interior design

Bentley Churchill 2012 Highpoint introductions

There’s nothing more I love than a good quality furniture manufacturer.   

 So if you are not already familiar, let me introduce you. World: meet Bentley. 

At Bentley Churchill, the only answer they know is “yes”.   You can customize ANYTHING.  3″ taller?  8″ longer?  No problem!  Every piece has their standard spring down fill with 8 way hand tied spring construction.  Plus, they have an awesome array of fabrics. 

So, let me tell you what……. I love this sofa.  Simple. Contemporary. Clean lines with the curved side arms.

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I’m a total fan that they have some great new pieces that are reminiscent of vintage ones. 

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A mid-century modern lovers dream.  *Sigh*

Dear ottoman with lucite feet: come into my life.

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Check out their website  for more pretty pictures from the Spring Highpoint Collection.

 

(Bentley Churchill is exclusive to the trade, so contact me for more info!)

design obssession: ikat

Timeless ikat.  No one knows it’s exact origin, but this colorful pattern has been pleasing the eyes for centuries, and is not going anywhere anytime soon.

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Holy ikat skirt!  A total showstopper.

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A touch of pattern on a neutral palette.

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Feeling creative?

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Renowed New York interior designer, Andrew James, shows off his apartment.  Love the blue and brown masculine tones – proves that guys can rock this pattern too!

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Seeing is believing.  Ikat glass mosaic by New Ravenna Mosaics.

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Beautiful!

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Order one of these tote bags from Rosanna before their gone!

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Can’t get enough?  Here’s where to find more.

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a) Aztec Dip Dye Skirt, TopShop

b) Ikat Cuff Bracelet, Need Supply Co.

c) Ikat Scarf in Turquoise Lucio, Tory Burch

d) Anik Shorts in Orange & Cream, Sheridan French

e) Ikat Cotton Clutch, FABbyCAB, Etsy.com

f) Throw Pillows, all by Pop O’ Color, Etsy.com

g) Ikat Distressed 8×10 Frame, Kit n Kaboodle Home, Etsy.com

h) Morrow Slipper Chair in Malaga Peacock, Jonathan Adler

i) Ikat Silver/Blue Wool Rug, Safavieh (to the trade only)

 

color story: red + sky blue

Just in time for the 4th of July,  here’s one of my all time fave color combos!  Bold and eye-catching, sky blue + red has a crisp, classic look that has been stylish in retro and modern designs.

Don’t you just LOVE this??

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Great photo of a refreshing Independence Day beverage. Click for the recipe!

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Happy exterior.

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The love affair with subway tile continues.

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🙂

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I love how happy she looks in this picture.  And the dress/necklace combo is just brilliant.

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Love this color scheme?  Here’s some ways to get the look all year-long.

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A) Template Tank with Tucked Tiered Skirt, both Anthropologie

B) Franco Sarto Vaunt Sandal, DSW.

C) Red & Turquoise Lattice Earrings, DejaVu

D) Awaiting Love Bracelet, DejaVu

E) Red & Turquoise Czech Glass Bead Necklace, Crown and Cole, Etsy.com

F) Dahlia flower in crimson & robin egg blue handmade plates,  Hope Johnson, Etsy.com

G) Jackson Sectional, West Elm

H) Water Birds 20 X 20 Linen Pillow, Hable Construction

I) Red & Turquoise large landscape painting, original on oil by Pamela Munger, Etsy.com.

J) Zig Zag Rug in blue, Urban Outfitters.

K) Alberta Lamp in Turquoise, Bobby Berk Home

L) Gradated Stripe Pouf in Red, West Elm

5 ways to make a room appear larger

Have an extremely small room that you wish would miraculously expand??? Or just one that seems smaller than what it really is, and can’t figure out why?  Here’s some quick tips to give your room a little extra breathing space.

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1. PAINT THE ROOM A LIGHTER COLOR. – it’s a known fact that lighter colors give the room a more open, airy feeling.

The vast amount of white in this kitchen opens it right up.  It’s easier on the eye and more light is reflected!

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2. ADD MIRRORS. – Mirrors reflect light and also give the feeling of depth.

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3. USE LESS OR SMALLER SCALE FURNITURE. – Using less furniture will create the illusion of having more space.

I can’t stress scale enough –  muy importante!  Throwing large chunky pieces in a small room will create instant claustrophobia.  So go minimal with pieces that have clean, thin lines.

 

Also, lucite and glass trick the eye!

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4.ORGANIZE! – Utilize the space you have efficiently.

Built-ins are a great way to keep the clutter out of sight.  This office in a closet is genius!

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Simple storage techniques can really make the difference.

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5. KEEP IT SIMPLE. – Don’t overdo the art and accessories.

Use only 1 -3 really striking pieces.  Keep color and pattern to a minimum, creating a focal point.

(Click the photo to visit its source, if known)

eye candy: rediculously fun kitchen in South Austin

Good Afternoon!

I’m hoping this lively kitchen will brighten your day the way it did for me.  Designed by Austin’s Loop Design, this South Austin residence was remodeled, bringing in a  more open concept for owners who love to cook and entertain.  The owners also must love color!

 

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(All kitchen pictures via Houzz)

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Don’t you just love those paint colors??  They’re from Sherwin Williams in case you wondered :).

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And that awesome light fixture?  Here’s a similar one for $199 from CB2!