interior design

xmas: bringing the manly back 16 December, 2010

As the last Christmas decor inspiration board I decided to challenge myself with the manly decor. I can totally see all those bachelors out there struggling to bring in the spirit home while keeping it cool. The ultimate key to keeping Christmas decor modern and manly is stepping away from the traditional stereotypes.

Starting with the unconventional Christmas tree – keep the shape but in charcoal gray and sparkle, while bringing the greens in accessories. I love the Embossed Pine Candle from Restoration Hardware, it will also brings a smell of the holidays. Enriching the white/gray/black pallet with metallic sparkle will entail the festive mood and faux fur adds a tad of wintery comfort. And to top it of I added the intellectual games accents, which always make a bachelor look like a good catch :)

1. Three Tabletop Cone Trees – $150; 2. Hour sand glass – $29.95; 3. Spin Ornaments – $35; 4. Bling Domino Set with Silver Croc Case – $19.95; 5. Platinum Horse Head – $195; 6. Frosted Foil Pillow Cover – $29.00; 7. Debut geometric pillow – $295; 8. Faux-Fur Throw – $119; 9. Egg Chair; 10. Gift Wrapping;  11. Holiday Home Embossed Pillar Candle; 12. Fog Linen Napkin – $14; 13. Platinum Drinkware – $70; 14. Chilewich Cubic Placemat – $7.

yarn wreaths 12 December, 2010

I’ve been in a crafty mood lately and I totally see a DIY project coming. What would it be? a yarn wreath, of course. I got so tired of the traditional tree branches look, and the yarn wreaths are so versatile – you can make them sleek and contemporary or go way out with ornaments, feathers and what not. And they are SO easy to do yourself too. Here are a few of my favorites from Etsy.

1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.

And how cute are these yarn balls, such a great contrast with shiny ornaments. 1, 2, 3, 4

xmas: folk affairs 6 December, 2010

Another inspirational board for your holiday decoration needs. I absolutely LOVE the simple folk theme as it shows that great design is not necessarily the expensive one.  It wakes up the craftiness in me, how fun would it be to actually have a pre-Christmas ornament making party with all of the friends.

Felt has been transforming the design world for quite a while now and my heart just melts when I see the cute little felt ornaments. Etsy is a great resource for those. Lots of woods and aged bronze give a real warmth and soul, while knits make you want to snuggle and cuddle (can’t get over the simple greatness of scarf wreath!).

Would you go for the simple Christmas? or does your heart crave the lavishness?

1. Scalloped Trees – $39-$79; 2. Millinocket Moose Ornament – $16; 3. Felt Wreath; 4. flora coaster tags pk 5 – $9.50; 5. Keepsake Bird Ornament; 6. Rattan Stars – $29-$39; 7. Rustic Bell Ornaments Set of 6 – $9.36; 8. Recycled Paper Garland – $28; 9. Mercury Animal Ornaments – $6.99-$9; 10. DIY Scarf Wreat; 11. Music Sheet Votive Holders – $36; 12. Natural Cocktail Napkins with White Monogram – $18; 13. Ceramic Imari Bowls – $59.

dreaming of a white christmas 3 December, 2010

That’s it, I can’t wait any more so I’m opening the season of Christmas/New Year’s decoration posts. Yay! Oh, this is my favorite time of all since you don’t need an excuse to go all out in home decor. So I’ve prepared a series of posts on different decoration styles.

I decided to start with the white icy feel. It’s easy to make it look too cold and austere with all of the glass and glitter. The key is to play it off with fabrics: my to-go choices area white knits and crochet (i love the combination of beaded and crochet pillows below). Another way to mix up the white cleanliness is to layer it up with vintage. For the mood board below I used vintage mirrored glass ornaments and white wash vintage china, which brings a nostalgic and warm ambiance.

So what are you thoughts on the white-on-white decor? Would you go for it?

1. Silver Antiqued Glass Ornaments – set of 4 – $27; 2. Winter Berry Branch Wreath – $64.95; 3. Crystal Beaded 16″ Pillow – $49.95; 4. Chrysanthemum Pillow 18″ – White – $49.95; 5. Sequin Animals – set of 3 – $14.99; 6. Optic Finial Clear Ornaments Set of Four – set of 4 – $15.80; 7. Down The Rabbit Hole Centerpiece – $798.

<set images via here and here>

first of december 1 December, 2010

Happy winter people! It’s only the first of December but I’ve already burning to hit the slopes, especially being amidst of planning our annual New Years get-away. What stated as a harmless 3-day trip to Park City, Utah a few years ago has grown into a real addiction now.  Right about this time of year my eyes start hating palm trees and my heart craves winter wonderland. So when I finally got to flip through the latest Elle Decor, I squeaked with jealousy. The cover story – the Turners’ winter retreat is THAT perfect that it makes it so hard to just be happy for the owners and enjoy.

Seriously, just look at it! Filled with rustic wood elements it is still so airy and bright. I totally see myself cuddling by the fireplace with tons of leather-bounded classics from that gorgeous library.

I love the perfect balance of contemporary with traditional qualities.

I need this wood  chandelier (plus the one above dining table) for my dream winter chateau so if you see th m – let me know.

<images via www.elledecor.com>