Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Guest Post and a Preppy Round-Up: Houzz
My second Houzz product picks article called The Elements of Prep is up and I'm pretty excited. I have a certain affinity with preppy decor, especially when it reminds me of fabulous dinner parties, sailboat rides and big family homes. Below are are few of my picks, but hop over to Houzz to see the full list!
Hello everyone! My name is Becky and I'm a contributor at Houzz, a home design site focused on helping design professionals and homeowners manage the remodeling and decorating process. Thanks so much to Gabrielle for having me!
I noticed that, like myself, Gabrielle is someone who appreciates plaid as a classic pattern and uses it in new, chic ways. It seems as though every other year it is deemed "in" again. Certain colors, scales or Scottish tartans may stand out with each resurgence, but plaid is a staple that will always be present in interior design. Here are three fresh ways designers are using it in 2012.
This room shows just how versatile and sophisticated plaid can be. A marble-topped Saarinen dining table, woven French bistro chairs, and a smashing deco-industrial pendant are beautifully arranged in front of subtle plaid walls.
A large-scale gray and black plaid adds a bit of menswear-style to this glamorous living room.
The plaid print in these rounded chairs is the only source of straight lines in this eclectic dining area. Designer Garrison Hullinger has balanced the contrast between classic tartan and the contemporary ring pattern, revving things up by using a plaid full of bright orange and red hues.
Where do you weigh in on plaid? Will you always associate it with school uniforms and flannel shirts from L.L. Bean or are you looking at it in new ways?
Find more inspiration from Montreal interior designers and more design professionals at Houzz.
I'm now giving the stage to the lovely Becky from Houzz who appreciates preppy, especially plaid, as much as I do. Take it away Becky!
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I noticed that, like myself, Gabrielle is someone who appreciates plaid as a classic pattern and uses it in new, chic ways. It seems as though every other year it is deemed "in" again. Certain colors, scales or Scottish tartans may stand out with each resurgence, but plaid is a staple that will always be present in interior design. Here are three fresh ways designers are using it in 2012.
Where do you weigh in on plaid? Will you always associate it with school uniforms and flannel shirts from L.L. Bean or are you looking at it in new ways?
Find more inspiration from Montreal interior designers and more design professionals at Houzz.
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Thanks for your input Becky! What are your thoughts plaid, tartan and gingham?
Monday, July 30, 2012
House Crush: Hamptons Designer Showhouse 2012
I was a little bored by the interiors I'd seen recently when I stumbled upon brand new photos of this year's Hamptons Designer Showhouse. Coincidentally, this happened only minutes after I devoured every single one of Erin's posts on Acid Wasp decor (they're hilarious by the way). So it seems Acid wasp is picking up, judging by some of the rooms in this house... And I thought I was alone in this.
Hello pink and green watercolor velvet dreams. I would gladly adopt this bedroom as my own and wouldn't really change much except for maybe that lime green stool.
Hate the weird layout and the rug on an angle, love the skinny stripes and the butterfly collection!
The den is pretty traditional, nothing too special and a bit matchy, but I have to give props for the gallery wall.
Overall I'm really digging the house this year. What did you guys think?
Hello pink and green watercolor velvet dreams. I would gladly adopt this bedroom as my own and wouldn't really change much except for maybe that lime green stool.
This bedroom is totally crazy and perhaps a bit "too much", but it beats all the snore-worthy interiors I've seen recently! I'd keep the wallpaper, blue trims, rug, dusty pink chairs and mayyyybe the bed.
Hate the weird layout and the rug on an angle, love the skinny stripes and the butterfly collection!
I'm pretty sure this nursery is the precise rendition of what Erin calls Acid Wasp. A little too much for my taste, but I do love the wallpaper, black trim, berber rug and of course the sheep stool. I probably would have gone solid on the curtains and I would've skipped on the blue moroccan pouffes.
The den is pretty traditional, nothing too special and a bit matchy, but I have to give props for the gallery wall.
Holy living room of my dreams! The muted colors, the height, the windows, the fireplace, the textures, the art...
I. am. floored.
Not a completely sold on this one. Layout: tick. Brass bookcases: tick. Blue grasscloth: tick. Art: tick.
Overdose of headache inducing turquoise: Untick. Overdose of flamestich: Untick.
I'm digging the colors in this room however! Lilac, blue and a crazy vibrant red! Yes, I approve.
I'm really not understanding the use of regular shades here, and the chair upholstery hurts my eyes but I'm loving everything else in the room, especially the rug and the console.
Last but not least, have you seen the backsplash? Yes please! And the barstools, if you insist, with pleasure.
Overall I'm really digging the house this year. What did you guys think?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Worthy Links: 27.07.12
I'm off to New Brunswick with my sister this weekend to visit my dad and spend a little time at the beach and make sure I get plenty of lobster rolls into my system. As I'm posting, packing and prepping for a 12 hour drive, I'll keep this short and sweet and leave you to this week's links!
Naomi shared not one, but two mindblowingly awesome client reveals.
Two of my favorite girls in one post. Becka interviewed Roxy.
Victoria launched a brand new very insightful series.
Lara shared photos of her stunning wedding ceremony.
I practically fainted when I saw Kyle's bathroom and closet update.
See you on the flip side!
Two of my favorite girls in one post. Becka interviewed Roxy.
Victoria launched a brand new very insightful series.
Lara shared photos of her stunning wedding ceremony.
I practically fainted when I saw Kyle's bathroom and closet update.
See you on the flip side!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Top 5: The High and Low of Decorating
People often ask me what my rules are for high/low decorating. It's a tricky art to master and it can go horribly wrong if done wrong. Which is why I decided to make it my topic of discussion today on Damask & Dentelle.
Tip number 1: Don't splurge on trendy accessories that, let’s be honest, you’ll want to throw away in a year’s time anyway. I’m talking to you, brass menageries, suzani throws, ikat bowls, foo dog bookends, zebra rugs and starburst mirrors…
Hop over to read the other four tips!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Gab Loves: 25.07.12
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Get The Look: Mark D. Sikes's Entry Hall
So it occurred to me that it had been a while since my last Get The Look. In all honestly this "series" (if you can even call it that) has been very inconsistent since the beginning. But here's the thing. I haven't been able to get this entry hall by Mark D. Sikes out of my mind.
It's simple, sparse and monochromatic which is traditionally not my style, but it works. Throw in a few accessories on the table like a bowl full of tangerines and a red coral branch and you're set!
1. Boxwood Topiary | 2. Large Cornice Hanging Lantern | 3. Perfect White Paint | 4. Vigo Round Table | 5. Provenance Market Basket | 6. Chinese Porcelain Umbrella Stand
Monday, July 23, 2012
Guest Post: My Dream Home Wish List on Bungalux
If you're anything like me, you constantly daydream about your ideal home - what will the layout be? What color will you paint your bedroom walls? So on and so forth.
So when the lovely Alex Brunkhorst - founder of Bungalux, my new favorite luxury real estate website - asked me to collaborate on Bungalux's blog, it felt only fitting to revisit my dream home wish list, starting with a colorful front door.
It's a must to give your home the great first impression it deserves. Bonus points for coordinating your blooms with the color of the door.
So when the lovely Alex Brunkhorst - founder of Bungalux, my new favorite luxury real estate website - asked me to collaborate on Bungalux's blog, it felt only fitting to revisit my dream home wish list, starting with a colorful front door.
It's a must to give your home the great first impression it deserves. Bonus points for coordinating your blooms with the color of the door.
Read and see the other nine items on my dream home wish list on Bungalux. And while you're there, I strongly suggest perusing the dreamy listings...
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Worthy Links: 20.07.12
This week was a hair-splittingly busy one as I completely failed to empty my inbox but the next few weeks are planning to be much busier as I cram work in between a couple of trips.
Fortunately this week wasn't without highlights, one of them being getting a super sweet email from the very talented Jamie Meares telling me how much she loved my blog. I practically fainted right there on the spot.
I also attended the HomeSense fall/winter launch with the wonderful Tala, Vanessa's new assistant, and was very excited with the products and the prices. For all the photos, visit the album on Savvy Home's Facebook!
I'm off to the country for my mom's birthday bash so until I'm back bright eyed and bushy tail on Monday morning, here are a few worthy links to indulge in this weekend.
Todd shared one of the most beautiful travel photo album I had seen in a long time.
Sara made me look forward to putting on my tennis skirt this weekend!
Jessica gave us lots to read about.
Bradley hired one of my favorite design firms to decorate her home away from home.
I loved Sarah's summa style.
Cheers to a happy summer weekend!
Fortunately this week wasn't without highlights, one of them being getting a super sweet email from the very talented Jamie Meares telling me how much she loved my blog. I practically fainted right there on the spot.
I also attended the HomeSense fall/winter launch with the wonderful Tala, Vanessa's new assistant, and was very excited with the products and the prices. For all the photos, visit the album on Savvy Home's Facebook!
I'm off to the country for my mom's birthday bash so until I'm back bright eyed and bushy tail on Monday morning, here are a few worthy links to indulge in this weekend.
Todd shared one of the most beautiful travel photo album I had seen in a long time.
Sara made me look forward to putting on my tennis skirt this weekend!
Jessica gave us lots to read about.
Bradley hired one of my favorite design firms to decorate her home away from home.
I loved Sarah's summa style.
Cheers to a happy summer weekend!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Top 5: 50 Shades of Grey
You know the gist, hop on over to Damask & Dentelle today where there will be no talk of billionaires, contracts and soft limits (did your mind just go there!) but there will be talk of how to use grey in your home.
Tip 1: Go really dark and moody. Go charcoal, almost black. Grey does moody very well, and again I’m not just referring to Christian. If you want a masculine and dramatic room, dark charcoal is your friend.
Follow through for the other four tips!
Tip 1: Go really dark and moody. Go charcoal, almost black. Grey does moody very well, and again I’m not just referring to Christian. If you want a masculine and dramatic room, dark charcoal is your friend.
Follow through for the other four tips!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Gab Loves: 18.07.12
1. Peach Sky, Empty Pool by Paul Davies | 2. Marmont Pendant | 3. Free People Shimmy Party Dress | 4. Harlow Side Table | 5. Jonathan Adler Grey Parish Euro Shams | 6. Blue and White Asian Cachepot | 7. Phillip Wood Desk | 8. South Seas Bar Cart | 9. Kimrey Ottoman | 10. Metallic Jacquard Trousers | 11. Bay & Fyfe Pastel Zoo Scarf
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Deconstructing: The Art of Hanging Art
I recently hung quite a few frames around my apartment and man, it's quite a learning curve! I'm normally the one who stands back and says: "higher, lower, to the left, to the right..." but to actually have a pencil tucked behind my ear with tape measurer and hammer in hand is quite a different process.
1. Chances are that the space where you want to hang that painting is to high. 63" on center above the floor is a perfect viewing height for most pieces and keep a minimum of 9" between the art and tops of sofas and chairs.
2. When in doubt, over size. There's nothing worse than a painting that looks too small for the space. If you do have a painting that looks too small above your sofa, don't center it. Offset it a few inches to the left. The negative space becomes part of the image.
3. When hanging a gallery wall, it's a great idea to tape where the frames will go to get an ensemble view before you start slamming nails in the wall. keep the gap between them 2 to 2.5" to really utilize the wall space.
4. Gallery wall look best to the eye when it follows some kind of grid, whether vertical, horizontal or both. Try to line up a few frames without them being all perfectly lined up. Think of it like a Pinterest board. It's not perfectly lined up but it's somewhat structured.
5. Hang art in unexpected places. In a bookcase, over a mirror, in a window (as long as it doesn't block the little light you have) You'll be surprised at how good unexpected looks.
The worst part is that when you're alone, there's no one to hold your painting up while you decide if it's visually to high, to low, off centered, etc. So you have to rely solely on precise calculations and measurements. I must say, other than the few extra unused holes in the walls (behind the paintings thankfully) I think I did pretty well. I still thought we could all benefit from a few tips on hanging art...
1. Chances are that the space where you want to hang that painting is to high. 63" on center above the floor is a perfect viewing height for most pieces and keep a minimum of 9" between the art and tops of sofas and chairs.
2. When in doubt, over size. There's nothing worse than a painting that looks too small for the space. If you do have a painting that looks too small above your sofa, don't center it. Offset it a few inches to the left. The negative space becomes part of the image.
3. When hanging a gallery wall, it's a great idea to tape where the frames will go to get an ensemble view before you start slamming nails in the wall. keep the gap between them 2 to 2.5" to really utilize the wall space.
5. Hang art in unexpected places. In a bookcase, over a mirror, in a window (as long as it doesn't block the little light you have) You'll be surprised at how good unexpected looks.
What tricks do you use to hang artwork in your house?
Monday, July 16, 2012
Designer Crush: Katie Ridder
We've all fallen in love with her wallpaper, but have you ever browsed through Katie Ridder's portfolio?
Icy blue and moss green is one of my new favorite color combinations. I'm loving the vibe in these two rooms that are actually in a retail store!
Lilac and coral is my second favorite color combintion of the moment so right off the bat, Katie's really pulling at my heart strings.
Purple rooms are so moody and beautiful... It's really widely underused as a wall color in my humble opinion.
You know how I feel about silverleaf ceilings. Mixed with mahogany walls, a funky floor and a gallery wall, I'm there.
The bedroom below has to be one of my favorite kid's rooms of all times. The lacquered wallpaper on the ceiling is brilliant, as is the shade of tiffany blue on the walls.
Icy blue and moss green is one of my new favorite color combinations. I'm loving the vibe in these two rooms that are actually in a retail store!
Lilac and coral is my second favorite color combintion of the moment so right off the bat, Katie's really pulling at my heart strings.
Purple rooms are so moody and beautiful... It's really widely underused as a wall color in my humble opinion.
Purples and browns also go together beautifully in a more subtle but no less vibrant color palette.
You know how I feel about silverleaf ceilings. Mixed with mahogany walls, a funky floor and a gallery wall, I'm there.
The bedroom below has to be one of my favorite kid's rooms of all times. The lacquered wallpaper on the ceiling is brilliant, as is the shade of tiffany blue on the walls.
A slightly dustier version of the tiffany blue also works well in an office with lots of natural light.
And last but not least, look at this sofa. And the floors. Oh my is all I have to say about that.
How do you feel about her designs? Love it? Leave it? Let's discuss...
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