this look on a budget, but I still feel they are no comparison with the perfectly peachy silk drapes in the original room. Dying white silk could be another option, but I am definitely no expert there, so I wouldn’t attempt it unless you were pretty confident on the outcome.

The other option here is to have someone else sew them – there are plenty of local seamstresses who could whip up some curtains for relatively cheap, so if you shop around, and find the perfect fabric, that is another way to go.

RugsUSA is literally my favorite source for rugs now – this huge woven number is a steal when comparing with places like Pottery Barn, or even local shops. Etsy’s pillow selection is insane, and there are amazing deals to be found. A word of caution – if you want the pattern on both sides, be sure to confirm they don’t use a solid backing on one side to cut costs. Sometimes, it’s just worth it to pay more.

This mirror is from ZGallerie, and I’ve been lusting after it for some time now – it’s HUGE (and quite heavy) so for our apartment, we’d need to put some serious holes in the wall to support it’s weight. Mounting this with anchors just isn’t worth it for us renters, but if you own your home, this mirror measures 39.5″ across – that’s over 3 feet! A statement for sure, and it’s on sale for $214. Someone needs to benefit from this if it’s not me!

Finally, Ballard was my source for the sofa and chair. Elegant lines, good quality… need I say more?? The reviews online were rave, so I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment.

Enjoy the where to buy guide below, and of course, if anyone has interest in a custom design board for a room they are working on, send me a private message!

WHERE TO BUY:
Knobby Loop Rug from RugsUSA
Pink Striped Silk Taffeta Curtains from Linens n Things
Manchester Apartment Sofa from Ballard Designs
Courtland Club Chair from Ballard Designs
Gold Edge Coffee Table from 1800 Lighting
Brown Ikat Pillow from Etsy
Brown Medallion Pillow from Rug Studio
Brown Patterned Lumbar Pillow from Etsy
Portico Mirror from ZGallerie
Mirrored Console Table from Target
Mother of Pearl Lamp from Bed Bath & Beyond
Mercury Glass Vase from Luna Bazaar

Moroccan Inspired Dining Room

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Simply Styled

Isn’t this the most lovely dining room???

Designer, Matthew Patrick Smythe went to town on this Manhattan apartment, featured this month in Elle Decor. The apartment covers a range of styles from modern to eclectic, but somehow it works… I mean… quite obviously it more than works, but of all the rooms, this dining room was my favorite. It’s visually striking with graphic navy and white wallpaper, a pretty Capiz chandelier, and luxe velvet chairs.

If you couldn’t tell, the wallpaper is Schumacher, and if you ask me, it MAKES the room. The delicate lacy detail reminds me of an intricate Moroccan gate, leading into a serene courtyard garden. It’s absolutely amazing, but I don’t know if I could pull the trigger on it myself. Since wallpaper is hard to install, even harder to take down, and can get really pricey really quickly, I’d try to recreate this look using paint.

If you love this room, then you are going to love the affordable inspiration board I’ve drawn up.

I’d start the room off by painting it a dramatic navy with grey undertones. Buying multiple wood carvings and hanging them in a grid will break up the wall, and simulate the beautiful detail of the Schumacher wallpaper. The ones in this inspiration are from Target, and at roughly 12″ square, nine of these would create quite a large grid.

Check out the where to buy guide if you want to try this look out on your own, and for more inspiration, look through the rest of this lovely apartment at Elle Decor!!

WHERE TO BUY:

Capiz Chandelier from West Elm

Wood Carving from Target

Pedestal table from Terrain

Square Back Louis Side Chair from Ballard Designs

White Ornate Wall Mirror from Wayfair

Console Table from Olioboard

Clear Glass Lamp from Lamps Plus

Wool Cable Rug from RugsUSA

Side note: the wood carvings are wood, but if you want them to be white, a quick coat of paint would do the trick!

I’d also spend the extra $7 for the spray attachment if you are going the spray paint route… it will save you some major finger cramps (plus, you get to pretend you are in Charlie’s Angels… which is pretty awesome, and well worth the extra $7)

Design Icon: Stacy Curran

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Simply Styled

Another pretty room – Pinterest is full of those isn’t it??

This room belongs to Stacy of South Shore Decorating – previously named as Conspicuous Style.

I’ve followed her for a long time, and really admire her style, and her story. Her bedroom is one of my all time favorite spaces – all cool soothing tones of icy blues, greens and greys. All the white in the bedding and bed frame allow the wall color to shine, and it actually gives the room a silvery feel. Everything about this room says elegance, sophistication, and “no chocolate on your hands please” (a personal mantra of mine)! It’s absolutely, drop dead gorgeous.

And the zebra?? Everyone I know thinks I’ve become a bit nutty with this animal print obsession, but I LOVE it!

Well, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and being a gal on a budget, I created a design board that mimics this room, but won’t break the bank.

If you love it, check out the “where to buy” guide below – and if you are interested in having my help creating a design board for a room you are working on – send me a private message! I’m more than happy to help!

Where To Buy:

Bed Frame, Zebra Print Rug, Silver Framed Mirror, Side tables (these are actually console tables), Creme Slipcovered Chair, Upholstered Ottoman with Casters, White Curtains (you can easily add black trim with iron on adhesive), Peacock Blue Velvet Pillows, Grey Silk Pillows, Patterned Throw Pillow, Stacked Ball Acrylic Table Lamp, Throw blanket

In case her fabulous bedroom didn’t impress you enough on it’s own – she is INCREDIBLY down to earth!

In an interview last year, she was asked, “What decorating techniques/ideas/projects would you recommend to a homeowner who wants a quick fix to their room?”

Stacy answered, “Paint, curtains, and pillows make a world of difference, and can be done relatively inexpensively. Making curtains out of fabric from JoAnn’s or similar stores, when you catch them on sale, can be surprisingly affordable. I do my own all the time, and don’t even sew them. I use fabric tape or glue to hem and line (well, I don’t usually line them, butyou can if you’re ambitious). In my bedroom, I used $10 white panels from Target and glued grosgrain ribbon to trim them, and I think they look as good as really expensive ones. In my dining room, I hung fabric from JoAnn on rods/rings, and no one would ever know that they are not really “curtains” from a seamstress or store.”

Amen sister – anyone who A) can put that room together, B) loves Target (pronounced Tar-shay) as much as I do, and C) still looks to cut corners without sacrificing style is definitely WORTHY of the title “Design Icon” – and she is certainly one for me!

Read the rest of the interview here, and go check out her blog, plus more pictures of her lovely home here!

Design Icon: Kishani Perera

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Simply Styled

Kishani Perera is a total design maven – her work has been shown all over the internet – from design blogs, to Pinterest (which is actually where I originally fell in love with her) and she’s been consistantly featured in BH&G, House Beautiful… the list goes on.

One of my favorite Bloggers, Amanda Eck featured her recently, and since I am totally in love with her work, decided to create a design board for one of my favorite rooms.

This space is girly… funky… and Kris would totally die if he walked into our house decked out in hot pink. My favorite thing about her, is that she takes risks, and creates rooms that are as livable as they are beautiful. Simultaneously ‘relaxed and elegant’ if you will, and somehow it all works.

While I’m sure this room didn’t come cheap, that’s not how we roll in my household, so the design I put together below focuses on getting the same look, while staying on budget (dang that budget… I could throw it out the window!)

Enjoy the “where to buy” below for this affordable reconstruction!

Where to Buy:
Zebra Rug, Grey Sectional, Pink Pillows, Lucite Coffee Table, Floor Lamp, Bookshelf, Chandelier, Mercury Glass Vases, Abstract Painting, Silk Panels

Ceiling Beams

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Simply Styled

I’ve always loved the look of beams on a ceiling, and one day would love to live in a home where we had this extra detail. I’ve often watched home improvement shows where they’ve added beams to a high ceiling, and it instantly makes the room seem special. Whether they are a part of the structure, actually helping to hold up the building, or if they are just there for aesthetics, there are core reasons I absolutely love exposed beams on the ceiling…

1. Exposed beams give a room a Spanish flair – if you are going for a “Mediterranean” look in your home, exposed beams are a surefire way to do that!

Mediterranean Living Room design by Phoenix Architect Carson Poetzl, Inc.

Mediterranean Living Room design by San Francisco General Contractor Conrado – Home Builders

2. Ceiling beams make a house feel rustic – like a hunting lodge or remote cabin in the mountains – and create a cozy space in a room with vastly high ceilings

Traditional Living Room design by Santa Barbara Interior Designer Maraya Droney Design

Traditional Living Room design by Minneapolis Architect Murphy & Co. Design

3. Beams instantly create architectural interest in a room, enhance existing architectural details, and can add character to an otherwise ordinary space

Eclectic Bedroom design by Chicago Design-build Orren Pickell Building Group

Contemporary Dining Room design by Architect a+b kasha designs

Modern Living Room design by Austin Architect Cornerstone Architects

Design Icon: Jeff Andrews

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Simply Styled

For those in the know, you get why Jeff Andrews has made my list of design icons – his work is clean, and he takes bold design concepts and infuses them with warm livability. He has been featured in so many amazing publications from House Beautiful (a personal favorite of mine) to Traditional Home, Elle Decor UK, Vogue Living AU, BH&G… the list goes on and on… and on some more.

This living room is absolutely amazing… With those big french doors, and wide open windows, my first inclination would have been to paint the room white from head to toe, but going with a dark grey / blue, creates a rich canvas with tons of depth, where the furniture and colorful accents pop.

That fur throw on the bed!! That ornate black beaded chandelier!! Those twisted branches!! The leather!! This room is sexy until the end of time, and the black paint on the walls makes it feel like a cozy little cave. I think I’d never leave…

This foyer is as grand as it gets… look familiar?? It should if you are a fan of the Kardashians!! This is Kris Jenner’s foyer that we’ve all seen a thousand times, but it’s classic glamour all the way. From the curved double staircases, to the black and white tile, I absolutely love this space.

There is just something about the dining room, that feels incredibly laid back. Perhaps it’s the fun pumpkin colored silk curtain panels, or the plush bench, but despite the formal art, and traditional vibe, I only imagine lively family dinners here.

Those chairs! That art installation!! This space is earthy and warm with a chocolate shag rug (a shag rug in a dining room?!)

Now can you see why I am so obsessed with Jeff’s work?!

Epiphany: Fabric as Art!

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Simply Styled

So yesterday, while browsing fabrics, I kept seeing so many that I loved. Unfortunately for me, so many of them would have been visual overload in our small apartment, but I kept coming back to this one again and again (isn’t he cute??)

Finally it came to me – while this bird was never meant to be on the curtains I was making, he was still meant to be in my house. As what, you ask? As a pretty piece of art, singing on the wall!

I did a little investigation, and discovered that others also had this brilliant idea already, turning textiles into art. I am apparently late to this party… I love this example from Elle Decor, where this Ikat print breathed life into what could have been a rather ho hum office.

Here, another office, posted on Apartment Therapy, where they used the same fabric in four different colors, with a matte behind the desk. I love that these give the feel of screened windows, and tone down the very green walls.

This room has different patterns and different colors simply matted in black frames – easy, inexpensive, and impactful. I love it.

Finally, framed fabric featured in a hallway. Pretty pretty – I don’t think I’ll be framing anything this large in our small space, but I’m encouraged seeing how awesome it can look in other spaces.

I’ve revamped my original design board, to include a few changes – including my mocked up birdie.

While the original inspiration board (featured here) was fine, it lacked energy and interest (I’m the first to admit it). The white roman shades were blah, and the room was boring. It was was all blue, white, and brown – so one dimensional. I think the citron printed fabric (the Secret Gate pattern is the winner for me) will make a lively addition as a roman shade in this space, and my dear little mockingbird (or is it a nightingale?) will tie everything together in a big bird-like bow.

I am starting to think that my mockingbird/nightingale might need a partner in crime up there on the wall, so I’ve started looking at other fabrics that he might pair well. With the trellis rug and the citron patterned shades, I think we’ve got enough graphic patterns going on, so I’m thinking something more “picture-like.” Here are the options I’m debating…

OPTION I: Bird with the Working girls

That description came out all wrong… These girls are working… not as hookers! Get your minds out of the gutter! I’m even thinking that with a grey print, a light wash of color from some watercolor paints might be neat. Am I being optimistic with my artistic capabilities?? Perhaps… I may just go ahead and try it…

OPTION II: Bird with the Turbaned Turks

I swear I can’t make this stuff up! This fabric is actually called Turkish Toile! I love it, but is this too much yellow? Is the yellow here too different from the citron color in the shades? I do like that the guys in ths print are sitting around drinking and probably gossiping about their mistresses. I’m going to keep this one in the running…

OPTION III: Bird with the Garden Toile
I think this print is really pretty, but my biggest concern here is the border. I love the blue border because it ties in really well with my sweet bird, but what if the toile print is so big that the border is cut off by the frame! There is nothing that gets my goat more than something non-symmetrical, so if it can’t be perfectly centered, I don’t want it at all. I think this one, as sweet as it is, has to go. It’s not worth the $20 per yard to test it out.

OPTION IV: Bird with the Turbaned Turks (part II)
I just keep coming back to these Turkish dudes, right?? This one is different though I swear! Difference #1: This print is black and white – no yellow anywhere to be found. Difference #2: These Turks are at the same little hut, but in a different climate. Take a close look – they’ve got palm trees here, so they must be somewhere tropical. In the other print, it’s pine trees encircling them… so they are likely in the mountains somewhere. Gosh, the more I think about it, the more I like these Turks. I’m feeling like we are already becoming closer friends than I am with the mockingbird.

Ok, enough crazy talk… must make some decisions!!

Decor Trends from Blogland: Casters

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Simply Styled

Is anyone else as fascinated as I am about the concept of casters in the home? They have become big-time trendy on nearly all the home decor blogs I follow. To be honest, I was not a fan at first. They are industrial, so can come off looking clunky and out of place on some pieces, this is a look that has grown on me over time, and at the risk of being a total follower here, I think I’m jumping on the caster bandwagon!! Here are some of my favorite looks, where castors are cool, unique additions to the furniture.

This table is rustic and industrial – a huge look in the 2012 – 2013 Restoration Hardware catalog. Obviously, in this lofted space, this farmhouse meets factory table is perfection – it would be all wrong (not to mention way too large) for our apartment, but I love it!

Marshall Matlock

One of my favorite DIY bloggers featured casters a while back, and this is another look I love. Wouldn’t this rolling shelf be awesome in a kitchen? It would look awesome as an open pantry (an organized pantry that is) or even as a bookshelf in a casual living room.

Centsational Girl

Not a lot of homes could pull this off, but the rolling doors remind me of a barn – in the best way possible of course. Country living featured these in a North Carolina home, and I think it fits perfectly with the laid back vibe (guitar casually leaned against the wall???).

Country Living

A traditional looking Toile armchair gets an update with these casters – I think the look works mainly because they used small casters – anything larger would like mismatched – and who doesn’t love a chair that easily rolls around?!

Inspired Design

Could I really feature casters and leave out Restoration Hardware?? Obviously not! This bookshelf is so cool with it’s reclaimed wood (probably not really reclaimed) and pipe framework. This masculine piece would be great in an office, a man cave, or even a bathroom. Can’t you just picture some fluffy white towels and clear jars of cotton balls on there??

Restoration Hardware

I imagine this slatted coffee table in a bright sun room – perfect for the herbs growing there. In this case, the large casters don’t bother me because they blend in with the dark rug – with a lighter floor, I’m not sure I’d love this table, but since it looks like it was wheeled in from the garden, I think it works.

My Ideal Home

I have a crush…

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Simply Styled

It’s true! I have a total crush on a new interior designer (well new to me) – Emily Clark. In terms of taste, I think we are kind of soulmates. I’m not even 100% sure how I stumbled up on her blog, but I swear I can’t get anything done around here! Her home is amazing, and I am totally captivated because her taste and choices are what I aspire to achieve.

I have a real appreciation for designers who take some chances with color and pattern. I love the contrast of the dusty navy wall against the white curtains and fireplace, and I love how it compliments the rug, and ties the whole room together. It has been several months since we got our new dark grey trellis rug, and I’ve struggled to find accessories to go with it. Do the throw pillows compliment or take away from the pattern on the rug? Is it too much pattern? Too much grey?? Too geometric? These questions and doubts about decisions I’ve made keep me wondering why I’m not totally satisfied with the look of the room.

The conclusion?? The color and pattern of the rug is very strong, and it needs an equally strong counterpart in the room – a complimentary wall of color perhaps – to bring it all together.

Since we may end up moving towards the end of this year / early next year (the story of my adult life is packing up once a year on average), I don’t want to put in the time and energy to paint the living room now… I think… but after seeing her living room (which by the way was featured in Better Homes and Gardens) I had an aha moment, and think I’ve figured out what we need to do in our next home to bring the room and rug together.

Can we talk about these pillows?? I am a heartbeat away from immediately placing an order for the Chaing Mai Dragon Print fabric (in mocha) to make some throw pillows for the living room. It. Is. Love.

Apparently, (and this is news to me) this fabric has made it’s way around the design blogosphere, and is very “trendy” (translation: overdone) but since it’s the first I’ve seen of it, I’m pretty sure my less design-y friends won’t know or care that I totally jumped on that bandwagon.

**An update here: a single throw pillow cover in this print is looking to be in the $200 range… must find out if I can order this fabric on my own…..

Ok… in my future house, I need this office. That wall of books is making me want to stop downloading books onto my Nook – just so I can start collecting! I LOVE the contrast of the dark backing with the white shelving and the colorful books. Also, that lamp was a $70 thrift store find – originally shiny brass – that she spray painted black. I am green with envy!

And that table – the old, dinged up, antique table with turned legs?? Craigslist. I’ve never seen anything that awesome on Craigslist!! I’d love to hate her for her fabulous taste, and luck in tracking down amazing second hand finds, but I just love her.

The breakfast room in her old house – love the painted wall, the lantern light, and the chartreuse patterned curtains that you get a slight peek of. Is it totally creepy that I know that this is in her old house?

And at last, the formal living room in her old house (I believe possibly also featured in Better Homes and Gardens).

It’s funny – I see things in other people’s homes that I never knew I wanted, and suddenly I have to have them – the magic of the internet I suppose. But those birdcages are awesome, and that zebra pillow is something I must find. This room has a lot going on, but feels clean and simple at the same time. I need to learn that, because sometimes I find our home feeling cluttered even if it’s not.