Shelterpop

Decorating With Green

Jaime Derringer — 2011-09-01T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Color, Your Home, Design, etc

Photo: David Prince/Real Simple

I was flipping through Real Simple's April 2009 issue when I found an article on something that had never occurred to me: decorating with one color.

Real Simple showcased the color green, not only because it's unexpectedly pretty but also because it's calming and soothing. Notice how they use mossy greens as well as shades of chartreuse and darker greens to layer the room. Patterned pillows, rugs, blankets and sheets help provide breaks in the monochromatic color palette.

Here are a few suggestions for achieving the look from the Real Simple team, along with a few tips of our own.

1) Add an area rug for a big burst of green.
2) Try various shades of green accessories to brighten a space without feeling overwhelming.
3) Don't forget the blossoms. Be sure to add plants or flowers to the space.
4) Choose a more neutral shade of green for the wall color, then select accents in more vibrant greens.
5) Mix a few different patterns together to add interest while maintaining balance. Try a large-scale motif, like oversized blooms, with a smaller-scale one, like a checkered pattern.
6) Couple rich fabrics with lighter ones to create texture. For example, try mixing velvet and linen. To get you started, we pulled together some items to fuel your greenspiration.

From left to right, clockwise: Thomas Paul Zinnia Rug, $270-$1,464, Design Public; Terra Aviary Pillow, $29.95, Crate and Barrel; Vintage Murano Lamps, $2,300, Swank Lighting; Ceramic Garden Stool, $159, Pottery Barn; Hour Glasses, $9.95-$29.95, cb2; Dwell Studio for Target(R) Birds Damask Bedding, $39.99-$99.99, Target; Rustic Block Side Table, $84, West Elm.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Best Design Blogs: New Blogs We Can't Stop Reading

Jaime Derringer — 2011-03-11T09:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fun Stuff, Design, etc, News & Trends

We ask the best design blogs to pick the 10 new blogs you should add to your morning must-read list.

You are probably familiar with the usual suspects when it comes to design blogging, but blogs haven't stopped popping up. In fact the blogosphere is still growing, and we're thankful because there's a whole new breed of eyecandy that's just a click away!

I asked some of my veteran blogger friends -- Jessica Baker from Black.White.Yellow., Kelly Beall from Designcrush, Holly Becker of Decor8, Joy D. Cho from Oh Joy!, Sherry and John from Young House Love, and ShelterPop's very own Lauren Fenton -- to help me create a list of 10 new blogs that we're currently reading. I've defined new as having launched in the past year. As we all know, sometimes it takes a few months for a blog to find its mojo...

From stationery to photography to home interiors, you'd better clear your schedule and get ready to spend some quality time with your RSS reader:

The Marion House Book

Jessica's pick:

The Marion House Book
"The Marion House Book is a fantastic source of inspiration," she writes. "Her house is fantastic. Emma is featuring a series called 52 Objects where she is documenting her life through objects in her house. It is a fantastic concept, and I'm enjoying following along."

CMYBacon

Kelly's pick:

CMYBacon
"All awesome design, all the time," says Kelly. "Martin Refsal has a great eye for cutting edge design. My favorite recent post was on pothole yarn bombing where the artist, Juliana Santacruz, 'repaired' Parisian potholes by filling them with vibrant crocheted pieces. To me they ended up looking like urban incisions that I couldn't get out of my mind. I've found more times than not CMYBacon provides these little tidbits that I'll be thinking about hours later."

A Creative Mint / Arianna Interiors

Holly's picks:

A Creative Mint
"Leslie Shewring is a stylist and photographer who lives in Los Angeles and never fails to inspire me with her delicious eye candy," says Holly. "Everything on her blog is styled and photographed by her making it so appealing to me personally as I love seeing how she translates her inspirations into projects."

Arianna Interiors
"UK design blog written by Arianna who is an interior designer and blogger who once worked for some pretty big design firms in London," she says, "so she has a background in the field and a genuine passion for her subject matter."

Lovely Stationery / From Me To You

Joy's picks:

Lovely Stationery
"From the folks behind Lovely Package, Lovely Stationery is a graphic designer's & type lover's dream," says Joy. "The blog compiles the best of logos, business cards and other corporate stationery which I find so inspirational when working on new projects or even when I'm procrastinating and just need some paper and type eye candy."

From Me To You
"Jamie Beck's blog From Me To You not only kills me (in the best way possible!) with her amazing photography," she says, "but the subtle bits of motion she adds to each photo is unreal. Those images give me goosebumps!"

House*Tweaking

Sherry and John's pick:

House*Tweaking
"Dana has an amazing sense of creativity, using everything from a painting drop cloth to make a giant and graphic entryway banner and an empty mirror frame to stencil a seagrass rug," says Sherry. "The girl has even used reclaimed fence boards to DIY an insanely cheerful sliding barn door in her bedroom (along with the help of her handy hubby). I always love peeking in on her life to see what she's up to! Check out some of our favorite posts like DIY Fence Headboard and How to Stencil a Seagrass Rug."

Wood&Faulk / Manhattan Nest

Laura's picks:

Wood&Faulk
"Victoria from SFGirlByBay lead me to Wood&Faulk through a link -- and I am so glad she did," says Laura. "On a personal level, I love Matt's style -- from his vintage Barbour jackets to his sliding barn door. Plus, I'm a sucker for a blog that's not the least bit precious. It's also refreshing to read a site written in man's voice."

Manhattan Nest
"I discovered Daniel's blog," says Laura, "after Anna from Door Sixteen linked to his site. I immediately loved Daniel's very funny voice and his low-budget DIY projects. I sometimes find it hard to believe that I hang on every word of a sophomore at NYU. Yet when I see him giving his thrifted Bertoia diamond chair a bath or read his account of a particularly good score, I felt a deep kinship with Daniel -- no matter how old he is."

MyVibeMyLife

My pick:

MyVibeMyLife
I'm a little obsessed -- okay, a lot obsessed -- with designer Kelly Wearstler, so when I learned she launched a blog recently I let out a gasp of delight. MyVibeMyLife is a place where Kelly shares sneak peeks into her design process, a day in her life, and her stylish life beyond the fabrics and products she uses. Basically, if you like Kelly's unique sense of style, it's eyecandylicious.

For more of what we're reading in the world of magazines, check out what we think the forthcoming Lucky Home might look like and our peek inside Matchbook Magazine's second issue.

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
Lucky Home Mag: Sniffing Out a Sneak Peek
Are You an Organizing Extremist?
Home Office Org: 7 Tips

Here's a video from a blogger about a DIY project she did in her home.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Recycled Furniture: From Oil Drums to Chairs

Jaime Derringer — 2011-02-16T09:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Fun Stuff, Design, etc, News & Trends

We've seen smart furniture before, like a chuch pew turned headboard and silverware transformed into a chandelier. Now an even more surprising medium is being upcycled: discarded oil drums.

In trying to create something useful from oil production waste, companies such as Snodevormgevers, Reestore and Vaho have begun creating upcycled furniture from discarded metal oil drums. The results -- a series of chairs, stools and tables in contemporary silhouhettes -- are unique and likely to last much longer than their previous contents.

But they're not the only ones making furniture from oil drums.

Photos from left to right: Vaho, Snodevormgevers , Reestore

Elena Patterson, a South African born designer and artist, features oil drum chairs in her New York boutiques, each called Peoria Emporium. She says that she was at a trade show at the Piers in Manhattan when she and her business partner, Patricia Stevens, stumbled on some beautiful furniture that looked as though it was made from scrap metal. The creators were the residents of Bamako, the capital of Mali, in West Africa; Patterson later learned that the area there is devoted to scrap metal reprocessing, and scrap metal of all kinds are bought there, cleaned, cut and reworked.

Patterson was drawn to the fact that they were upcycled, and she appreciated the primitive quality. "You can recognize what they are made from, that they're recycled. The more modern pieces often lack the charm of these pieces. We consider these examples of outsider or folk art," she explains. With a passion for supporting local artisans, specifically women's collectives, Patterson decided to stock her store with some of the eye-catching chairs.

Oil drum chairs from Mali artisans. Photos: Elena Patterson

The oil drum pieces (pictured above) are made like this: A wooden form is used to create a chair mold. The metal for the seat and seat back is then cut and bent and even shaped around the metal wire edges of the chairs. The seat metal is then hammered over the wooden mold to shape it into place.

There is no processing or manufacturing plant in Mali. The pieces are all made outdoors, where Patterson says you'll see shacks and makeshift buildings used to keep things from getting wet if it rains. "It is a place where the sound of hammering is deafening and where metal dust blackens everything," says Patterson.

An oil drum stool from a Mali artisan. Photos: Elena Patterson

As each piece is made by hand out in the open, you can watch hundreds of artists hammering metal sheets to smooth them out. Welding is also done by craftsman working amidst mountain-sized piles of scrap metal.

It's interesting that the people in Mali are doing so much with the oil drum, since oil is fairly irrelevant in their lives, says Patterson. Most of the oil there is imported, very few people own cars or trucks, and their homes are not heated.

Patricia Stevens (left) and Elena Patterson (right). Photo: Elena Patterson

Whatever your politics on oil consumption, we can probably agree that these chairs are a smart use of scrap metal. It's one less thing taking up space in landfills -- and that is a step in the right direction.

For more green ideas, check out our roundup of eco-friendly lighting and learn more about decorating and doing good with eBay's fair trade marketplace.

For more on eco-friendly design, check out this video on DIY furniture from cardboard. Yes, cardboard.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Lucky Home Magazine: Sniffing Out a Sneak Peek

Jaime Derringer — 2011-02-09T09:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends

With Lucky magazine set to launch Lucky Home next year, we imagine what the pages will look like. Hint: Don't expect a Domino wannabe.

When Domino and Blueprint magazines folded, it was like the world came crashing down around me. And I wasn't alone. My design-savvy friends were also devastated -- in fact, anyone I ask these days prays for them to come back from the dead. Despite the rise of internet magazines such as Lonny and Rue, there's still a void each month in my mailbox that makes me pine for print. And I don't think I'm alone in that sentiment.

A mock-up of what we think the new Lucky Home might look like. Photo on both covers: Brigitte Sire. Photo illustration: Jolie Novak.

So I got pretty excited when newly-appointed Lucky mag editor Brandon Holley told the New York Times that she plans on launching a spinoff mag, Lucky Home. (A second spinoff, Lucky Kids, is rumored to debut this March.) But I had to wonder: Will it be as good as Domino?

Maybe, maybe not. But we do think it will succeed since it's decidedly different from the much loved shuttered magazine.

As I flipped through my February 2011 Lucky, I felt like Holley was giving us a taste of what Lucky Home might look like: There were a spattering of home-related objects on its glossy pages and a few good design ideas, such as the "Inspiration Board" section, which reminded me that whimsy and color are in.

Even if Conde Nast hasn't officially announced what will fill the pages of Lucky Home, we think we can make some pretty safe predictions -- and yes, hopes:

Photos: Lucky magazine, February 2011

Lucky Home Prediction 1: Celebrities.
I remember reading once that Lucky decided to start putting more celebrities on its cover because -- let's be real -- celebs sell more magazines, which equates to more $$. Since then, I'm not sure that one cover has hit newsstands without a celebrity style icon. I bet they'll go in the same direction with Lucky Home. Would you be interested in a peek inside Brangelina's pad? Maybe, but that's the kind of editorial I can get elsewhere. The editors at Lucky do a stellar job of taking their magazine off the beaten path so it will be a treat to see how they can spin home coverage differently.

If celebrities are a part of Lucky Home, I'm crossing my fingers it's unlike anything we've ever seen -- I don't want to see just another house tour of perfectly placed and styled items. What if we could peek inside Natalie Portman's kitchen and get the look sourced for us or head over to Katy Perry's studio to see where she gets inspired. The more intimate and closer I can get to really understanding the celeb and their style, the better.

Lucky Home Prediction 2: Shopping, shopping and more shopping.
Lucky is a magazine about shopping and style -- Lucky Home will be the home magazine about decor shopping and style. Domino was slightly more on the style side than the shopping side, but if Lucky Home is a magazine completely chock full of products and shops -- I'm sold. Expect profiles of funky design shop owners and their wares, and roundups of the latest home trends. I'd like to see them recreate the Lucky "City Guide" section, which whisks me away to a new place and shows me what the best shops are.

Photos: Lucky magazine, February 2011

Lucky Home Prediction 3: Trends.
Lucky's "What I Want Now!" is one of my favorite columns. Not only does it showcase trends, but it stays relevant by using a style icon or fashion trendsetter as inspiration. In the February issue of Lucky, editor Jenny Jang names graphic prints as her obsession for this month. This column can easily be adapted for the home, even this particular trend -- chevron and stripes are everywhere right now.

One column in particular I am dying to see again is the Domino column "Turn this Outfit into a Room." It's the perfect mashup of Lucky and Lucky Home.

Lucky Home Prediction 4: Deals.
Lucky Breaks is one of my favorite sections in the magazine. It's where a handful of companies offer discounts to readers on specific items featured in the magazine. I'm always on the hunt for a bargain, especially when it comes to trendy items. I'd be lying if I said that the deals cheapen the magazine. I want to say that, but I can't. I like deals. I like bargains. I like the feeling I get after getting a good deal. I bet Lucky Home pairs up with some of our favorite design retailers for deep discounts!

Lucky Home Prediction 1: How To.
You can't talk about fashion or decor without a little education. We all have a hard time making things work. The "How To" section of Lucky shows you how to take certain things and work them into your wardrobe. We bet they recreate this section for Lucky Home with room makeovers and fun DIY projects -- maybe it will feel similar to Domino's "Renovator's Notebook."

Lucky Home Prediction 1: Real people's homes.
This month's Lucky column "Lucky Life" takes a look inside interior designer Tamara Kaye Honey's 65-square-foot global-inspired garage-turned-retreat. The premise of this column is to share a reader's favorite room. If this is any indication of what we plan on seeing in the debut issue of Lucky Home, we're the lucky ones.

I could go on and on about what I want to see in Lucky Home. But if they were to take Lucky, clone it and replace the fashion with home decor, I'd be happier than a rabbit with a carrot.

One final thought: Brandon's shoutout to fashion blogs in her "Editor's Letter" was fantastic -- she seems to understand the need to collaborate. We can only hope she'll be just as open to working with design blogs.

For more great design stories, don't miss:
High Gloss Mag Debuts
Cheap Chic Ideas From the House of Color
Cheap Chic Ideas From Jane Fonda's House
Cheap Chic Ideas From Gwyneth Paltrow's Bedroom

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

On the Hunt: Kid-Friendly Coffee Tables

Jaime Derringer — 2011-01-25T08:20:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Furniture

Style and kids -- let's just say they don't make much of a match. But we found several coffee tables that won't add any more bumps and bruises to your little one's head.

You want a stylish coffee table, but here's the reality: Kids will fall and climb on it and probably bump into the sharp edges daily. Since you can't do too much to curb their clumsy ways, you need to be sure that your furniture can break a fall without breaking a bone.

We've rounded up a variety of attractive coffee tables, most under $300, that won't be a danger to little heads, hands and feet.

Photo: West Elm, Hayneedle, Target

Soft Tables
Ottomans or padded tables are a great coffee table alternative. You can use trays and platters on top if you need to rest drinks or food, but while your child is playing you can feel relieved to know that he won't be getting any boo-boos if he falls onto it. Here are a few options I found that would work great in any style home.

From top left, clockwise: Upholstered Dhurrie Slab, $299, West Elm, is a low rider. The patchwork fabric will hide spills and stains and it acts like an oversized pillow so no bumps or bruises. You could probably use this as a body pillow when guests aren't around! Add the removable Raw Wood Side Table, $149, when entertaining guests.

The Homeelegence Coffee Table Ottoman with Trays, $299, Hayneedle, isn't even real leather so you don't have to feel bad if it gets scratched up. Covered in a soft surface, this ottoman table is perfect for a family and can double as a set of tray tables on family movie night.

The leather Modular Storage Ottoman, $150, Target, will easily wipe clean and prevent injuries while hiding toys and coloring books inside.

Photos: Sears, Modern Nursery, Allmodern, Sitbetter, Chiasso, CB2

Super Soft Movable Cubes
Sometimes you need extra seating, storage or space more than a coffee table, which is why movable cubes are the perfect option. You can place multiple cubes together to create a cohesive coffee table or separate for added seating when entertaining guests. Some of these cubes are even light enough for the little ones to move around on their own.

From top left, clockwise: The Safavieh Hud4063A Lorenzo Storage Ottoman, $148, Sears, has hidden storage for toys and coloring books. It's made of leather and has a protective coating for stain resistance. And it makes the perfect footrest.

The P'kolino Storage Ottoman, $229, Modern Nursery, comes with an upholstered top that flips over to reveal a wooden underside, perfect for sitting drinks atop when entertaining or using as a solid coloring surface for the little ones. Inside, you can stash magazines or toys. And -- bonus -- it's vinyl so cleaning up after sticky fingers is a snap.

Modern moms take note of the Gus*Modern Jasper Cube, $250, Allmodern.com, which is available in simple gray or a cute tree pattern; the Detour Square Cube is a steal at $75, Sitbetter.com, comes in a nice, bright orange along with a few other neutral colors, too; and the Patent Cube, $198, Chiasso (easily wipes clean).

Looking for something with a handmade feeling, or perhaps something a little rounder? These Knitted Poufs, $80, CB2, a piece and create a more relaxed feeling then a square ottoman.

Photo: IKEA, Raymour & Flanigan, Sears, Macy's, CB2

Round Tables
Nothing says kid-friendly like no corners or sharp edges. Round tables aren't going out of style any time soon so don't worry about feeling behind on the trends.

From top left, clockwise: Back to basics: you won't feel bad if the simple wood VEJMON coffee table, $150, IKEA, gets a little crayon on it now and then. Rounded edges protect baby while protecting you from worry.

The Brunswick Table, $379, Raymour & Flanigan, combines the rich wood of a round coffee table with the softness of an ottoman.

If you're looking to buy a table that's fun for kids and adults, try this Powell White Round Chalkboard Table, $118, Sears. With this table, you don't ever have to be concerned if your child decided to draw outside the lines.

Another more polished-looking coffee table is the Chambre Round Cocktail Table, $299, Macy's. When guests come over, you no longer have to be embarrassed that your home looks like Romper Room.

The Smart Round Coffee Table, $299, CB2, is a modern-style table with a marble top and metal legs. Note: This is definitely not a safe pick for parents with crawlers and toddlers. But we included it for those determined to have marble in their living room -- If you are going to go with marble, a round option is definitely best. It's a little lighter and more airy than a dark wood table or heavy ottoman, and you don't have to worry about damage because the top is as durable as a marble countertop.

Read more great ShelterPop stories:
Wallpaper Trends 2011: What's Fresh, New and Fun
Pattern of the Year 2011: Honeycomb!
Decor That Says Something
Fashion-Inspired Rooms

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

On the Hunt: Flat Screen TV Stands

Jaime Derringer — 2011-01-21T11:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Shopping, Your Home, Living Room, Furniture

Put the plasma on the perfect pedestal.

This past holiday season flat screen TVs were a hot ticket item. I took advantage and upgraded my old TV to a nice new, ultra-thin one myself. Whether you upgraded from another flat screen or an older model, you might be in search of a new TV stand that complements your TV's ultra-slim profile. Gone are the days of oversized, bulky entertainment centers, especially if your TV is 2 inches thick.

So what's out there in the TV stand market? I went on the hunt and found an excellent variety of stands, one of which is sure to be the perfect pedestal.

Photos, clockwise, from top left: Cost Plus World Market, Pottery Barn, Room & Board, Macy's

From top left, clockwise: The top of this Duplex Slanted Media Storage is perfectly sized for flat screens, but the lower tier fits all your electronic components, plus some books and doo-dads. $130 at Cost Plus World Market.

This one's a splurge, but I fell in love with the wheelbarrow detail on this Glasgow Media Stand, $1100, Pottery Barn.

The beautiful Odori Cabinet, $1700, from Room and Board is a budget buster but, inspired by Japanese mizuya kitchen cabinets, it is handcrafted from Chinese hardwood and will last you longer than your TV (and probably the TV after that one, too).

The Metro Wall Unit, $800, from Macy's is a complete entertainment center but the sleek framed backless design makes it feel open and airy.

Photos, clockwise, from top left: Target, Best Buy, Pier 1 Imports, Target

On the left, top and bottom: This one's for the movie lover. You would never know it from the outside, but this austere transitional style TV console houses hundreds of your favorite DVDs, CDs and books. $330, Target.

On the right, top: The simple Pinnacle Design TV Stand, $200, Best Buy.

On the right, bottom: The Media Stand, $249, Pier1 Imports has a little Asian flair.

If you're looking for something a little more on the modern side, here are a few options:

Photos: CB2, IKEA

On the left: The Chill Media Console, $300, CB2, is a simple, low-profile unit that gives you just enough storage without taking up a lot of room.

On the right: The BESTÅ/ FRAMSTÅ TV combination, $290, is now available in a lighter color at IKEA and can accommodate a TV up to 60" and has a simple wooden back with storage underneath. With a wide range of BESTÅ and FRAMSTÅ modular pieces, you can create a custom home theater that is perfect for your space.

Photos: JCPenney, Allmodern.com

On the left: The Preston TV Stand, $300, from JCPenney, could be called a TV chest since it is higher than the traditional TV stand height, making it perfect for bedrooms.

On the right: Mid-century modern lovers take note of the Sitcom Furniture Roslyn Buffet, $600, Allmodern.com. It ain't cheap, but if you're going for that mid-century look, then put this one on your list.

Photos: Overstock, Omni Mount

On the left: The Windham Espresso Media Stand, $330, Overstock, is a modular-style tiered stand, very simple looking with storage drawers cubbies.

On the right: The Omni Mount LED P75, $250, is a low-profile wall mount that you can actually install inside your wall so that the TV is perfectly flush with the wall.

If you're looking for a new flatscreen TV, check out our sister site DIY Life's guide to the new TVs from CES 2011!

Go On the Hunt with ShelterPop:
On the Hunt: Eco-Friendly Lighting
On the Hunt: Designer Tiles
On the Hunt: Smart Storage Beds

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Mudroom Ideas for a Small Space

Jaime Derringer — 2011-01-14T11:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Projects, Furniture

With snow and mud caked on our boots, wouldn't it be nice to have a dedicated place to stomp it off on the way in? Here's how to design one.

Many of us may never have a home with its own dedicated mudroom. In my apartment, we have a tile entryway, which is sizable enough to remove shoes and coats and dry off the dogs, but it's not large enough to be called a "room." The house we just bought (yay!) is three times the size of my apartment, and yet it has even less usable entryway space. So that had me thinking about how I could create a mini mudroom area in an entryway -- a sort of "landing strip" to help keep me organized when I leave and return from a long day's work.

Here are three examples of different style mini mudrooms you can design in the smallest of spots. You only need a few items to get you started: a spot to stash the shoes, hooks for coats and scarves, and smart stow spaces for everything else. Take a look at what I whipped up.

Photos, from left, clockwise: Pottery Barn, Miles Kimball, Overstock, Bed Bath and Beyond, See Jane Work

Traditional Mudroom
From left, clockwise

With the all-in-one Entryway Organizer, $249, Pottery Barn, you don't need much more!

Add a Wicker Letter Holder, $10, Miles Kimball, to organize your mail.

The Umbrella Stand, $60, Overstock, is a nice complement to the hardware on the organizer.

Keep your floors clean with a basic Boot Tray from Bed Bath and Beyond -- a steal for $7.99.

Next to your letter holder, place a Vinea Pencil Cup, $8, See Jane Work, and you will have everything you need to jot down a quick note.

Photos, from top left, clockwise: ZGallerie, Generate, ferm LIVING, Emmo Home, The Container Store

Modern Mudroom
From top left, clockwise:

This Mirror Wall Clock, $75, ZGallerie, allows you to check your hair and the time.

The Aki Umbrella Holder, $149, Generate, adds a splash of color.

A wall decal can free up much-needed floor space while still feeling like a standing coat rack: Coat Tree Wall Decal, $128, ferm LIVING.

Don't forget to get those muddy shoes off the floor with a small J-Me Shoe Rack, $90, Emmo Home.

The Magnetter Key & Letter Holder, $13, The Container Store, keeps your keys in reach while also holding important mail.

Photos, from top left, clockwise: Etsy, Audio Video Furniture, Amazon, Pier 1 Imports, Anthropologie

Vintage Whimsy Mudroom
From top left, clockwise

Create a vintage-inspired, whimsical entry starting with an inspiration piece such as this Vintage Milk Glass Bowl, $13, Etsy seller merrysunshine.

If you have the space, add something with lots of storage but a slim profile like this Winsome Milan Storage Shelf, $125, Audio Video Furniture.

How can you resist this Two's Company Owl Umbrella Stand, $140, Amazon -- worth the splurge in my book.

Add a little shimmer with an intricate mirror like this Round Shell Mirror, $199, Pier 1 Imports.

Vintage-looking brass Ceramic Melon Hooks, $18, Anthropologie, hold your coat, purse and whatnots while adding a little soft color.

Whether you gravitate toward a modern, traditional or vintage bohemian style, the inspiration boards above demonstrate that you can truly create the perfect mini mudroom with some simple essentials. And, if you're really pressed for space, try a door knob organizer like this one.

Want more of-the-moment home decor ideas?
Pattern of the Year 2011
Designer Rugs: Look Who's Making Them Now
Decor That Says Something
Fashion-Inspired Rooms
Wallpaper Trends 2011: What's New, Fresh and Fun

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

That's Smart: Kitchen Island Alternatives

Jaime Derringer — 2011-01-11T09:39:00 00:00

Filed under: Kitchen, Your Home, Projects, Furniture

Before you invest in an expensive, custom-built kitchen island, you may want to consider these creative possibilities.

We could all use a little more storage or extra counter space. That's probably why the kitchen island was invented. But what if you're not quite ready to renovate your kitchen or invest in an expensive built-in, but you're in need of a quick fix? Here are a few options to consider. These pieces offer up extra space, convenient storage and a sprinkle of style.

A small rolling cart instantly adds more storage. Photos: cb2 and Crate & Barrel.

1. Rolling cart
There are lots of inexpensive microwave and beverage carts on the market, and if you're looking for something on the smaller side, a tiny cart is just what you need! Plus, most of them are on wheels so they can move around the kitchen with you as you perform your tasks. For example, the Go-Cart Carbon Shelf Table from cb2 or the Belmont White kitchen cart from Crate & Barrel might work well in smaller spaces.

Can you believe this was once a desk? Photo: ReadyMade

2. A desk
Yes! Maybe you just upgraded your office furniture or found a great vintage desk at a garage sale. ReadyMade reader Gail Wilson repurposed her daughter's old desk into a kitchen island. If you're crafty, I bet you could come up with something as creative as Gail, who added beadboard to the front and lumber to the top. Another option is to invest in an inexpensive ready-to-use desk like this rolling one for $260. Not only does it have wheels, but it folds down for easy storage.

Photo: Elle DECOR

3. A dining table
Although the table might be a little lower than your standard kitchen island, a solid wood table acts like a butcher block and takes a pretty decent beating, like the one we spotted above and below in Elle Decor. If you don't mind bending over a little, you can slap some cute mismatched chairs around it, or try adding a bench to one end and use the other end for rolling dough or chopping onions. If the height gets you down, cut off the legs and replace with some higher ones from IKEA. Adding a shelf toward the bottom is also a great way to make use of the space underneath (above).

Photos: Elle DECOR

Make your own island! Photos: Cymax and IKEA

4. A bookshelf
If you're mostly looking for more storage, try a bookshelf. It's a great place to stash the cookbooks, mixing bowls and dishtowels if you have limited counter or cabinet space. You can also use two bookshelves as table legs, like these Winsome shelves (pictured above), and add a counter on top. Simply find an inexpensive table on Craigslist and remove the legs or even grab a top from IKEA like the GALANT (above). Cymax also has this great bookshelf-meet-work surface for $600 (below), a whole lot less than a custom island with a granite countertop.

An alternative to the custom granite island. Photo: Cymax

For more kitchen ideas, don't miss:
- Kitchen countertops that don't hold up
- A kitchen makeover that recalls the past

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

IKEA EXPEDIT, 5 Different Ways

Jaime Derringer — 2011-01-06T09:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Projects, Furniture

The ubiquitous EXPEDIT bookcase isn't just practical -- it inspires good design.

Last year, we took a look at IKEA's most popular bookcase -- the Billy -- and were amazed at the cool designs created from that simple white shelving unit. Now, we're going to explore the EXPEDIT - the squarely symmetrical bookcase that always seems to pop up in arty rooms, from record collectors to crafters.

Add some flair behind the scenes. Photo: Yvestown

Nothing dresses up a bookshelf like a pop of color or pattern behind all those books. Who wants to look at your boring old wall, anyway? Yvonne of Yvestown wanted her EXPEDIT to be a bit more exciting, so she pinned some retro wallpaper behind the backless shelving unit for an instant pimp-out. Any wallpaper or fabric will work in this instance.

If you want to paint behind it, you can trace around the bookcase and paint about a half-inch inside your tracing. When the bookcase is against the wall, the color will show through.

Can you spot the EXPEDIT? Photo: IKEA Fans

This impressive hack was created by John Gidding. Yes -- that John Gidding from HGTV's Curb Appeal: The Block. He decorated two EXPEDIT bookcases with custom top and side pieces. First, he designed it with Rhino and AutoCAD and then used a CNC machine to mill the custom pieces out.

Turn the bookshelf on its side. Photo: Kevin Mercer

Kevin Mercer of Largemammal created a desk out of his EXPEDIT bookcase and a VIKA FURUSKOG table top. He needed a decent-sized work space that also contained storage. Hacking the two pieces together created an instant desk with the necessary storage he needed, all for about $110.

"I didn't want to spend much because it was going to live in my basement print studio," says Mercer. "It's hard to make something look nice when it sits next to a furnace and water heater, but this does the job nicely. I don't feel bad putting daily wear and tear on it, and it provides a little order amongst the chaos of a screen printing studio."

Ah, drink in the versatility! Photos: IKEA Hacker

No room for a wine cart or a bar? No problem! If you're big on entertaining but not big on space -- this is the solution for you. Think like an urban planner and go vertical. Two IKEA Hacker fans turn the EXPEDIT into a fancy wine bar! Adding wine glass holders and even a divider to hold wine bottles, the skinny EXPEDIT can be turned into a space-saving beverage station.

A beautiful -- and functional -- "after." Photo: Tess and Patrick, Flickr

Tess and Patrick bought their IKEA EXPEDIT storage unit back in 2007, when it looked like this. However, after realizing they had difference needs, instead of buying a new unit, they decided to re-structure their old one. Disassembling it, they hacked, painted and reassembled it in an entirely different configuration. The only newly purchased pieces were wooden plants and MDF board for the end pieces.

Also, check out this post about adding legs to your IKEA EXPEDIT.

Got IKEA fever?
- If You Love IKEA, You'll Love...
- My Love Affair with IKEA

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Beautiful Bathrooms: From a Gilded Powder Room to a Lofted Bath

Jaime Derringer — 2011-01-04T13:14:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Bathroom, Design, etc, News & Trends

A look at some of the wackiest, most unique bathrooms around.

We've inspired you with beautiful staircases and helped you overcome your fear of black walls. Now it's time to grab a glass of wine, draw up a hot bath and sink deep into these inspirational, odd -- and sometimes wacky -- bathrooms. These powder rooms are the kind that you either love or hate, so unusual that you can't stop looking at them.

Pod living taken to the extreme. Photos: FitzSimmons Architects

This bathroom is where Flaming Lips' frontman Wayne Coyne heads to relax. Coyne's cocoon-like bathroom by FitzSimmons Architects has smooth, rounded futuristic walls covered in reflective mosaic tiles.

There are no secrets in this house. Photos: aat+ Architects

This multi-story apartment in Tokyo by aat+ Architects is perfect for the voyeur. What's even more unique than the glass walls is the fact that the bathroom is suspended above living space like a loft.

Photos: Grey Crawford (left) and Lonny (right)

On the left: Bonus points if you can guess the designer of this gilded bathroom. If you guessed Kelly Wearstler, you're right! Not only does she always take her designs over the edge, but she's able to instantly make you feel something specific. In this case, it's the feeling of stepping back into the 1970s.

On the right: Featured in Lonny's December/January issue, this bathroom by Jenna Lyons of J.Crew reiterates the same point I just mentioned: taking one element and just exaggerating it makes a big impact. By stretching the stripe from ceiling to floor and even over shelves and moldings, this bathroom is bangin'.

I can't imagine getting out of this tub is much fun... Photo: Hooked on Houses

When I said unusual, I meant it. Remember when you were small enough to get bathed in the sink? Oh boy. Yes, this one is one of those bathrooms that we just can't believe exists. A tub the same height as the vanity sink makes it kind of challenging when you and your partner need to brush your teeth at the same time: "Honey, just use the tub!"

A little texture never hurt anyone. Photos: Design to Inspire

Design to Inspire reader Mina of the blog La Résidence! redid her bathroom and took it to a whole new level of cool by covering everything with penny tiles similar to Wayne Coyne's bathroom shown above. This just goes to show you how adding a little extra of one material can make a significant impact on your design.

Expose yourself to nature. Photo: Kanner Architects

I don't know what kind of climate you live in, but I wouldn't mind living wherever this house is. Today it's 19 degrees outside, but I'm dreaming of a bathroom with a removable glass wall that opens up into nature. Like this one, by Kanner Architects.

Enjoy a true back-to-nature experience. Photos: Mary Jane's Farm

Idaho-based Mary Jane's Farm bed & breakfast takes the Kanner Architects concept one step further. Their bathroom is located completely outside -- in nature. If you're looking to vacation in the great outdoors, be sure to check out their bed & breakfast.

Photos: Robert Pelletier for Canadian House & Home (left) and Colleen Duffley for Elle Decor (right)

On the left: Designed by Ana Borallo and Jean-Michel Gavreau, this bathroom is part-nightclub part-aquarium. From the futuristic pod-like shower ("beam me up, Scotty") and the lighted sink and counter, I almost expect fish to start swimming by.

On the right: Designed by Barry Dixon, this bathroom feels almost like you've crawled inside of a sea creature. Cavern-like and full of texture and color, it reminds me of souvenirs you find in beach towns, such as shell-covered lamps or vases.

Look up! Photos: Oorbee Roy

Oorbee Roy of OM Home's tiny bathroom was redesigned to fit their needs. Incorporating Indian folk art Alpona, Oorbee created an artistic space that takes all the focus off the washer/dryer and small quarters. By drawing the focus to an unexpected element -- in this case a patterned mural in a surprising place -- you can retrain the eye and mind to focus on the positive aspects of a space.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Secret Sources: Where to Buy Lucite Furniture

Jaime Derringer — 2010-12-30T09:33:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Furniture

Next time you spy a must-have Lucite table in a magazine, you'll know where to find it: Here are three shops that specialize in all things Lucite.

The classic acrylic waterfall table. Photo: Plexi-Craft

Acrylic furniture is an easy way to punch up a boring room. Not only does it bring a hint of modern to a staid space, it adds an artsy feel too. Whether it's called Perspex, Plexiglas or Lucite, it's all made from the same material -- acrylic glass. If you're on the hunt for clear furnishings, it can be hard to cut through all the bar and club distributors, award makers, podium designers and -- well -- the uglies. Here are three clear winners when it comes to top quality attractive acrylic furniture.

Plexi-Craft creates custom designs

The Source
Plexi-Craft

The Goods
Anything and Everything. This New York-based fabrication house will take a simple sketch or your dream piece of furniture and make it in plexiglass. From custom headboards, executive desks and even folding chairs, I don' think there's anything Plexi-Craft won't do. In fact, they ask you to challenge them -- right there on their homepage. The prices vary, depending on the complexity of the piece. An average waterfall cocktail table will run you about $325, but something a little more complicated like a butterfly base is closer to $1000.

The Secret
Plexi-Craft has been working with plexiglass for over 50 years. I'm sure you won't find too many other furniture makers who can say the same thing about one material. Everything they make is handmade, using no fancy tools other than a band saw.

Things to Know
Plexi-Craft offers a large selection of pre-made acrylic pieces ranging from accessories to large furniture pieces, so you don't have to go custom. However, if you have the desire to create something unique, you can do so right from their website. You also have the option of customizing something that they already have. They even offer design assistance at no extra charge, so take them up on it -- they're experts! If you need to touch and feel the quality, you can visit their Long Island showroom.

A selection from Spectrum Limited and Spectrum West

The Source
Spectrum Limited and Spectrum West

The Goods
If you're looking for high-end acrylic furnishings, then you've landed on the goldmine with the Spectrum family. Just looking at some of their pieces makes me feel like I've spent money. I have seen Spectrum West furniture in person and let me tell you that it's no joke. The acrylic is super-thick and high-quality. Their prices are not for the faint of heart: Their traditional waterfall table starts at $1650 for a small size; a more complicated table might run you over $6,000.

The Secret
Spectrum has been creating high-quality acrylic furniture since 1983. Spectrum Limited is their traditional range, and Spectrum West launched not too long ago to fill the need for more modern pieces. Spectrum works with colored acrylic, wood tops, upholstery -- you name it. Each piece is made entirely by hand by skilled craftsmen, and while they don't advertise it, they will entertain custom designs.

Things to Know
They do not have their own showroom, but there is a list of retailers located in most major cities on each website. They are going to be launching a new line called Emporium in coming months, which will feature one of a kind, rare pieces ranging from acrylic chandeliers to other mixed medium pieces.

A selection from California Acrylic Design

The Source
California Acrylic Design

The Goods
Everything acrylic. California Acrylic Design not only creates trophies, awards, aquariums, podiums and the usual acrylic items -- like waterfall tables (just like the picture up top) starting at $326. They specialize in making custom pieces.

The Secret
This is a small company, but if you're local to Los Angeles, you can bet that anybody looking for acrylic furniture will be pointed in their direction.

Things to Know
They offer polishing and scratch-buffing services for your existing acrylic furniture. Although they closed their showroom in 2008, they allow customers to stop by their Los Angeles studio to see what they're making.

Other great sources for acrylic furniture:
- Acrila
- Alexandra von Furstenberg
- Kartell
- Aaron R. Thomas

Keep reading our Secret Source column!
-Serena and Lily
-Chic Shelf Paper
- Where to Buy Mirrored Furniture

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

On the Hunt: Floor Lamps

Jaime Derringer — 2010-12-28T09:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Furniture

A floor lamp can add an attractive silhouette to any room, but with so many similar lamps on the market it can be hard to find just-the-right-one. Until now.

Now that it's getting dark outside so early, we more lighting options than ever. If you're squinting or trying to read by the light of the Christmas tree, it's time to invest in a floor lamp. We've rounded-up a selection of our favorite floor lamps to help brighten your mood -- and home.

Photos from left to right: Target; IKEA; Walmart.

On a Budget
Say goodbye to the college dorm room look -- you know, the infamous halogen-bright torchiere lamp -- and get an affordable, more sophisticated style.

We like the clean lines of the Room Essentials Floor Stick Lamp, $30, from Target.

For a slightly more traditional look, the ÅRSTID floor lamp, $40, from IKEA, gives off a soft light perfect for entertaining.

Another nice traditional style lamp is the Better Homes and Gardens steel lamp, $45, from Walmart. It looks like it costs a lot more than it does.

Photos, from left: Chiasso, Gecko.

Think Whimsy
Smile! You're ready for your close-up with this Spotlight floor lamp, $118, from Chiasso. If they wonder about the Hollywood-style lamp, tell your guests they're being interviewed by Barbara Walters shortly after dessert.

Need to save space? This conversation piece is a Floor Lamp wall decal, $234, from Gecko. The sconce is "real" (it sticks out from the wall). Very cool. And a bit tricky!

Photos, from left: Lamps Plus, Home Decorators Collection.

Straight-up and Stylish
Something about this National Geographic Floor Lamp, $199, from Lamps Plus, is so dreamy. Maybe it's the fact that it's called the Bali lamp and we need a vacation? The pleated bamboo shade reminds us of island huts. If you're looking for something with a every-so-slight tropical flair, explore this option.

This Claiborne Floor Lamp, $159, from Home Decorators Collection, is transitional enough for any space. The high-gloss finish is very chic for an added burst of glamor.

Photos, from left: CB2, Burke Decor.

Sleek and Chic
For more modern interiors, a nickel finish with a smooth white shade is just what the doctor ordered. Reminiscent of the iconic Castiglioni arco lamp, this more affordable version is called the Big Dipper Arc Lamp, $199, from CB2.

If you're looking for something very modern, the Soiree Floor Lamp, $375, from Burke Decor, comes with a lovely, handmade silk shade. The shade is also available in a variety of patterns from faux wood grain to ginkgo leaves. The base is also available in antique bronze.

Photos, from left: Allmodernlighting.com, Pottery Barn.

Reading/Task
It looks like a desk lamp but is big enough to stand on the floor. Anglepoise Type 75 Floor Lamp, $250, from Allmodernlighting.com.

More on the traditional side is the Newbury Halo Task Lamp, $199, from Pottery Barn. Available in nickel or bronze, the zigzagging neck makes it easier for you to adjust the lamp for the task at hand.

Photo, from left: Jayson Home & Garden, Stray Dog Designs.

Splurge
Yes, it's going to cost you a pretty penny, but it's as shiny as a brand new penny! Porter Brass Lamp, $550, from Jayson Home & Garden.

This lamp is the definition of the word "whimsical," but I put it in here because it's a budget-buster. Birdie Floor Lamp, $450, Stray Dog Designs.

For more On the Hunt stories, don't miss:
On the Hunt: Throws
On the Hunt: Modern Four Poster Beds
On the Hunt: Modern Farmhouse Sinks

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Getting Light Just Right

Jaime Derringer — 2010-12-10T15:17:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Projects, Furniture

Decorating isn't just about decor, it's about smart lighting choices. Here's how to set the mood and maximize natural light in your home.

Lamps, chandeliers, pendants and sconces are all "home accessories" or "accents," but these items aren't purely decorative. Lighting plays a crucial role in how a space looks, feels and functions. While few of us have rooms with oversized windows and a steady stream of natural light (as shown in photo below), we all do have rooms with different light "personalities." And you can maximize a room's natural light by making smart lighting choices.

Photo: Encore / Alamy

Artificial lighting plays three roles in design: ambient light, task light and decorative lighting. The fourth -- and sometimes most important -- element is natural light.

I spoke with Michael Ferzoco of Boston-based design firm Eleven Interiors to get a better understanding of the role that lighting plays in our homes. When Ferzoco begins working on a new room, he studies the light. He looks at the room's elements in natural light and revisits them again in artificial light in the evening, only then does he get a sense of what kind of lighting a room needs.

To help you tackle the lighting needs of your room, Ferzoco gave us a step-by-step approach to improving the look and feel of your dim space.

1. Devise a lighting strategy
Whether designing a blank canvas or working with an existing space, Ferzoco says it's important to think about how you use the space you're attempting to light. Are you working in the room? Reading there? Watching TV or entertaining? Where in the room do you plan to sit?

Start with adding the basics. Most living areas will require a table lamp and maybe a floor lamp, and most dining rooms need a pendant or chandelier; bedrooms may need an overhead light. However, beyond the basics, we all use spaces differently so most rooms will need to be customized according to how you use them. If you perform specific tasks in a room, like paying bills or reading, you should consider adding task lighting (thus the name!). Task lighting is bright, focused light that helps improve concentration. Task lighting can come in the form of a floor-length reading lamp behind your comfortable chair, a proper desk lamp or under-cabinet lights in the kitchen.

Almost every dining space has a pendant or chandelier above the dining room table, but Ferzoco says more light is needed because, chances are, you're probably only using your dining room at night. He suggests adding a spotlight to highlight a piece of art or add sconces to project light directly out, up and down. Ferzoco also encourages the use of candlelight on the table when entertaining because it adds to the ambiance of the space. Not only will it set the mood for your dinner party, but you don't want anyone to be unsure about what they're eating!

In a living room, where you might entertain and show off some of your artwork, you may consider adding some spotlights or track lights directed at your collectibles to highlight them. The addition of a mirror is a great way to reflect the light around the space, making a room feel lighter. Ferzoco says any time you can place a mirror directly across from windows to reflect the natural light around the room. Also, he suggests adding an oversized mirror above a fireplace, leaning slightly forward to reflect the room.

2. Design around natural light
Next, he always checks to see what direction the natural light is coming from. "This helps you determine how long you're going to have light during the course of the day," he says. Most people are away during the day and are more concerned with artificial light," he says. However, knowing if light comes in directly all day or only in the afternoon will help you figure out answers to a number of design questions.

First, you will know how the furniture needs to be laid out, since there's no need to position lamps in places where natural light is plentiful. It can also impact your fabric choices. Too much light can cause furniture, rugs and drapes to fade, so you'll want to avoid arranging a room in a way that puts those pieces in the line of fire. For rooms that get a lot of light, dark heavy drapery may be a better option.

Ferzoco recently had clients whose room was facing south and their windows were covered with slatted blinds. However, these blinds were breaking up the natural light and causing shadow patterns. He suggested changing out the blinds for a different window treatment, since it would maximize the natural light while still offering privacy. And it worked!

What kind of natural light does your room have?
- East-facing rooms get light all morning. If your bedroom faces east, you'll wake up with the sun unless you invest in some heavy window treatments.

- South-facing spaces get lots of sun all day long as the sun rises and sets. If you work from home, these rooms are a great choice for office space so that you don't need to rely on lamps while working.

- West-facing rooms have more light in the afternoon as the sun sets, but it is a golden sunset light. Be sure that your back isn't to a west window when working or watching TV or there will be quite a bit of glare on your screen

- North-facing spaces often do not get any direct light. Ferzoco explains that north-facing light is great for artists studios because there is no direct sunlight.

3. Create mood and drama with lighting
Ferzoco says that "the brighter the light, the more serious the mood." Very bright lighting can be extremely important in certain spaces, such as work spaces or task-oriented spaces like kitchens. He suggests using bright halogen lighting and a dimmer switch so that the mood in your living space can change as needed.

Incandescent lighting, a more yellow light, sets a more relaxed mood. When you begin to dim lights, Ferzoco explains, it has an immediate effect on mood. The mind calms and becomes less focused. With children, using a dimmer can indicate that it's getting close to bedtime.

Bottom line: A simple way to change the mood of your room is to change light bulbs and lampshades. The type of lampshade you choose has a considerable effect on mood. Choose something darker for a more relaxed mood or a bright white shade to make it feel a little more serious. Ferzoco always suggests that you opt for a dimmer or a three-way lamp so that you have the option to "turn up the volume" when needed.

To create drama with lighting, try adding sconces above a fireplace or a spotlight on a piece of artwork. Overhead lighting like chandeliers should be on a dimmer to create a romantic mood when low lit.

Rooms with dark walls can be particularly challenging to light. One of the biggest drawbacks of painting a room chocolate, gray or even black is that they feel extremely dark, particularly at night. To make the room brighter, Ferzoco says to give the room a bright focal point, like artwork, a light headboard or a light wood armoire. He also suggests using pops of color and shades of white with heavy lighting from chandeliers to focus lighting. To get even more creative with light and reflection, change the finish on your paint from a matte to either a satin or a semi-gloss.

Let's take a look at how Ferzoco designed a space around lighting. Here is the same room at different times of the day:

Use the slider tool to see the room at 10am with and without the shades drawn:

You need the Flash Player to view this. Click here to install.

Use the slider tool to see the room at 2pm with and without the shades drawn

You need the Flash Player to view this. Click here to install.

Use the slider tool to see the room at 8pm with artificial lights at 2 dimmer levels

You need the Flash Player to view this. Click here to install.

Ferzoco explains that the window treatments were chosen for flexibility. Since the space is large and open with floor-to-ceiling windows, these Hunter Douglas automatic blinds are easily operated by remote control with pre-set levels for different times of the day. This allows the homeowner to maximize and control the natural light and also allow for privacy.

The artificial light comes in the form of a 1940s pendant chosen not only because it is an easily-dimmable halogen light but also because of its design harmony with the mid-century Saarinen table and chairs. "I also prefer fixtures where I don't see the light bulb -- that can be harsh in certain settings," he says.

As far as overall design considerations, Ferzoco placed the furniture in the center of the vintage ad poster and central to the room to allow for maximum circulation. Says Ferzoco: "We actually had to relocate the existing junction box for the dining room pendant because it was much closer to the windows."

Ready to light up your life?
- Non-traditional holiday lighting
- Small kitchen lighting solutions
- Make a $1,200 chandelier for $120

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Secret Source: Where to Buy Mirrored Furniture

Jaime Derringer — 2010-12-07T13:44:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Furniture

Mirrored furniture can add a touch of glamour to any room, but the perfect piece can be hard to track down. Here, our favorite places to find the glossy furniture.

Mirrored furniture is not a new furniture concept. In fact, it may even date back to the 12th century. But in the last 10 years, mirrored furniture has come back in a big way. Maybe it's because many of us are moving into smaller spaces, and we're looking to make these spaces appear larger. Or maybe it's because it adds just the right amount of glamour and elegance to an otherwise plain room.

Where do you go for the best mirrored furniture? Here are a few sources to get your reflective motor running.

Photo: Glam Furniture

The Source
Glam Furniture

The Goods
Glam Furniture has a huge selection of mirrored furnishings, from chests to armoires and stools. You can find just about anything at Glam, and if they don't have it, I bet they can get it for you. Pieces range in price from about $325 to over $3,000, depending on a piece's size and style. I particularly like the selection of chests with black and brown trim details like the Sabrina Three Drawer Chest and Tanner Mirrored Chest (pictured above).

The Secret
Boasting the title of the third largest mirrored furniture dealer in the US, Glam Furniture started out as the small dream of Kelly Wells. Wells had a passion for glamorous furnishings and a desire to help others find a good selection, so she started the company. Pieces of furniture from Glam have been featured on Season 7 of Extreme Makeover - Home Edition and The Good Wife.

Things to Know
Alabama residents can visit the Glam Furniture showroom to check out the reflective retailer's goods in person.

Photo: Horchow

The Source
Horchow

The Goods
Beautiful antique and modern mirrored furnishings for any decor. Ranging in price from $399 to over $5,500, the selection runs the gamut when it comes to style and budget. If you have some cash to spend, the John-Richard furniture collection is dazzling, especially the brand new Gatsby chest ($4329).

The Secret
Horchow isn't a secret. In fact, in 1988 Horchow became a part of the Neiman Marcus Group. However, as one of the largest retailers of mirrored furniture on the Internet, you can't talk about mirrored furniture and not mention Horchow.

Things to Know
Horchow also offers a program to the trade, and you can use your Neiman Marcus credit card for purchases. If you want to see some Horchow pieces in person, select Neiman Marcus stores have Horchow furniture showrooms.

Photo: Shades of Light

The Source
Shades of Light

The Goods
Shades of Light has a nice selection of traditional mirrored furniture, mostly antique-looking chests, stools and console tables. Mirrored items are priced from $400 to $2,500, similar in price point to the other sources. The traditional and regal gold mirrored collection is truly a spectacular combination of gold and silver in harmony.

The Secret
Shades of Light has been in operation since 1986, offering a variety of high-quality lighting, rugs and furniture.

Things to Know
Like Horchow, you can request a catalog or shop from home from your computer. They also have an email list you can sign up for to get notified of sales and new products. Shades of Light has two retail locations in Richmond, VA and Virginia Beach. They also have an outlet location in Richmond.

Want more?
Be sure to check out Target's great selection of basic modern mirrored furniture.

Keep reading our Secret Source column!
-Serena and Lily
-Chic Shelf Paper

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Should You Paint Trim or Leave it Bare?

Jaime Derringer — 2010-12-03T10:28:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Projects

When it comes to beautiful old trim, it's hard to cover it in paint. But sometimes it makes sense.

You bought an older house. You love it. It has character, it has charm. It has ornate baseboards, trim and moldings -- all original wood. But what if you aren't such a big fan of wood trim? What if you wanted to paint it another color? Would it look brighter and fresher with a few coats of white paint, or would you be ruining a piece of your home's history?

Photo: arsheffield, Flickr

I read Nicole Balch's Making It Lovely blog and have been following her ever since she bought her cute little 1910 bungalow in Oak Park, Illinois. She recently posted about her decision to paint her untouched original wood trim white.

It was a controversial decision. Many commenters on her blog took one side or the other. Some felt that it was sacrilegious to touch the original wood, while others were quick to whip out a paint brush and go to town.

"Painted wood trim, no matter how much you agonize over the color and paint it perfectly, is just never as special as the original wood," commented one person who objected to her decision.

"it's your home in the end, so do whatever makes you happy," said another more supportive commenter.

I asked Balch to tell me a little more about how she made the decision. It was a difficult one for her. Her Craftsman bungalow was originally a 2-bedroom/1-bath house, and the attic was converted in the 1960s or 70s to add more bedrooms and another bath. When they moved in three years ago, she was in the mindset that the trim was going to remain as is. She recalls thinking "this house has been here since 1910 with its natural wood in tact. I'm not going to be the one to change it."

However, after years of decorating around the wood trim and trying her hardest to live with it, she gave in to her desire for white trim. "We're going to be here for a while, and I want to be happy with the way my home looks...I've always liked the look of white trim more than stained wood." Ultimately, she needed to make the right decorating decision for her since she is the one who has to look at it ever day. "This is where my family actually lives, not a historical time capsule," she wrote on her blog.

A few things influenced her decision. First, the trim wasn't in the best shape. There were signs of wear and tear that would be easier to hide and freshen up with a few coats of white paint. Also, the wood itself is fir and paint-grade quality. Perhaps she would have reconsidered had her trim been flawless mahogany?

Nicole's dining room before and after. Photos: Nicole Balch

But when she first put that paintbrush to wood, was she sure she'd made the right decision? "I was 97% sure...but that 3% of doubt had my stomach in knots. What if I didn't like it? What if I was ruining my house or driving it's value down?"

I'm sure we would all have had the same doubts. After 15 hours, one coat of primer and two coats of paint, Balch can happily say that she made the right choice. She says she doesn't mind the nay-sayers: "[At first] it can be hard to move past worrying about what other people will think, especially the hypothetical future people that may live in your home after you. The best way to approach it is to think about what will make you happy. If you really love the look of painted trim and the natural wood isn't doing it for you, go ahead and pick up that paint brush."

After all, it's you who lives there.

Need more decorating help? Don't miss:
-Great Walls Without Paint
-How to Think Like An Interior Designer-Decorating Styles 101: Comfy and Casual

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Designing In...Brazil

Jaime Derringer — 2010-11-24T09:27:00 00:00

Filed under: Design, etc, Architecture, News & Trends

If you lived on the other side of the world, would you decorate your home differently? In our column, "Designing In," we investigate home trends in far-flung locales, from Paris to Istanbul. Last time we talked to a London-based designer, and this time we're headed to South America to talk about Brazilian design.

There is no doubt that when I say Brazil or Brazilian design, you probably picture an almost-nude bronzed goddess on a beach or all-white furniture situated in a breezy outdoor room surrounded by Brazilian cherry or teak.

Brazil has made its mark in our collective psyche as being a rhythmic, sexy yet natural and relaxing place. I wanted to talk to someone who actually lives and works in Brazil with average Brazilian homeowners to find out if my idea of Brazil is anything like the reality.

Anderson Sampê (left) and an example of Brazil design (right). Photos: Anderson Sampê

Anderson G. Sampê -- an architect, urbanist and interior designer -- is based out of Pocos de Caldas, a city in the southeast of Brazil, about 21/2 hours from São Paulo. Since 1997 Anderson has worked in the design field starting as an intern at an architecture firm. In 1999, he went out on his own. Having spent some time working in New York City, Anderson now focuses primarily on architecture and interior design for homeowners in residential properties with some commercial space work.

Defining Brazilian Style
Is it really all white and wood? What is it really like to live in Brazil?

Sampê says that Brazilian style can be summarized in a few simple words: "natural, eclectic, comfortable and cool sophisticated."

"Brazil is a very rich country in variety of woods and stones," Sampê notes. Well, that explains all those wood and stone-filled pictures in my head. In the 1980s, mahogany and cherry wood were very popular and then in the 1990s, there was a shift to light woods -- blond and even ivory. However as of late, Brazilians have been leaning more toward the darker woods and those with simple, natural finishes. The days of lacquer and gloss are over.

Bathroom with glass mosaic tiles from Vidrotil (left) and a bathroom with natural coconut tiles (right). Photos: Anderson Sampê

Nature is a crucial element to true Brazilian style. Beyond wood, Brazil has a vast selection of natural Brazilian marbles and granites, so the locals have a great selection of locally-sourced natural materials. Often times, these materials in Brazil are much more inexpensive than man-made materials like Silestone or Corian, which are cheaper and more commonplace here in the US. Deep, black granite is very popular. Another material sometimes used is Brazilian quartzite, a sandstone that is abundant in Brazil. Coconut tiles are frequently used in bathrooms.

Kitchen with a mixture of materials including a black granite countertop (left) and a bathroom with coconut floor tiles (right). Photos: Anderson Sampê

Italian marble is also used, but mostly in high-end residences. The most sought after marble is called White Thassos, which is all white with almost no veins -- and very expensive.

I asked Sampê to direct me to products in shops that he often sees purchased by homeowners. He politely explained, "What we have that is very Brazilian are handcrafted objects of decor that are made from very small, and sometimes home-based stores, that don't have websites. Those kind of surprises you only get to see when you come to Brazil to visit!"

Detail of Brazilian quartzite mixed with imperial brown marble cut in mosaic tiles (left) and white marble, glass tiles and coconut shell tiles dyed red (right). Photos: Anderson Sampê

However, he did direct me to some materials manufacturers that are popular in Brazil: Vidrotil, maker of glass mosaic tiles, and Lepri, maker of ceramic tiles.

The Trends
Global is in. "Every day we are getting closer to a global architecture -- that is, the contemporary architecture seen all over the world," says Sampê. "Here, it is still called by most people, 'modern' architecture." He defines it as: Clean, straight lines, cubic-like buildings, fluid spaces, a lot of glass. "White, transparency, concrete, wood and stone are being used very often, inside and out residential projects," he says.

Thanks to the internet, most people now have access to the trends and modern design, whereas previously only the wealthy were abreast on all of the new trends.

In furniture, sofa sectionals are definitely in. Anderson notes that there's a lot of colored glass too -- in walls, table tops; black glass table tops are very stylish.

A bench made of old wood, a popular Brazilian practice. Photo: Anderson Sampê

In textiles, linen is popular and floral prints are often seen. "Solely Brazilian, we have some baskets and bowls made from natural fibers -- like straw -- that are coming back. Some ceramics (vases and bowls) from northern and northeastern region of Brazil too," Sampê says of some of the local trends.

From Brazil to Your Home
Although the world of design is truly shrinking because of the Internet, Sampê explains that true Brazilian style is still very much local. If you happen to be in Brazil, or you need to source some authentic Brazilian furnishings, be sure to check out these companies:

- Tok & Stok: "Very popular for the middle-class crowd. Offers a good design/quality balance with reasonable prices."

- ETNA: "ETNA is similar to IKEA, with good design, reasonable prices (not as low as IKEA, though) and huge superstores where you can find everything, from furniture, linens, decor, pillows, candles, vases, rugs, lighting etc."

- Artefacto: "Artefacto has beautiful, good quality furniture on the higher end and is expanding internationally."

- Saccaro: "Great outdoor furniture."

- Brentwood: "Beautiful furniture, with a more sober appeal."

Additionally, Anderson recommends that many great shops can be found in the World Trade Center in São Paulo.

More design from around the globe:
- The Best Flea Markets in the World
- A Medieval Castle in France
- Design Drool: Arabian Delights

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Wacky Turkey Platters

Jaime Derringer — 2010-11-22T11:39:00 00:00

Filed under: Fun Stuff, Parties & Entertaining, Holidays

Thanksgiving is three days away -- do you know where your turkey platter is? If you don't have one handy, allow us to suggest a few wacky alternatives. (We're joking! Well, sort of.)

As the holiday season begins, you've probably got the holiday-themed napkins, the perfect wreath, a lovely fall table setting, and you're probably preparing to spend a day in the kitchen making Thanksgiving dinner. Picture this: Your turkey has been in the oven for hours, and you're just about to serve it when it hits you -- oh no! You never bought a turkey platter!

A picture frame as a turkey platter? We bet stranger things have happened at Thanksgiving. Photo: Getty Images

So, how are you to serve a turkey with no platter? You can't just plop it on the table... Surely, you've got something laying around the house big enough to hold a 15-pound bird?

Let's explore some alternative (and creative!) serving options:

(Full disclosure: We've never tried any of these ideas, and we don't know if they'll work or cause a funky tasting turkey!)

1. Framed artwork. Somewhere in the basement you have that ugly framed artwork that you inherited from your Aunt Bev. Put it to good use as the perfect host for your holiday fowl.

2. A lap tray. These were all the rage when ottomans were the hottest alternative to the coffee table. Breakfast in bed? No, turkey in tray.

3. Cutting board. Your cutting board is probably large enough to use for your main dish, plus it has the added benefit of being the perfect carving surface.

4. Chalkboard. Maybe your kid has one of those small chalkboard easels or perhaps you have a lovely framed one in your kitchen that you use for making a grocery list? Pop it off the wall, clean it up and use it as the turkey tray!

5. A mirror. Do you have a small-ish mirror hanging somewhere in your home? Take it down, give it a good cleaning and plop that baby right on top! Mirrors are a nice, smooth surface for your bird to sit on, but be careful with the carving -- you can easily scratch your mirror. Maybe it's best to carve the turkey first and then transfer to the shiny surface.

6. World Atlas Book. Actually, any oversized hardcover coffee table book will do. I happened to choose the atlas because I know that they're often big. You know you never read it. The least you could do is make it useful! Just be sure to cover it in something to protect the turkey juices from leaking all over it.

7. Flying saucer snow sled. Yes, I know what you're thinking...I'm crazy. But think about it: You have a big, heavy bird to carry and these saucers have handles! It would add color to your holiday table.

8. Computer. And if you're really in a pickle you could probably try your Apple Macbook Pro 17-inch laptop although I'm not sure that your AppleCare Plan covers giblets in the keys. (This is a joke!! Do not use your Apple computer for any reason!)

Check out the rest of ShelterPop's Thanksgiving coverage!

Or if you're looking for more crafts, our sister site Holidash has a fantastic video on corn table crafts!

And of course no Thanksgiving is complete without KitchenDaily's amazing Thanksgiving recipes.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

A Recycled Plane Is Malibu's Next Dream House

Jaime Derringer — 2010-11-09T11:28:00 00:00

Filed under: Design, etc, House Tours, Architecture

Clear the runway, this plane home's coming in for a landing.

When California Mercedes dealership owner Francie Rehwald purchased a 55-acre plot of land above the ocean in Malibu, she knew that she wanted something unique. The land had history: It was the site of Tony Duquette's eccentric residence made of found structures that was destroyed in a 1993 fire. Rehwald wanted to continue on with Duquette's original vision and create something unique using recycled materials.

The main residence is almost complete. Photo: David Hertz

She wanted a feminine structure featuring sensual curves and rounded edges, and she had been interested in green building, so she began discussing her needs with LA-based Architect David Hertz. Hertz specializes in upcycling and sustainable architecture. When Rehwald mentioned her desire for a curvy house, Hertz had a crazy idea: What if they used a retired plane to build Rehwald's new house?

He didn't tell her his idea at first. He wanted to do some research. So he took photos of plane wings from his window seat when traveling. He walked through airplane graveyards in the California desert, photographing planes from various angles. Then, at a subsequent meeting, he told her: He wanted to build her a house from a Boeing 747 jumbo jet.

An aerial shot of the house. You can prominently see the plane's wings. Photo: David Hertz

And why not? There are lots of planes just hanging out in the California desert waiting to be recycled. It was the perfect marriage of supply and demand: A 747 airplane at over 230 feet long, 195 feet wide and 63 feet tall provides more than enough raw materials to build a generous home (one wing is over 2,500 square feet!). Rehwald loved the idea and jumped "on board" immediately.

Using the airplanes as inspiration, Hertz designed Rehwald more than just a home -- he made her a compound. The plane's wings are designed to function as the home's roof, with two stabilizers from the tail section putting a roof over the master bedroom. A section of the fuselage is being used in the kitchen; a row of several of the plane's windows are now between the kitchen and office.

The wing roof is the most prominent feature of the main house. Photo: David Hertz

In addition to three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 4,000 square feet of living space, a 50-foot long section of the upper fuselage will serve as the roof of an art studio. The upper first class cabin will become the guest house's roof, and the lower half of the fuselage will cover the animal barn. Finally, a fire pit and water feature will be created from the engine cowling. What isn't used from the plane -- which isn't much! -- will be recycled. One extra cool bonus: Hertz cut off the nose of the plane and created a 45-feet-tall meditation pavilion in which the cockpit window serves as a skylight.

You're probably wondering the same thing that I was -- Where do you find a plane? And how do you buy one?

The plane that would become a home. Photo: David Hertz

Many of the planes in the desert graveyards are owned by large airlines and some by private owners. Hertz was able to purchase one of these planes and give it a whole new lease on life as a home. For the price of its raw materials -- primarily aluminum -- Hertz bought a full 747 plane for the reasonable price of $35,000. Comparably, a brand new 747 costs about $200 million.

With 4.5 million parts to use, the plane was ready to go, but Hertz now had to figure out how to get it to its new home. Unfortunately, he couldn't just fly it there. Most of the pieces were cut up and transported by helicopter. They had to close five highways at night to get it all there.

Renderings of the meditation pavilion and the main home. Photos: David Hertz

One of the biggest challenges in making this project happen was getting government clearance. Hertz had to get the OK from 17 agencies, which took a year and a half. Using an old plane that still kind of looks like a plane also required registration with the FAA so that it isn't mistaken for a downed aircraft.

The Wing House -- as it is has been dubbed -- is almost complete. Hertz says that Rehwald should be able to call it home by next summer.

If this has given you a major case of travel fever, be sure to check out our sister site, AOL Travel.

Love oddball architecture? So do we. Don't miss:
- A Modern Cave
- If You Build It, They Will Come
- World's Largest Treehouse

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Designing In...London

Jaime Derringer — 2010-11-02T13:34:00 00:00

Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends

If you lived on the other side of the world, would you decorate your home differently? In our new column, "Designing In," we investigate home trends in far-flung locales, from Paris to Istanbul. For our first installment, we talk to a designer in London to find out what's hot in her hometown.

When I'm flipping through a magazine or reading a blog, I'm always curious to see where the person featured lives. Although the internet can make the world seem like it's shrinking, there are still many differences when it comes to design, decor and style, depending on where you live. In the US, we have a mixed style; most of what we've adopted as "American" was brought here by someone of another culture.

To find out what's popular in London right now, we spoke with Rebecca James, creative director of Interior Desires, a London-based interior design studio.

Rebecca (left) says a big trend in London is mixing natural materials with glitzy glamour, which she calls "organic glam" (right). Photos: Rebecca James

Defining London Style
What is London style? And no, we're not talking about Keep Calm posters and Union Jack pillows. We're talking about the essence of real British style.

While Londoners seem particularly fond of retro style, says Rebecca, folks here are also drawn to shabby chic. Londoners travel and collect things, and many of them infuse many different styles into their homes. Their rooms become almost a mish-mash of collectibles: "I would say there is no herd mentality in London as people are more confident of their personal identities, so there is no dominant style," Rebecca explains.

Here, individual expression is more valued than a particular brand of home furnishings.

Latest Trends
Rebecca says that she's noticed a style she calls "organic glam" emerge in the last few years. Think: "glamorous objects or pieces in natural, earthy surroundings," she says. As with most trends, this one started with fashion. "You can see it in the latest fashion campaigns where diamonds are shot against rainforest backgrounds or glamorous watches against earthy backgrounds," she says.

Londoners are currently drawn to red wood flooring -- like cherry and iroko -- and Brazilian wood floors. Rebecca has also been seeing a demand for natural stone and Italian porcelain tiles.

When it comes to furniture, a mix of solid wood and burr veneer finishes have been a popular way to cut costs in both kitchen cabinetry (as shown below) and furniture. On the high end, Londoners have been drawn to onyx, a pricey stone that packs a big shiny punch on counter tops and sinks.

Clean, clutter-free and space-conscious is a trend adopted from Eastern influences. Photo: Rebecca James

What's Changed in the Last 5 Years
London homeowners are embracing what Rebecca calls "understated decadence," where simple and minimal boxy lines are replaced with softer curves and details. While we noted that country style is coming back in a big way here in the US, it seems like they're dealing with similar recession challenges by focusing on details. She's noticed a rise in the desire for accents like piping, rusching and 3D textured fabrics.

Londoners are also embracing global trends, such as Asian influences in the form of functionality. By this, Rebecca means that pieces of furniture are doing double duty as storage, and less clutter is key. And in true zen form, more people are interested in purchasing functional furniture that serves a purpose rather than adding something to the home just for show.

What are some of the most popular products that Londoners are purchasing for their homes?

Here, Rebecca's picks for what's hot at home in London right now.

What's popular right now in London.

Above, from top left: Simpsons mirrored console tables are made and designed in England with quick turnaround; Butler sinks, or as they are commonly known in the US, farmhouse sinks; Tom Dixon copper light pendants -- we love these too!; High end contemporary rugs from The Rug Company; bespoke furniture by Timothy Mark; George Smith handmade chairs.

In London, Asian influence is front and center. Photo: Rebecca James

From London to Your Home
Looking to infuse some London style into your own home? Rebecca knows where to get the good stuff: These stores "have very exciting and affordable collections for homeowners varying from traditional to modern and they are all easily accessible to homeowners."

Here are some shops you just can't miss:

- India Jane: "Perfect for replicas of classic pieces"

- Brissi: "Shabby chic, particularly love the silver wrap furniture."

- Mrs Robinson's: "Gems from Scandinavia and beyond."

- Habitat: "One stop shop for home owners."

- Liberty: "Legendary British institution with quirky and exciting pieces."

Not quite ready for a British home invasion? Keep calm and design on with these great posts:
- Design Drool: Eco-Luxe Huts in Spain
- Best Flea Markets in the World

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Design Drool: Arabian Delights

Jaime Derringer — 2010-11-01T10:29:00 00:00

Filed under: Color, House Tours, Architecture

Maryam Montague, her husband and their two kids left home looking for an adventure. What they found was a far-flung place to call their own.

Maryam Montague was working for a consulting firm in Washington, DC when she realized she was ready for a change. She didn't want a new job; she loved her work. She wanted to live somewhere else. She could move anywhere -- her husband, an architect, was ready to head to a new locale, her two kids, Tristan, 9, and Skylar, 11, adapted easily to new places, and her boss told her she could work from anywhere. The couple was living in Africa at the time, and they considered going back to the U.S. or making a home in some of the other places Maryam has lived, such as Senegal and France.

They settled on Marrakesh, Morocco.

"Once upon a time...," she writes on her blog My Marrakesh, "in a kingdom far, far away (not kidding about the kingdom part) an American couple with two children decided to eschew any plans that they might have had for house with a white picket fence (do people still have those?) and move to a city that was not their own. This blog is their tale to make that city their home, to make it their Marrakesh."

Maryma (left) and her collected treasures (right). Photos: Maryam Montague

Maryam, who has lived and worked in Senegal, Nepal, Pakistan, Namibia and Bangladesh, says she was drawn to Marrakesh for the "delicious food, hospitable people, the fantastic weather and the amazing architecture and design," she says. "It was just the right combination of new world conveniences and old world exotica."

Most of all, it seemed like the perfect place to raise her family. Living a nomadic and international jet-setting lifestyle as a humanitarian worker, while exciting and adventurous, can also make one feel like no place is truly home.

But home is what they now have at Peacock Pavilions, an 8-acre estate that she and her husband built from the ground up. Surrounded by olive trees, Peacock Pavilions is both Maryam and her family's home as well as a boutique hotel. Two of the three pavilions are guest houses (Atlas and Medina Pavilions); the getaway sleeps ten people (double occupancy) in five bedrooms with access to the estate's five acres of olive groves and an 800-square-foot pool and pool pavilion. Maryam's part of the estate is about 4,500 square feet with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a den, great room, kitchen, library, dining room and two offices in an attached tower.

Global patterns and worldly decor are mixed with graphic modern furnishings and art. Photos: Maryam Montague

While Chris did most of the designing and overseeing of the build, Maryam did all of the decorating for both her home and the guesthouses. She channeled her parents in the decoration, filling the home with curiosities from every country that she visits. When Maryam was younger, her father, also a humanitarian often on the road, would bring back souvenirs from his travels. "Depending on where he was going, he might bring back silk rugs from India, tribal masks from Swaziland or inlaid furniture from Syria. My home looked like a gallery of strange and curious things," Maryam recalls.

Living in Morocco has had a profound effect on the way she's decorated the home's interiors -- she has embraced lots of color and pattern, and mixed in different styles for an eclectic look. When it comes to pattern and color, Maryam says that there's "never enough!" The home has modern conveniences, like clean, modern lines and open concept living, yet the design is distinctly Moroccan through the addition of fountains, arches and a dome.

A cozy bedroom and bath rich with texture and pattern. Photos: Maryam Montague

Maryam still works for her Washington, DC employer, but she's taken on a few different roles since moving to Morocco. She runs a side business selling Moroccan carpets and textiles, which can be seen covering most of the surfaces of her home. She also designed Moroccan lanterns that she hung throughout the house. "I'm stimulated by a mixture of pieces both old and new and both Moroccan and global," she explains. "It's a crazy jumble that I find interesting and amusing. I am a strong believer in surprising interiors."

And surprising they are. Traditional and modern Moroccan and worldly goods live in harmony at Peacock Pavilions, where you might find vintage Spanish billboards alongside a table made from old Moroccan street signs. Or perhaps a Moroccan tent covered in painted embroidery designs and filled with plastic furniture from the 1960s.

French poster art is mixed with religious iconography and glittery pillows. Photo: Maryam Montague

Although Peacock Pavilions officially opened its doors this fall, Maryam says she'll never be done renovating and decorating. "I find my style is constantly evolving, and I like to experiment with my interiors. I recently lugged back from Cairo seven hand blown glass lanterns that I am concocting into the Arabian chandelier of my fantasies," she says. I suppose that's what happens when you're always traveling to inspiring places -- the imagination runs wild.

Since the weather there is often comfortable in the 60s and 70s (with the exception of the scorching summers), Maryam and her family spend a lot of time outdoors and even enjoy an outdoor cinema. Living as expats has afforded them the luxury of having some domestic help; the family has a cook, housekeeper and gardener to assist with the household chores. Apparently, the dollar goes quite far in Morocco!

Peacock Pavilions overlooking the pool. Photo: Maryam Montague

Besides chronicling her adventures and family life on her blog, Maryam is working on a coffee table book that is part memoir, part Moroccan design treatise (to be published by Artisan Books in the US in 2011). She offers her eye as a designer alongside her husband, and she's hoping to launch an eclectic homewares line inspired by all of her travels: lanterns, poufs, slippers, hooks and curiosities. She calls it "ethnic glamour."

Although she's found a place to call home, Maryam isn't ready to stop traveling. Says Maryam: "So far I have traveled to 72 countries. And if I haven't been somewhere, it's on my list!"

Souvenirs from her travels. Photos: Maryam Montague

Take a few more house tours:
-A Show House Made for the Movies
-San Francisco Home Has Walls that Wow

If Maryam's tale has put you in the mood for Moroccan food, you'll love these recipes from KitchenDaily.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments