Today I'm playing with deep blue and fiery orange, inspired by that fab Bette Davis Print by Alvaro Tapia Hidalgo (via Society6). A few affordable pieces to create a bold little reading nook- complete with Spiky Mug for coffee (black, no sugar). I love that mug; it's unique + prickly, just like the late Ms. Davis. Oh, and since we're going bold, I included something extravagant (for me) from my wish list: Onita Mary Janes by Chie Mihara. Aren't they lovely? A girl can dream...
The most interesting interiors have an element of surprise. Something that makes you stop and wonder. Perhaps something that shouldn't work, but somehow just does. I think the photos above are good examples of this. When I saw the first photo on Pinterest, I was like "Huh, that's unusual". I wasn't sure about it. Art placed behind the bed frame? Why? But the answer is in the reaction. You notice it because it feels wrong; for me, this makes it right. In the second photo (via Alvhem Brokerage + Interior) the mini gallery above the door adds whimsy, and draws attention to the high ceilings.
One easy way to add visual interest to a wall is to leave some (or all) frames empty. In the first example (via Budget Wise Home) the empties are cleverly mixed with the framed images to create a display that is artistic and modern. In the second (via emmas designblogg) empty frames of varying color + texture are arranged in a way that suggests an abstract sculpture. Picture this on a crisp white mantel- how beautiful!
Gasp! It's a dreamy real-life version of the design I had in mind while creating my previous post. Kinda. In my world there would be more... stuff. Minimalism is not conducive to daily living. Still, I love the pairing of feminine colors + mod design, and wanted to share.
This interior design originally appeared in Domino Magazine, which ceased publication in 2009 but will soon again be found on newsstands in the form of special edition "Quick Fixes". According to their website, the first edition will be available April 17. Yay! Until then, I'll continue to peruse my back issues and The Domino Magazine Files flickr group- cultivated by the mag's loyal readers.
Okay, not gold precisely, but that Brass Pendant Shade (Urban Outfitters, $64) is pretty swell. I love interior looks that blend various styles, creating something unique and eye-catching. Here, I was going for vintage, feminine, industrial, with hints of natural, for a look I see as casually elegant. AND all this decor is affordable. So important. I mean, I can't spare $700 for this- can you?
The Ava Sleeper Sofa (Urban Outfitters, $699) is gorgeous and doubles as a guest bed, making it a solid investment. Add some ruffles (Smoke Blue Round Pillow, Pier 1 Imports, $29.95) to femme it up. Not too much though. The Metal Wrapped Side Table (West Elm, $119) adds more industrial to the space and helps create balance. I like this mod-ish green lamp (Target, $32.99) for the table, with some accessories evoking nature (see above). Finally, some vintage wallpaper and art for the walls: a vintage portrait (via Fishs Eddy) and "14" by Agnes Martin (via Art River). All in a plum-aqua-green color scheme that is charming, warm, and oh so inviting. Yeah.
I can usually tell that Valentine's Day is approaching when all the candy in the stores have pink + red wrappers. Which is cool. As far as seasonal packaging goes, Valentine's is the best. Other than that, I don't really care for it. Seems to me love (in all its forms) should be celebrated 365 days a year (or 366 days this year), and not just one singular day. That being said, I've been enjoying these awesome/weird vintage valentines over at Retronaut. Oh, and these Kate Spade B Mine's are pretty cute.
Twiggy's saucer eyes and stripey lashes are the inspiration here. She, the iconic image of girly mod. I find all things femme + mod very appealing. There's something about the combination of curvy modern design and a youthful, feminine color palette that make my eyes go all wide. So here I've rounded up some not-too-pricey decor for that pretty mod space of my (and your?) dreams.
"The details are not the details. They make the design." Charles Eames
I watched this the other day and loved it. The Eames duo are so inspiring! He (Charles) began as an architect & She (Ray) started as a painter. What's clear, however, is that this couple were impossible to define. Best known for their furniture design, the Eames' also worked in industrial design, graphic design and film (in addition to their original trades). Their design philosophy, insatiable curiosity, energy and whimsy will stay with me for some time.
