I have a very battered well-loved copy of Tricia Guild’s book Design and Detail sitting beside me on my desk as I type this. The book has been passed back and forth between my Mom, my sister, and myself over the course of many years, with each of us drawing inspiration from its pages in various ways. In fact, it was sitting curled up in a big armchair with this book when I was a young girl that first opened my eyes to the inspiring world of color and design. Tricia Guild, founder of Designers Guild, is a master of combining colors, patterns, and textures in fresh, surprising, and often bold ways, so I like to check in every so often and take a peek at what she and her team have been up to. Would you like to come along? Oh, good! Let’s go…
Turquoise may have been declared color of the year for 2010 by Pantone, but to me this surprisingly versatile color will always make me feel right at home. I love it here in a saturated shade with equally vibrant chartreuse, white, and a touch of lavender. This little scene makes me want to prop myself up in that sunny bedroom with a stack of decorating books, a yummy scented candle, and a posy of fresh flowers!
Luscious pinks, plums, regal velvets, and bold patterns…doesn’t she make it look easy? In reality, I would have a bit of a hard time living with a patterned fuschia velvet sofa, (!) but I would happily roll out that richly textured white rug in my bedroom!
Many of the smaller items, such as pillows, towels, throws, candles, stationary, and books, are available for purchase directly through the Designers Guild website. And just in case you are looking to purchase a little treat, you might like to know that many items are on sale up to 60% off through this Sunday! And one last thing before I wrap this up…
Just look at these showrooms! I could totally see using these spaces as inspiration for a home office/studio redesign, couldn’t you? I love the clean simplicity of the Paris showroom, and the warm, vibrant colors and textures of the London store. Ah, I could just move right in!
{images: Designers Guild}
I am taking a little pause today since I have a long appointment to go to, and a bit of fun coursework to catch up on in Holly Becker’s Blogging Your Way e-class. But before I do go, I would love to check in with you a bit – how is your week going? How about your intentions (or goals or resolutions) for the new year? Are you still flying high on that new year energy rush or are you feeling your spirits flag a bit after a strong start? Whatever your goals and intentions may be this year, why don’t you take your own little pause today, perhaps during a short break from work or right after you get home, and take a moment to do something just for you, to appreciate yourself.
Maybe on your way home you could pick up a small bouquet of flowers or a potted plant to bring a bit of life into your winter home? Clear a little space, light a candle, fix a favorite bevvie, and breathe deeply while focusing on the small place of beauty around you. Fresh flowers in the winter can make such a big difference in our mood! I have been purchasing a small bouquet at the grocery store each week, like the tulips above, and they make me smile each time I see them. Or take this time to sit down with your calendar and schedule a few positive, enriching, or creative events in the upcoming month that you have been meaning to try. For instance, I am in a big rush for Spring to arrive and I am looking for landscaping/gardening ideas, so I have just marked down the dates for a Spring Flower & Garden Show on my calendar! What can you do today?
{image: Laura Gaskill}
Good Monday morning to you! My weekend was so busy and productive that it just zipped right by, and I can hardly believe it’s over already! My plans for this house are beginning to take shape, and I am excited to see things unfold. Over the weekend Benny and I picked up a few more important pieces for the living/dining area: a big, 60′s style white armchair, and two square mirrors to hang side by side behind the dining table. We also had the dresser delivered, and it fits perfectly in our bedroom – yay! How was your weekend? Whether you are amped up for the week or off to a bit of a slow start, I am sure you will love feasting your eyes on the gorgeous home of AB Chao…
She has been featured on Apartment Therapy at least three times (here, here and here), and for good reason! You can see all of her photos on flickr, and get to know her on her blog, hashai. I am totally in awe of this woman’s style and renovating-decorating-make-over-ing abilities. In awe, I tell you! I tend to waffle a lot, changing my mind hundreds of times over each tiny decision, ensuring that any project takes precisely ten times as long as it needs to – so seeing these very finished looking rooms is a huge inspiration and motivator for me.
This bedroom is what first drew me in – it looks like something straight out of Domino or Elle Decor, don’t you agree? I don’t see myself painting my own bedroom a dark color, but this makes me see just how sexy and sophisticated it can be.
And oh my, have you seen her daughter’s room? It is so bright and sunny, with really fun pops of bright red and yellow – I would think that a room like this would be enough to encourage any teenager to keep their room picked up!
Here is a detail of Madeleine’s room – if my desk area looked like this, I would be a very happy camper! Love the floating shelves, inspiration board, matched pair of task lamps, glossy tray, and little jar of flowers. And the letter “M” above the desk is a sweet touch!
You must go to AB Chao’s flickr and blog to see and read more – I know that I, for one, will be adding many of her photos to my style files!
{images: AB Chao}
Happy Friday, sweet friends! I don’t know about you, but it seems like this week just flew right by me – what happened? I have no idea! But I am sure glad it is Friday, as I have a full weekend planned with lots of shopping, vintage-hunting, and dragging furniture around – Benny, I hope your back is prepared for heavy lifting! My mind has been very much on my home this week, and I apologize for the light posts this week because of it – but I have been a busy little bee sketching floor plans, making lists, organizing and decluttering, and I promise you will begin seeing the results of all of this work soon, so soon! Anyway, for today’s sweet obsessions, I have rounded up some of my favorite little love notes and treats for your sweetie or a friend. I hope you enjoy them, and do have a lovely weekend!
For your sweetie:
1. I can’t think of a more romantic love note than this: Hello Handmade will create a custom calligraphy love letter with whatever message you like, along with a hand-drawn, watercolor illustration and all sealed up with washi tape and sealing wax! This is entirely handmade and takes time, so if you have your heart set on sending one of these, order it soon!
2. I love the crisp graphics and unique messages on cards from Miss Vu, especially the In Love card and XOXO – in fact, I think that XOXO card would look pretty spectacular in a frame above the bed!
3. I am a total sucker for buntings, though I have yet to purchase one. Lately I have my eye on this one from Gathering Spriggs – wouldn’t it be sweet hanging in a child’s bedroom? Or anywhere, really – how about the kitchen?
4. This archer card strikes the perfect balance between sweet and modern. From Modern Printed Matter by Anna Cote, a Rhode Islander with a gorgeous little shop.
5. Aw…how can you resist this sweet little tunnel of love card? Would go perfectly with old movies and real popcorn. From Anthropologie.
For your best girlfriends:
6. I just had to smile when I saw this card from Sycamore Street Press – it’s so cheeky, yet so sweet at the same time!
7. A classic, reinterpreted: handwoven silk friendship charm bracelets by L.A. Native.
Bonus: And for when you are so not in the spirit of Valentine’s Day (be warned: graphic language!) this awesomely harsh card from MadeByGirl should do the trick!
Happy Weekend, friends!!!
{images: linked to individual sources above}
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