'Til Monday

This week's 'Til Monday images are of a bejeweled tyrannosaurus rex.  Since last Sunday my daughter has been adorning the prehistoric creature with beaded necklaces and parading him around the house.

Can't wait to see what the children will dream up this weekend...

Enjoy!

Fabric Obsession

While fabric scouting recently I came across a series of designs that reflect a "watercolor" effect in which the colors seem to bleed into the materials.  I found these fabrics to be a nice departure from the geometric and ikat designs that have been so popular as of late.  Don't get me wrong, I'm huge fan of the latter,  but it's so nice to discover something new.   Now I'm going to obsesses about working these latest arrivals into my space or someone else's.   Take a look at some examples.

Above Rubelli's Malvasia is printed on velvet making the colors seem deep and textural, almost like ink stains.  Love it.

Stripes take on a similar effect with Rubelli's Frezzeria pattern, turning a geometric pattern into something soft and playful.

Donghia's Jolie panel has a concentrated watercolor pattern at the bottom leaving the top sheer to allow light to filter through.  Panels are  57" wide.

So, what do you think?  Are you ready for a brand new look in textiles?

Light Effects: Layered and Clustered

When I first saw this photo of a Nobis Hotel lounge area,  I was struck by the dramatic effect the cluster of hanging lights created.  By hanging different types and sizes of globe fixtures at various heights, the designers created a whimsical setting for an otherwise formal sitting area.  I'd sip a sophisticated cocktail under that canopy all day long [figure of speech].

Whether inside or out,  lights can take on a major role in setting the tone anywhere they're featured.   Take a look at how the spaces below benefited by the clustering effect:

image from : Better Living From Design

Image from: Style Me Pretty

Above image: Bocci

Above image: MTeriors

Above image:  Martha Stewart

Above image:  Apartment Therapy

Elle Decor's image shows off the shadowy effects hanging lights create.

Above image: Loving Living Small

To give a space dimension, plenty of light and lots of cool shadows try hanging your lights in clusters.

Hope you enjoyed the light show...

'Til Monday

This week's 'Til Monday image is of a bench covered in fallen cherry blossoms.  Thinking of the people and the landscape so deeply affected by the earthquake in Japan...

OMG, I Want This House

OMG, I love this house!  I'm a modernist at heart and fantasize about living in a mid-century home.  This house has it all.  On the inside:  an open, airy floor plan drenched in natural light creates an attractive and functional family space.  On the outside:  a combination of restraint and wildness with a meticulously manicured lawn that is bordered by unruly wisteria and ivy vines.  An outdoor fireplace and plenty of places to entertain turn the outdoors into an extension of the indoors.  Enjoy the tour.

The dark floor provides contrast to the white furniture and walls allowing the fireplace to be showcased.  Check out  the ceiling.

To see more of Katrine Martensen-Larsen's styling and  Stuart McIntyre's photographs of this Copenhagen home click here.