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As you know, I am not afraid to admit that a large amount of our furniture is from IKEA. If you’re smart about how you use each piece, you can’t beat it for affordable style. Well, IKEA has a new site where people share pictures of their IKEA purchases in situ. There are some great examples of stylish homes that use IKEA furnishings imaginatively. I particularly like this all-white home in Germany.
Great use of blackboard as cupboard doors.
I spy Ferm Living wallpaper offcuts…
More evidence (if we needed it) that an IKEA kitchen can look fabulous. I like the idea of using mosaic tiles to make the look less cookie-cutter. And, believe it or not, I blogged about using a ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ poster as a kitchen backsplash over a year ago – looks like someone else was way ahead of me!
A teeny tiny office space still manages to look airy with all that white shelving.
If you like checking out what real people around the world have done with their interior spaces, this is a good site to visit with lots of inspiring examples of creativity on a budget.
If you appreciate hand-crafted textiles and furniture, then you’re in for a treat at Niki Jones. This British-based web site is a relative newcomer and has just launched its second collection. There are mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinets, Javanese cushions, Moroccan rugs and embroidered headboards in shades of gray, gold and pink. There are butterflies, pompoms and sequins. There’s sheesham wood, pale nubby linen, glossy fucshia lacquer and rose-colored silk. It’s a little bit Anthropologie, a little bit Graham and Green – and browsing the collection is a bit like being a kid in a candy store.
Oh, and it’s not part of the new collection, but have you ever seen a bed as stunning as this?
Likewise, also from the previous collection, are these spice pots. These would look great in my new all-white kitchen (the one I will have one day when I get around to it, that is).
Although a British company, it will ship overseas. I wouldn’t like to see the cost of shipping a bed or dresser, but a small beaten metal bowl might be worthwhile… Meanwhile, enjoy all the eye candy at the Niki Jones site.
When you’re designing a room for a child, it’s good to keep in mind that the space should grow with them. That mentality has led to a wide selection of products created especially for kids but that would work equally well in grown-up interiors. Having just decorated two kids’ rooms, I’ve been exposed to lots of these products recently and have been impressed by how stylish, sophisticated and practical some of these items would be in an entirely adult scheme. What’s more, they’re often a lot cheaper! Here are some of my favorites.
First up PBteen. You really can’t beat this store for convenience and quality at a decent price. Check out this Coraline bed, which also comes in a Queen size for just $999.
In an otherwise sophisticated scheme (think minimalist white sofa, dark wood floors), these fun bedside tables would make a great end table for a living room. I especially like the duckegg blue.
I’d love this locker desk in a home office. And the industrial-style drawers come in a full range of colors.
PBteen is also an excellent resource for affordable lamps. A bright yellow task light would look both sophisticated and quirky in a gray scheme.
And even if your student days are long over, surely you could see a pair of these peace bookends on your shelves? Personally, I think they’d look great next to my collection of Jonathan Adler white ceramics!
Now, shopping in a teen store is one thing. But how about stores for kids and babies? Well, I’d argue you can be just as successful. This mirror from Land of Nod would make a good, affordable alternative to that antique shabby chic mirror you’ve been looking for.
And this Moda desk from Room and Board‘s kids collection would work in a grown-up office. It also comes in a range of colors from gray to sage green to indigo. I could see this looking great as a computer area in a large eat-in kitchen with white cabinets and wood countertops.
Giggle has this beautiful dresser/changing table that converts to an ordinary dresser by flipping over the top. I love the look of this piece but this is one time when kids’ furniture is definitely not cheaper. At $1695, it’s no bargain.
Romp, which specializes in beautiful hand-crafted toys, has these great ceiling lights. How about three of them suspended over a dining table spelling out the word E-A-T to stimulate the appetite??
Now, Serena & Lily doesn’t just cater for kids. But its range of furniture and accessories for babies and children includes some beautiful items for grown-up spaces. Like these Moroccan poufs.
I want this whole stack of alpaca throws – they might be soft enough for baby, but they’re luxurious enough for me to keep all to my self, thank you very much!
And for a bit of whimsy that even adults can appreciate, how about this bird lamp?
I’d happily have any of these items in my home. How about you? Are you convinced enough to hit the kids’ stores yet?
Ok, it’s time for another round-up of all-time favorite design pieces. This time: mirrors. When I was compiling this list I realized that I lean toward more ornate, glamorous mirrors. Perhaps its because of their ability to transform an otherwise ‘safe’ scheme into something altogether more fanciful and exotic. Perhaps it’s because I believe a fabulous mirror doesn’t just reflect light and create the illusion of space, but can also be a work of art in its own right. All of the following have a magical quality to them that tells you something about their owners.
Coco stick mirrors conjure up images of beach huts, sandy feet and easy living. At least, that’s what this space below says to me (from House Beautiful, via Ill Seen, Ill Said).
Ever on-the-ball, West Elm has just brought out its own version. Not too bad, eh?
Now, the ultimate luxury mirror in my opinion is the peacock feather mirror – this one’s from Wisteria. You only have to check out my blog header to know how much I love this look. The mirrored circles sparkle like over-sized sequins, while the textured metal surface gives the whole piece that vintage appeal. What’s more, it works equally well in a modern space as a traditional interior. Whatever the space is like, this mirror lends both glamor and charisma.
Bone inlay (and mother of pearl inlay) mirrors are another favorite because of their spectacular craftsmanship. Many of them are made in India and bring the romantic aesthetic of that country to a space. Graham and Green has an amazing selection of bone inlay mirrors and furniture.
For something altogether simpler, I like a round mirror like these below. It pulls a room together so effortlessly. I’ve used the image below before and don’t recall the source unfortunately. But I love how the clean lines of this mirror offset the ornate fireplace. I used the same technique at home by adding a simple round mirror to balance out a display of photos and ceramics on our dining room sideboard.
Here’s the same technique used again: an ornate bed and stools (more bone inlay!) contrasted with the simple mirror. From Domino.
At the other end of the scale, Venetian glass mirrors are anything but simple and clean-lined. But these mirrors are so pretty, almost like lace, they add a luxe element to any room. And what is it with Venetian glass and pink bathrooms? Maybe it’s their sugar-plum quality, but this has to be the perfect pairing! The first image here is from Domino.
And this one’s via A Life More Fabulous.
A more homely, toned down version of this look is the shabby chic white-framed mirror. Just one stand-out piece works well in a mostly-white scheme (via The City Sage):
Or an entire wall of smaller ones (via Kika Reichart).
Finally, what better way to add polish to a space than with a starburst mirror? These have a more upscale look but are anything but staid. Their shape adds energy and movement to even the most tailored room.
Via Dwellings and Decor.
Now it’s your turn. Anyone got any other favorites that should be on this list?
Do you keep mental lists of favorite and iconic design pieces? You know, those items that, one day, you’ll have in your dream home? Maybe you’ve even treated yourself to a few of them. But, if you’re like me, the list seems to grow endlessly. So I’m going to try and keep track of them by posting my all-time favorite lists here. First up, ceiling lights.
The Random light by Moooi is a firm favorite. I haven’t found a place for one of these in my home yet – partly because they’re so large. But I love the way this design seems to create order from chaos. Here it is in situ.
Via Fondly Seen.
This Alvar Aalto Golden Bell light has a retro appeal but would fit in so many schemes. This one is actually an updated version by Artek. But the original is forever etched on my mind because of this image from Living Etc many years ago.
Then there’s the Tord Boontje blossom branch chandelier.
Who can forget how great this looked over Gwyneth Paltrow’s dining table (Via Habitually Chic)?
The next one is kind of quirky. The goose feather Pluma Cubic light was designed by Heike Buchfelder in 2003.
I just think this would be great in a bedroom, although cleaning it would probably prove a nightmare! I first saw it in the bedroom of decorator Philip Gorrivan’s daughter, in Elle Decor, where it made a charming feature that was somehow both childlike and grown-up at the same time.
Not all ‘favorites’ have to be expensive designer pieces though. There’s something about an extra long capiz shell chandelier that is romantic and decadent – but this West Elm version is very affordable.
Then there’s the Moravian Star light. These ubiquitous fixtures work for industrial lofts or Victorian houses alike and come in all sorts of finishes. You only have to Google ‘Moravian Star light’ and you’re besieged by hundreds of choices of sites to purchase them.
My first encounter with the Moravian Star light is a bit of a story in its own right. I lived in a hilltop town in Italy for a year from 1994-5 and there were numerous workshops in the villages nearby where artisans made these lights. I had never seen them before and was smitten immediately. I thought about bringing some back to England but never did. Of course, a few years later they started popping up everywhere…
Now here’s a design classic you’ll definitely recognize: the PH Artichoke light by Poul Henningsen 40 years ago.
The Artichoke light is so recognizable that it’s easy to ignore its brilliance. No self-respecting minimalist loft would be seen without one.
Then there’s this chandelier, as seen in designer Fawn Galli‘s dining room.
I love the way it resembles a firework or supernova, adding a burst of energy to a formal dining room arrangement.
Finally, no all-time favorite list of lighting would be complete without a good old fashioned chandelier. I’ve said before how much I love the glamor of a ceiling light dripping with crystals. But, there’s something even more special about a turquoise chandelier and this one still takes my breath away.
Although this image was all over the blogosphere after being featured on Chinoiserie Chic, I’ve never managed to track down a source for this light. If anyone knows, do tell the rest of us!
I’d love to hear about your favorites too. What would you add to this list?
When I posted about this lovely ocean-front home, one of the aspects I loved about the place most was the use of interesting textiles. Erin over at Slipcover Your Life asked where the Suzani pillows in the living room were from. While I haven’t been able to track down the exact source of the ones in that house, I have been finding numerous examples of rich Suzani embroidery everywhere. Of course, Suzani has been a hot trend for some time now, so it’s hardly a surprise to find that so many retailers have brought out their own versions. But these beautiful textiles still have the ability to inject warmth and personality into a home and, perhaps, will be an enduring feature of design for many years to come.
I’m sure you’ve seen these memorable rooms with Suzani textiles:
Via Decorpad.
Via Elle Decor.
So, now, how to get the look cheaply by adding a pillow or two…
I love these slightly off-center versions from the ever-stunning Graham and Green collection.
UK-based Niki Jones has perhaps my favorite selection of Suzani cushions in off-beat pinks, purples and grays.
For a more traditional look, try Wisteria, which is always good for reasonably-priced ethnic textiles.
This one is from Area Home.
There’s a huge selection of antique textiles form around the world at Tessera. Uzbekistani pillows come in all sorts of colors and designs, like this stunning pink and coral one. The site also has Ikat textiles and pillows from Turkey, Tibet, Peru, India and all over Central Asia.
And, of course, Madeline Weinrib has a selection of attractive Suzani pillows, including more unusual designs like this one.
Anyone else found a good source for these textiles? I don’t currently have a place in my home for a Suzani throw or pillow, but I’m definitely going to try and find a little corner somewhere one of these days…. Perhaps even for outdoor seating when the summer is fully upon us. I’ll keep you posted.
Oh, and by the way, apologies for the cheesy title of this post – I just couldn’t resist!
A few years ago, my husband and I were on our way out for dinner when we spotted this stunning woodblock print in the window of a local gallery.
It’s of a Japanese dogwood tree and is by Hajime Namiki. The background is gold leaf and the tree itself and all the blossom is the most wonderfully-detailed woodblock print. Needless to say, I was smitten. Lucky me, a few weeks later, on my birthday, I was delighted to receive that very same print as a gift from my other half.
That first purchase started a small obsession. The next year we bought a small print of snow-covered alpine trees on a silver leaf background – unfortunately the only picture of it I can find isn’t great but you get the idea.
Then my sister spotted the dogwood print at our house and fell in love too, resulting in the purchase of this absolute beauty for her home.
I find these images so still and calming – they work perfectly in so many rooms and I find I never tire of them. If I had endless cash and space, I would buy a hundred more! Seeing as that’s not possible, I thought I’d share a few of my favorites with you.
I found all these images on this site, where you can buy the prints. But they’re all over the Internet so you won’t have much trouble tracking them down. (I said I loved them, I didn’t say they were exclusive!) These are all from the tree series, but there’s also the Fuji series with spectacular images of Mount Fuji, and a stylized dragon series.
If you’re tempted, perhaps there’s still time to drop a hint to loved ones looking for the perfect Christmas gift for you!
If you’ve read this blog for a while, then you’ll know I have a ‘thing’ about wallpaper. I’m drawn to the idea that, with a few dollars and a couple of hours’ work, I too could have trailing florals, rich chinoiserie, dramatic geometrics or sumptuous metallics on my walls. Trouble is, very little of these tempting wallcoverings ever make it into our house. That’s because I am hopelessly indecisive and, frankly, the knowledge that a decision would mean no more excuses to linger over wallpaper samples and web sites, makes me just want to avoid making choices altogether.
My usual haunts when looking for wallpaper inspiration are the likes of Osborne and Little, Romo, Cole and Son, Graham and Brown. So I was delighted to discover the site of Anna French the other day. Based in Scotland, Anna French designs lace, fabrics and wallcoverings. Her florals, beautifully drawn with rich colors and lots of metallics, are simply stunning. So much so, that I might actually be tempted to make a decision at last! So, for all those who, like me, love a bit of wallpaper eye candy, this post is for you.
Just think, you could unleash the true romantic in you with this design: ‘Bouquet’.
Experiment with the color combinations of ‘Damask’.
Introduce some ladylike glamor to your home with ‘Bird in the Bush’.
Enjoy the childish simplicity of polka dots with ‘Spot’.
Go for a bit of understated elegance with ‘Wisteria’.
Or sheer exuberance, with ‘Firework’.
And, my personal favorite, ‘Lavinia’, shown here in gold on veridian. (Wouldn’t you just love something in your house that you can describe as gold on veridian?!)
And if you want a peek at the fabric collection, check this out:
If you want to imbue your space with a sense of luxury, I say look no further than Anna French. As for me, I’m ordering my wallpaper samples right now…
I’ve completely fallen for the range of textiles at L’Aviva Home. Representing techniques and crafts from all over the world, each piece seems to tell a story. Indeed, many of the items are vintage.
The bedspread above is, of course, a Moroccan wedding blanket. Perfect for sparkly neutral types like me! I’m also hankering for one of these Mexican bedspreads, which come in turquoise, crimson, plum, terracotta and gray as well as this indigo.
These are Bolivian Aguayos, used by women in the Andean region to carry babies and personal items.
There are also beautiful organic cotton Turkish Hammam towels.
And vintage Suzanis from Uzbekistan – in several different colors.
These aren’t exactly cheap, but that doesn’t stop me wishing…
I’ve started to become a fan of black and white patterns in interiors. There’s nothing quite like the drama and contrast of a black and white scheme to energize a room. In particular, I’ve been eyeing up some of the fabulous wallpapers out there in this popular color combination. There are literally thousands to choose from. It’s quite bewildering. At some point I may pick one for the bedroom wall that has been naked for so long. (Although I’m actually enjoying browsing the options still, so don’t count on a decision any time soon!)
Here are a few of my all-time favorite black and white wallpapers, as well as some stunning new finds. There are some pretty wild patterns in here but, I figure if you’re going to go for the graphic appeal of black and white, you may as well go all the way and pick something that stands out.
And here are the deets:
1 – Random Geometry by Nama Rococo (I only just discovered this fabulous source of wallpaper); 2 – Sixty-Eight by Nama Rococo; 3 – Serious Bokay by Nama Rococo; 4 – Butterfly Valley by Elli Popp; 5 – Bindweed by Ferm Living; 6 – Butterfly by Timorous Beasties; 7 – Leaf by Timorous Beasties; 8 – Mediterranea by Cole & Son; 9 – Elise by Monsoon; 10 – Unknown; 11 – Modern Scroll by Nono; 12 – Horses Stampede by Florence Broadhurst; 13 – Pretty in print – peacock by Judit Gueth; 14 – Grove Garden by Osborne and Little; 15 – Unknown, via the Glam Lamb; 16 – Colada by Umbra; 17 -Walk in the Park by Osborne and Little;18 – Bittern Feather by Graham and Brown; 19 – Exotic by Julien MacDonald; 20 – Butterflies by Kate Larsen; 21 – Solitude by Superfresco Soraya; 22 – Cow Parsley by Cole & Son
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