Design Inspiration

design obsession: southwestern modern

Aztec prints, geometric patterns, bold colors, natural materials, animal inspirations are all part of the Southwestern design style. Versatile, this look can mesh with a traditional ranch or modern abode.

While this look seems like a new design trend, it actually dates back hundreds of years. The style tells a story of those who inhabited the southwest region of our country in the 18^th & 19th centuries. It’s a mix of Native American & Spanish influences. While it’s probably the most popular in states like Arizona and New Mexico, the style is sweeping the country one home at a time.

Keeping this look simple and clean gives it the sophistication for today’s modern world.

Love this look!!

Fun modern interpretation of an Aztec pattern, by Austin artist and textile designer, Leah Duncan.

(Photo found on Pinterest)

Fun wallpaper!

Look at those doors! So cool! Love the light fixture, too.

Design Sponge had a preview of Refinery 29’s new office. The theme: you guessed it. Southwestern Modern!

(All above photos link back to original source, if known)

So many unique finds and southwestern inspired objects! Check it below.

a) Geo Stripe Tapestry, Urban Outfitters

b) Aztec iPhone Case, Society 6

c) For Eternity Dress, Deja Vu

d) RLR5851B Ralph Lauren Rug, Safavieh

e) Hand Beaded Dangle Earrings, Rock Sugar Studio, Etsy.com

f) Vintage Southwestern Metal Cuff Bracelet, Planet Daisy World, Etsy.com

g) Outdoor Small Aztec lumbar pillow, Frontgate

h) Cast Iron Antler Wall Hook, Jenny Nolan, Etsy.com

i) Panama Crossing Wedges, Threadsence

j) Twisted Ikat Tank, Forever 21

enhancing a room with wall texture

The texture of a wall is something that is often overlooked in the design process. Some homes are blessed with great bones, as shown below:

(Photo via Pinterest)

Aged brick adds so much character to a room.

(Photo via Pinterest)

Concrete wall gives the room a modern, industrial feel.

(Photo via Dezeen)

Wood walls are always interesting, but how about different size timbers arranged in a random pattern?? I love this look at Slowpoke Espresso Cafe in Melbourne, Australia.

(Photo via 2modern)

For the do-it-yourselfer, textured wallpaper is a great option. You can even paint over this one!

(Photo via 3form)

This resin is not only environmentally friendly, but also stylish. Can you believe that’s seaweed pressed in between??

(Photo via Inhabit Living)

Or try dimensional wall tiles to add some depth!

simple stripes

I love stripes. But mainly when it’s just white and one other alternating color. These are what I warmly refer to as “simple stripes”. 🙂

Stripes are timeless.

(Photo via Pinterest)

They can be vintage.

(Photo via Tumblr)

…or modern.

They have that feeling that puts you right at home.

They can be casual.

Or sophisticated too.

(Photo via Pinterest)

From Dwell Studio’s bedding line.

I love these cork wedges by Tom’s. I picture them with a cute little white summer dress.

Neutral cardigan from Anthropologie…

Rug with a nautical feel.

Striped Placemats from Horchow.

Chambray Striped Pillow Covers from West Elm.

And just to think, this satchel from Aldo is what inspired this post. When I went shopping last week and saw this, I died and went to handbag heaven! Isn’t it adorable??

color story: turquoise + lime

Turquoise and lime. 2 of my favorite colors of all time. But how do they look together…? Obviously stunning. Too much of a good thing is…well… fabulous!

I LOVE this bedroom. The wallpaper and chair fabric are wonderful.

These two colors are best accented against a white backdrop.

Green walls blue door!

Look at those eyes!

Spend the first few months of your life here and your destined to grow up with good taste.

This tile makes my life complete. Seriously.

My picks for turquoise + lime? You got it.

A) Audrey Brooke Betty Slingback Pump, DSW…… B) Madeline Chair, Urban Outfitters…. C) Vent Pillow, Cococozy…… D) Quatrefoil Pillow, Cococozy…… E) Eilleen Kathryn Boyd Fabrics by Duralee, (top to bottom: 15387-579 ,15377-246 , 15370-554) …… F) Kamal Vase, Z Gallerie….. G) Pendant Necklace by Kate & Co. Jewelry, Etsy.com…. H) Mexicali Smocked Maxi Dress, Old Navy

4 great iPhone apps for interior design (and they’re free!)

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or a design professional, these iPhone apps help solve common interior design problems in minutes.

Problem: You want to find a wall color to match the colors in your bedding, but lugging the whole thing with you to the paint store is nearly impossible.

Solution: Use a paint color matching app, such as Sherwin Williams’ Color Snap or Benjamin Moore’s Color Capture to help you pick a color. You can snap a picture of the bedding, then use the app to pick out an individual color or find a color scheme that works. Then save that color to your phone, and head to the paint store to pick it up. Easy as pie!

Problem: You need to know a room’s dimensions quick, but you don’t have a tape measure with you.

Solution: Have MagicPlan calculate the dimensions for you! You choose the wall corners, openings, and doorways, and it generates the floor plan.

If you’re wondering just how accurate it is, I tried it on my living room as an experiment.