You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘interior’ tag.
I’m always inspired by the ingenuity of lighting fixture designs. A lamp or pendant light is like art and can make or break a space. But these Roofer lights by Benjamin Hubert for Fabbian are so cute and versatile that they’d work in both grand and modest spaces alike.
The green is great fun (imagine it with brass accents or against a fresh white interior). But I would probably go for the gray.
The Armadillo light by LZF is another shingled design. The shingles are arranged more irregularly, giving this light a quirkier feel. This cherry red is the perfect color for the style.
Anyone spotted any other shingled designs I missed?
These rooms are all perfect for cocooning on a winter weekend. White and light and airy for some much-needed vitamin D, yet cozy and inviting for blustery days.
I can’t get enough of this room. The genius combination of leather and felt on the sectional, paired with a kilim rug and marble table. Wow.
Gorgeous ceiling, another kilim rug, bench seating and those shelves…
I’ve got to sort out the pillow situation in our family room. I have my new velvet pillows but this picture tells me I’m far from done…
Herringbone floors, brass accents and a bit of greenery – the perfect way to ease into spring.
All of these photos are via this wonderful Flickr photostream.
I’m spotting gorgeous white rooms everywhere I look these days. Maybe it’s a January thing – fresh new beginnings and all that. But these snowy palettes are definitely speaking to me. Here are three of the very best – each of them illustrates perfectly how to keep a whiter-than-white space from looking like the inside of a refrigerator.
Wood tones and textures
A live edge coffee table, squashy leather chair and patterned rug (is that hide patchwork?) signal lived-in comfort against that white backdrop. By designer Kelly Behun via Desire to Inspire.
Glamorous gold
Gold is a great way to warm up white – yet it still reads as a neutral. More to the point, though, an utterly glamorous ceiling takes any chill out of the white. Ornate crown molding, wallpaper or a darker shade of paint on the ceiling would achieve a similar, if less dramatic, effect. Via Residence Magazine.
Brick and stone
Raw brick and polished concrete are all this black and white kitchen need to feel characterful. Of course, it’s not an easy to replicate if your place doesn’t already have these features. But a stone tiled floor or even wall with lots of texture can achieve the same effect. The lighting in the recess above the stove helps too – pools of light seem so much more inviting that a completely even glow. By photographer Stuart McIntyre.
Three gorgeous spaces – I’d live in any of them.
Have you discovered the 1st Dibs Photo Archive yet? What an amazing resource. It’s a gallery of photos from some of the most accomplished interiors photographers in the world (including the likes of Tim Street-Porter and Paul Costello). But the best part is that you can click on any photo and ‘shop the look’ with a wide selection of pieces from 1st Dibs that are similar to those in the photo.
For example, remember this room in Domino (RIP) magazine?
And here’s the accompanying 1st Dibs shopping list:
Because the photographers featured are world-class, you’ll recognize many of the photos from your favorite upscale shelter magazines. If, like me, you couldn’t get enough of Ellen Pompeo’s house in Elle Decor, for example, you’ll love this:
Here’s Pompeo’s living room, shot by Tim Street-Porter:
And now the 1st Dibs version:
Of course, the catch is that all this 1st Dibs wondrousness obviously comes with a 1st Dibs price tag to match. So, even if you find everything you need to create your own celebrity living room, you still need to figure out how to pay for it! But, one step at a time, eh?
It’s at this time of year I start thinking about ski chalets. Not your typical A-frame alpine cabins, mind. I mean expansive wood structures with soaring ceilings, incredible views, and open fireplaces. So I was happy to discover that this month’s Architectural Digest has just such a home on its cover. Now this is my idea of a ski chalet!
What a great juxtaposition of mid-century and contemporary with traditional craftsmanship. The architect somehow manages to incorporate those solid wood beams while keeping the overall effect light and airy. It’s a great color palette too. It reminds me of that other great ski chalet from last year’s Elle Decor. Who could forget this?
And this month’s Elle Decor has a Montana ski lodge with a similar palette, dark fire surround and beamed ceilings.
This modern interpretation of a ski lodge, from Living Etc, also has my vote:
Looks like it’s time to dust off those skis!
3rd Uncle Design is a small Toronto-based design firm that has been gathering considerable recognition in recent years. And for good reason. Founded by a trio of designers, the firm has a truly refreshing portfolio. I came across its work recently when looking for inspiration for our renovation, and was attracted to its calm spaces and clean, contemporary lines. But, on digging deeper, I realized that, while many of these homes fall into the dream residence category, some also show just what can be achieved in a smaller space.
This kitchen is my idea of perfection. If I lived in a more contemporary home, this would be my blueprint.
Now, while the space, light and gorgeous view definitely help this space, there’s something to be learned from the low shelving and quiet seating area.
This bathroom is a wonderful combination of contemporary styling and traditional materials. Who would have thought to mix Moroccan-style tiles with a rectangular wood tub?
This diminutive TV area (albeit within a much larger open floorplan) uses furniture with exposed legs and a striped rug to create a more spacious feeling.
Ok, space is definitely not an issue here. But check out the collection of Moooi Random lights – they look positively ethereal suspended above the living room.
This ingenious shelving system is like a work of art – it also reflects the size and shape of the window frame so that it all blends seamlessly.
Another bathroom combines traditional and modern fixtures. I like the way this portfolio contains such a range of styles – indicating the designers’ ability to reflect their clients’ own personalities – while maintaining the same sense of calm as a common thread throughout.
Enjoy more of 3rd UNCLE Design’s portfolio here.
As part of our kitchen renovation, we are redoing a powder room. It’s a tiny space, so I’m keeping it neutral and simple, with a little Indian-inspired detailing. Here’s a sneak preview…
My starting point was the Rajapur wallpaper from Cole and Son. I’ve been dying to use this somewhere and decided this was just the space. Tiny rooms always seem larger with wallpaper, and this is subtle enough that we won’t tire of it.
The perfect mirror with this wallpaper is a white pearl inlay design. This particular one is from Serena and Lily, but it may be a little large for the space so I am still on the hunt for something similar. With all this pattern, I wanted simple white glass tiles, white paint and modern fixtures.
Here’s hoping we get started on the work soon so I don’t change my mind again…
1. Wisp White paint, Benjamin Moore; 2. Orbit lamp; 3. Mirror by Serena and Lily; 4. Dish (for soap) by John Robshaw; 5. Vessel sink by Porcelanosa; 6. Cabinet door pull in nickel; 7. Floating walnut vanity; 8. Kohler wall-mounted faucet; 9. White glass tile backsplash; 10. Flint floor tile; 11. Rajapur wallpaper by Cole and Son.
With their intricate tilework, scalloped arches, hammered silver lanterns and cool courtyards, Moroccan riads are a decorator’s idea of pure escapism. Not many urban homes can get away with these features, but that doesn’t mean we can’t admire them and draw inspiration. I particularly like these more muted black and white riads, not only because they exude calm, but also because they allow the details to really stand out.
What do you think? How would you incorporate Moroccan style into a home?
2. Via Simply Home Designs
3. Via The Style Files
I’m on a quest for the perfect paint color for our dining room. It will be redecorated after the kitchen renovation and I’m planning a neutral scheme, enlivened with plenty of pattern. The big challenge is finding the perfect taupe. I want to go with darker walls for a bit more drama, and have decided charcoal will be too gray but don’t want to veer too much toward brown. I’ve found some good sources of inspiration though.
Via LiveBreathDecor.
Via This is Glamorous.
If anyone can recommend the perfect shade for me, I will be indebted to them!
If truth be told, I’m a little scared of house plants. I think it’s the commitment required. Plants often come with a sizable price tag, they need caring for, and there’s always the possibility that they’ll become too big or just start dropping leaves. It can also be hard to choose a plant that fits your style and that you won’t tire of. But, if you can handle all that, they’re worth it. Not only do plants bring a beautiful sculptural element into your space, but it is said they remove toxins, reduce noise and alleviate stress too. What’s not to love?
So, for other plant-phobes out there, here are three easy ways to introduce stylish greenery into your home.
1. The plant of designers: the fiddle-leaf fig
I haven’t done the research, but I bet that if you leafed (sorry) through the past five years of Elle Decor, the most frequently-sighted plant would be a fiddle-leaf fig. It’s a clear favorite with interior designers because of its sculptural qualities. With large glossy leaves, it works in modern and classic schemes, as well as those with an artistic or global vibe. It always makes a statement.. (Photos 1 and 2 above by William Waldron via Elle Decor; photo 3 via RDuJour)
2. Splendid succulents
Via Haus Design. Anyone can grow a succulent. Well, anyone that doesn’t live in Alaska that is. I was converted into a fan of succulents after planting a few in terracotta pots in our garden – and watching them develop into interesting shapes and colors throughout the year (with barely any effort from me). Indoors, they make striking table centers, windowsill arrangements or even wall decor. They’re fun for kids to look after too.
The table setting above is actually from a wedding. If you are still unconvinced about the beauty of succulents, take a look at the photos of this stunning event, via photographer Stephanie Williams’ site. You won’t be disappointed. As a taster, look: succulents even make gorgeous bouquets and hair adornments!
3. If in doubt, arrange some leafy branches
Via Bromeliad. I’m sure my third tip will be met with derision as it’s not technically about plants. But, if you crave some greenery and are strictly low-commitment, an arrangement of leaves and branches is a great option. Much more modern and effortless than a floral display, these bursts of greenery can really inject life into a scheme.
Via Canadian House and Home. Whether in a contemporary or traditional setting, a simple glass vase with a branch of bright green leaves is an easy way to add energy, height and interest.
Any other tips for those of us without green thumbs?
Recent comments