I just received one of my shelter magazines and read that the color yellow is hot, hot, hot right now. Personally, orange is my go to citrus but I have to admit that all of this yellow is quite enticing.
I find that because it is a strong color, that it is really best in smaller doses. It can really give a space a jolt of excitement.
So what do you think? Would you or have you used yellow in any of your homes?
Hello All! Katie MacDonald here again, and this time I’ll be discussing (more like gushing over) my favorite stone; onyx! Why is this my favorite stone you ask…
(I could go on and on…)
Even though onyx is a natural stone, it is translucent. The swirling cloudy variations in the stone are just amazing when lit from behind. This feature allows usually contemporary feeling lighting to be balanced by the earthy and classic feeling of natural stone. The best of both worlds!
I look at a lot of kitchens and one thing I always notice is their lighting. For me, it’s one of the most important elements that helps set it apart from other kitchens.
Good lighting helps places be memorable.
This kitchen is a good example of interesting lighting. It takes the monochromatic space and elevates it with a sculptural quality. Notice how the chairs echo the general shape of the light.
The pendant lights in this kitchen draw you in for a closer look.
I love these pendants, they are both glamourous and unusual.
Here is a kitchen that Jeff Lewis designed. The lighting is tremendously successful with it’s contemporary re imagination of a classic lighting fixture.
Here’s a tip for choosing kitchen lighting: Because of all of the square and rectangular geometry that is caused by the cabinets and tiling, it is a good idea to choose lighting with curved or rounded elements. Not only does it provide balance, it introduces variety as well as softness into the space.
Not that the weather is heating up, I have been feeling a little sluggish lately.
Here’s some places I would like to take a nap:
I can’t tell you how badly I want to design a contemporary style nursery around these prints. The photographer is Sharon Montrose and I simply adore the simplicity:
I actually like the way that she arranged them this way below, but of course, I would have to do my own spin (perhaps a trendy turquoise spray paint on an inexpensive Ikea frame).
Please, please, please give me client that wants a contemporary nursery!
For more adorable pics, Sharon Montrose’s website is located here
Right now, people are still really excited about gallery walls and while they’re lovely, they’re also difficult to execute. While I was browsing Martha Stewart.com I came across this picture:
I know, much easier!
Directions: draw a horizontal line around 60-63″ above the floor. Measure 1/2″ above the line and 1/2″ below the line and place the pictures as pictured above.
I’ve been spending the last couple of days thinking about what great piece of art I’m going to hang over my new fabulous sofa. I keep coming back to sailing and clipper ship paintings. I love the bit of blue and vibrancy they can add to the decor as well as they carry a certain romantic appeal.
Here’s a few inspirational rooms that contain ships:
House Beautiful
House Beautiful
via
Phoebe Howard
House of Turqouise
House Beautiful
Traditional Home
via
Architectural Digest
Ok, not really, but it sure felt like I did.
Let me share with you the story:
I am at Home Goods doing my bi-weekly sweep after consuming too many carbs at Coco’s and lo and behold I see a clone to the beloved sofa that occupies a spot in my living room. Instantly, I perk up fighting off the sluggishness of the carbs and briskly walk towards it. Why is it here, I ask myself. I don’t know but it doesn’t matter because of what I see in the corner of my eye. I catch it’s scent; it smells sexy and seductive.
I instantly fall in love.
Ralph Lauren Mitchell Place Sofa
I am no longer sleepy, but my stomach starts to ache. How am I going to ask my husband to replace the perfectly good, albeit style challenged sofa in our den? I go home and drag my husband back to Home Goods to “look”. Reluctantly, he agrees.
We’re standing in front of it. He looks it over. I’m not getting much and he offers some compliment about the quality. He sits down and gives an hmmmm. He looks at me and catches the glimmer in my eye.
He asks if I’m sure I want it.
I tell him that it reminds me of my childhood.
(And I offer him the home office)
Some of you may know that Intrigue and Inspire blog is a design collaboration between friend and fellow designer, Katie MacDonald and I. Today, she pays us a visit:
Hi All! Katie MacDonald here. The topic for my first blog entry was really a no-brainer; COLOR of course. Color just may be my favorite design element so let’s talk about it!
We’ve established that color is my favorite design element but it doesn’t just speak to designers/decorators. One of the reasons it’s so important is because anyone can immediately see and react to color (even no reaction is a reaction when it comes to design). Some colors (and color combinations) just speak to us while others just repulse us.
If you know me you know that I love Turquoise!
Color me Turquoise
Whether you call it turquoise, teal, jade, blue-green, or aqua I love it all. Many retail stores have started to carry more and more turquoise items. You can imagine how giddy I was when I walked into Z Gallerie this past weekend to see:
Zgallerie
The rest of the world is finally coming around
But what happens when next season or year or a few years from now when turquoise is replaced? Should I recognize this trend for what it is and not cover my living room in turquoise throws, pillows, candles, art, etc.? (too late!)
I say no. I love turquoise and to tell you the truth, I’m still going to love it even if I can no longer easily find it in stores. So maybe you’re an emerald, chartreuse, lime, mint person or a scarlet, crimson, coral person, whatever color you love, I say embrace it. Maybe not cover your four bedroom walls in it but designing/decorating your home is about you and what makes you comfortable and happy.
My living room
I would have died incomplete.
(well design wise that is)
So before I die, these are the items I need to use in a project or in my own house:
1. Ghost Chairs
via
2. Lamp Shade Shade
via
3. Chesterfield Sofa
Via Bellemaison23
4. Klismos Chairs
Apartment Therapy
5. De Gourney wallpaper
via de Gournay
6. An exotic antique a la 1st Dibs
Nothing Specific, just stuff that’s fabulous and beautiful. Authentic, non faux (yet not important enough for a museum -but almost) historic items.
17th century cabinet via 1st Dibs
7. Barcelona Chair
via creamylife
8. A leather wing chair
via copycatchic
So that’s the list at the moment,
What about you? What is on your Design Bucket list?
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