Something I have a need for and have for sometime is a cool round mirror. . . . I have seen many interesting examples and thought I would share them with you. I know,I know I'm so generous you say! This one to my left is one I love- the black frame, the rope hanger and the reflection of distressed wood is fabulous. Adding a round mirror softens a rooms hard edges made by most furniture. A curve or two is not a bad thing.! Not just in mirrors. . . . Pop in a mirror between shelving adding light and reflection. Double up one on top of another,creating height or filling in the height. Twin vanity mirrors. One each. Oversized and awesome. Statement making. Concave cool! Grouping together. Large , wooden frame, reclaimed wood. Re-use,recycle.So that's my pick for today. Add a round mirror and enjoy the view. . . . . . .
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This week my daughter was talking about an upcoming school dance with a theme of "White on White" which inspired me to write about white rooms. The more I thought about it I seemed to notice articles on other blogs and in the latest magazines. It's funny how that works,it's like when you want something new and you see it everywhere, haunting you until you do something about it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White rooms can be clinical unless you add texture and softness with fabric, a mixture of materials like wood and metal. If you do it right they can be bright,light filled and soothing. I never thought I would paint a white room until my daughter asked for one. It actually was quite up lifting to create a blank canvas ready to add a few personal touches with shots of hot pink. Some rooms I have seen followed this philosophy too but others went all out WHITE! Walls,floors,furniture and fixtures. Their are some people who love a neatral world and others who have to have colour. Which side are you? I feel like I am a fence sitter! I like the soothing nature of neutrals but I must have colour to complete me!! Look at these all white spaces and see what you think?Choosing the right white makes all the difference! Some of my favourites are by Benjamin Moore ( I know I'm biased because I work there!)Try White. . . . . Maybe it's right for you.When I realised I was going to be able to visit Miami recently the first images to pop in my mind were the colourful, Art Deco buildings synonymous with this cool city. I have always loved this period in art and design. It began in 1920's Paris after their world famous exhibition continuing on into the 30's and up to World War II. It offered glamour,elegance and symmetry. This style of architecture was inspired by many other countries structures like the pyramids of Egypt and the Aztec temples throughout South America. Art Deco has a purely decorative aesthetic, and as far as I'm concerned there is nothing wrong with that! Check out my own pictures of Miami style. . . . . . The Gap by Deco! Cool Blue Apartment Block. . . . . South Beach Sunshine Yellow! Colour Overload- Love it! So South Beach. . . . . . Cool,chic hotel hang-out. . . . . Take a look at that car too! After i saw these colourful examples of ART DECO architecture, I wondered if we had our own here in Canada and it turns out we do and this is what I found. . . . maybe not so colourful but definitely interesting. Finally here are a few well known buildings that I never realised are classic Art Deco. Their shape,structure and materials. Learning about something new helps us to appreciate where we have been and where we are going. Some designs are timeless and meant to stay around to inspire!
On my recent trip to Miami, I searched out the design district but more importantly the Jonathan Adler store! I have been a fan of this designer's colourful, funky style for years. He has a distinctive aesthetic, easily recognisable and definitely fun,fun,fun. . . . . . . In a previous post i talked about some of his books in my design collection. ( My Books). I have always wanted to go to one of his stores so when I realised he had one in Miami I made a beeline for it,dragging my family along for the ride! I spent a long time looking at all the bright, inspiring pieces. I could have picked up the whole store and brought it home with me but. . . . unfortunately we only had one suitcase! So I found a gorgeous vase perfectly colour co-ordinated just for my house. As I spent so long browsing the beauty that is Adler. . . .my husband came in and actually found something he liked. . . a new colllar for our dog! Jonathan Adler is a dog owner himself and has created some fun collars, beds and dishes just for the pooches in our lives. I love Jonathan's philosophies for adding colour and happiness to our homes- Check out out some more examples of his great designs and ideas. Final note:- Adler's 10 Commandments for a Happy Home. . . .The Easter Bunny is coming again and it`s time to get together some treats for the family. While searching the internet this week I found a cute idea using paint chips to make paper eggs and thought I would give it a try. I do work at a paint store after all! I picked a selection of fresh Spring colours and gathered my supplies together and got started. The credit for the idea goes to Claire a teacher who is crazy for paint chip crafts! I downloaded her template and started cutting. This part took the longest but once it was done it was easy to put the pieces together with small brads I already had in my scrapbooking supplies. Check out the steps below. . . . . . . . . . . I decided to put the finished eggs in small bowls and wrap them up, the main gift being the bowl which can be used after. You could put mini eggs inside them too. Next I decided to use up the leftover paint chips to make my Easter cards and some gift tags for another project. Waste not want not! Finally I saw a fun way to give treats by using jars, but decided while out for my daily Starbuck's why not use empty frappucino cups instead. . . . . I layered different goodies like jelly beans,mini eggs etc and added ribbon and the paint chip gift tags to finish off. So those are my Easter treats this year. . . . . . Happy Easter to you all, I hope the bunny is good to you too!After a recent trip to Florida staying at the "W" hotel in Fort Lauderdale, I thought I would share some of my pictures showing the great design details that could easily translate into our own homes. For me I always notice the decor wherever I go and am inspired to make changes or try something new. The hotel was designed by a New York based design firm called "Clodagh" and they created an amazing modern, Zen -like place to stay. Take a look at their website and all the incredible projects they have worked on. Hotel design at its best- inspirational ideas. Plush rug creating a seating area on concrete floors, curved metal chairs and great wooden tables. Neutral space with textures for added interest. Soft velvet and wood combination seating. Concrete stools/tables and cool woven discs for art. Dramatic and dark purple and grey. Metallic leather and soft furnishings. Straight lines paired with curves. Wooden wall panels and graphic textured mural that continues onto the ceiling. Amazing! Colour combination of blue and grey-soothing and calm. Oversize art to balance long sofa. Cool metallic stools opposing all the softness. Pop of colour hiding in the closet!- Unexpected but worth it. Great colour combination- grey with that zing of yellow! Interesting use of wooden posts to create an enclosed seating spot. Another comfortable lounge grouping- Love the see through acrylic table filled with spray painted shells! This idea could be replicated with many different objects to personalize. Even a clear box with small items in would be great on another table. My favourite pieces - organic red woven reed chairs. Even if you aren't lucky enough to have these on your patio you could spray paint your own wicker chairs a fresh new colour for the Spring. Floor to ceiling statement shelving, back-lit to show off an amazing collection. This could be done in any home. Striped wall treatment, could be done inside or outside our homes. Creates big impact. Inexpensive way to add detail and bring in several colours to compliment the furniture. Finally create your very own Cabana haven in your back yard. It could be built out of wood with ready made drapes added.
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