Author Archives:

Fashion & Interiors Look-A-Likes

  |  in Fashion, Inspiring Images, pink, yellowNo Comments

It’s often noted that many interior design trends follow that of designer fashion. We often see colors, elements and textures come off the runway and into the home season after season. Interior, textile and furniture designers take the brilliant collections from fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Alexander McQueen turning them out beautifully for the home. At times, we also see fashion inspired by interior trends such as last season’s romance with upholstery fabrics.

What would this collaboration look like side by side? We’ve put together a collection of look-a-like ensembles and rooms to give you an idea of what this close correlation between industries might look like.

“After the hardness of Fall, we wanted something gentle and kind, fragile but strong, too,” Marc Jacobs said, touting the workmanship of the Louis Vuitton’s Spring RTW collection.

A peach and blue dining room captures the femininity of the Louis Vuitton ensemble above. The combination of casual and formal plays nicely off the “fragile but strong” look Jacobs was going for in his collection.

 

“Hanne Gaby Odiele has this sunny, exuberant personality and a relaxed and cool sense of style,” Derek Lam said. “Over the years, she has become sort of a muse for me.”  Style.com notes bold playfulness is at the heart of the 10 Crosby Derek Lam Collection.

Bold yellow and red mimic the sunny silhouette of Derek Lams dress in which he gets across his point of bold yet playful.

 

Style.com said of the Alexander McQueen RTW collection by Sarah Burton, “She based her collection on the three Gs: Grès for the pleating and draping, Gaudí for the architecture, and Gaia for the sense of all-encompassing oceanic life that infused the clothes, like the outfits composed of coral or shells.”

Whispery pink with subtle shimmery accents makes this room, the interior reincarnation of Burton’s shell like ensemble above.

 

For the Celine Spring RTW 2012 collection, designer Phoebe Philo had “shape” in mind. “It’s just very sculptural, very three-dimensional,” she said. “We accentuated the bits that felt strong to accentuate, tried to create some new proportions.”

The sophisticated pairing of black and white makes a strong statement reminiscent of the fashionable pairing above. The mix between modern graphic elements and floral ones, make this room a reflection of the runway look previously.

 

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez expressed that Googie architecture was the inspiration for their Spring collection. “Mid-century road-stop architecture,” Hernandez said. “It was once cutting-edge, but now it’s decrepit. Lost optimism.”

With architecture being the muse behind Proenza Schouler’s Spring line, this room reflects the florals and raw grays of the dress above.

Inspiring Images | Kuekenhof Gardens (Tulips!)

  |  in Adventure, arrangements, color, Dramatic, Floral, Happy Colors, Inspiring Images, orange, Outdoors, pink, purple, World Travel, yellowNo Comments

I have recently returned from a European trip visiting Budapest and Amsterdam. It’s Tulip season in Holland, so we did the proper touristy thing and took a day trip to Keukenhof Gardens. Keukenhof is known as the “Garden of Europe” and boasts a full 7,000,000 flower bulbs. That’s seven million bulbs that are arranged and replanted into beautiful designs and combinations every year! It also holds the title of most photographed place on earth. To say it is beautiful would be an understatement.

I love tulips, I even had a spread of white and purple tulips in my wedding, so this was a little slice of heaven on earth. And they hyacinth! Hyacinth were also planted en mass and their perfume filled the air. If you ever have the opportunity, I suggest a visit. I have tried to capture the beauty and feel as much as possible, but I feel photos can never do a place like Keukenhof justice.

Enough words, sit back and enjoy the beauty!

European Garden DesignAmsterdamWorld TravelGarden Design IdeasEuropean Garden DesignWorld DesignGarden DesignColor

I really loved the bold colors of the tulips and the strong statements made with them together. Yet, I’m also so drawn to the classic red tulip. It’s simple. It’s elegant. It’s timeless.

Garden Design InspirationTulips!

And no Beautiful Habitat post would be complete without ideas for incorporating these inspiring images into your home. Some beautiful container gardens. I love both the mental buckets and the bold painted urn.

Garden Design InspirationBeautiful Gardens

Things You Should Know About Commissioning Custom Furniture

  |  in Boulder, Custom, Denver, Dining, Dramatic, furniture, local, recycle, Salvaged, sustainable, tableNo Comments

I am currently working on a very fun and interesting project that involves both Architectural Salvage and Commissioning Custom Furniture. Before embarking on both aspect sof this project, I came across two wonderful articles from Colorado Homes and Lifestyles Magazines.I don’t know about you, but I’ve always dreamed of commissioning custom furniture. Much like building a custom home, or certain remodeling projects, it’s an opportunity to create exactly what you want.

Here are 10 Things You Should Know About Commissioning Custom Furniture, as printed in CH&L.

Furniture Design in ColoradoCustom Table via Ryan Schlaefer Fine Furniture

10 Things You Should Know About Commissioning Custom Furniture

  1. First ask yourself: Do I really need a custom piece? Both David Larabee, co-owner of Denver-based modern furniture line DoubleButter, and Andrea Schumacher of Denver’s O Interior Design agree: The best reason to purchase custom furniture is if your space has strange or uncommon dimensions. Otherwise, try to find a piece that already exists—it will be better for your wallet and your timeline.
  2. Determine the use of the piece. Think through all the specifics. What space will it occupy? What do you need it to hold? How many people does it need to fit? Also, says Schumacher, be aware of your personal dimensions and proportions—if you’re taller, you might want a larger chair or sofa. “If you get this bit right,” says Larabee, “you’re on your way to lasting happiness.”
  3. Don’t ask the designer to make a knock-off. If you just love the Seven table by B&B Italia (known for its three-sided, rounded-off top that accommodates seven) but don’t want to pay B&B Italia prices, don’t ask someone to copy the table for cheap, says Larabee. “You’ll end up owning a cheap knock-off of a piece you love—and you’ll know it.”
  4. Consider your budget and timeline. “Custom furniture is going to cost a little more and is going to take a little longer,” says Larabee. “Good design takes time to do right, and that time costs money.”
  5. Choose your materials palette before you choose the craftsperson to execute the piece. You’ll want to be sure the furniture designer can work skillfully with the materials you like. Also, says Schumacher, if you don’t specify what you want, you might end up with a piece made of cheaper materials, like pine, which won’t hold up in the long run.
  6. Know your artisans. Get references, visit the shop, see—or sit on—examples of their work. You want to find someone who can design furniture in the style you like. Also, says Larabee, pick a designer you feel comfortable with. “Creative collaborations work better when the collaborators are comfortable telling each other how bad some of their ideas are,” he says.
  7. Get multiple bids. Be a smart shopper. Compare price and quality among a number of artisans.
  8. Focus on the finishes. It’s the little details that will make your piece look better—and last longer. Some of Schumacher’s hottest tips: Get a stain sample on approval before you move forward. Pay more for high-end drawers and hinges, which last longer. And, if your budget allows, splurge on wood (rather than melamine) for the insides of the piece, to make it look and feel more substantial.
  9. Don’t change the design mid-project. Pick a course and stick to it or you’ll destroy your budget and timeline, and drive everyone involved with the project crazy.
  10. Go for it.When you buy locally made furniture, you are supporting the people who live and work around you. Plus, says Larabee, “Life is richer when we’ve got a deeper connection to the things that fill up our lives.” You might be handing down that table to your children someday—how special to be able to share the story of where it came from.

I’ll be honest – I did not do #’s 1 or 7. Regarding #1: I had a vision in mind for this particular table. The room itself didn’t call for a unique piece. Instead, the homeowners did. They are adventurers that really want a statement piece for their dining room. They called for something bold, unique, and using reclaimed materials. Regarding #7:  I just went straight to a furniture builder that I know and trust. The new table (to be revealed in a few weeks) is currently being built by Ryan Schlaefer Fine Furniture in Loveland, Colorado.

Custom Table via Ryan Schlaefer Fine Furniture

For the full post and access to other “10 Things You Should Know…” at Colorado Homes and Lifestyles.

Have you commissioned or built anything custom? Share your experience with us here, or on Facebook!

 

Things You Should Know About Architectural Salvage

  |  in Accessories, art, Beautiful Habitat, Boulder, creative, Denver, DIY, Doors, Dramatic, furniture, lighting, local, recycle, Salvaged, sustainable, Uncategorized, VintageNo Comments

I am currently working on a very fun and interesting project that involves both Architectural Salvage and Commissioning Custom Furniture. Before embarking on both aspects of this project, I came across two wonderful articles from Colorado Homes and Lifestyles Magazine. Here are 10 Things You Should Know About Architectural Salvage, as printed in Colorado Homes & Lifestyles.

Architectural Salvage Treasures10 Things you Should Know About Architectural Salvage: (via Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, with a few additional notes and photos from Beautiful Habitat)

  1. It’s a fun way to go green. When you buy salvaged building materials you’re not only scoring conversation-worthy accents for your home; you’re also diverting materials from the landfill and minimizing the use of raw materials.
  2. Don’t expect perfection. “The reason these pieces are charming and interesting is that they’re obviously recycled—meaning they’re not perfect,” says Eron Johnson, owner of Denver’s Eron Johnson Antiques. Tip: Have a furniture restorer coat any pieces of peeling paint with clear paste wax, which maintains the antiquity of the piece but gives it a smooth finish, Johnson says.
  3. Beware of “too good to be true.” There are a lot of architectural salvage knockoffs out there, warns Johnson—particularly when it comes to marble fireplaces, stained glass and iron work. If the price is too good to be true (as in, considerably less than every other piece you find), it probably isn’t the real thing.
  4. Know what you need. If you’re shopping for pieces that need to serve a function (doors that operate, etc.), bring along a notepad filled with the measurements and quantities you need and pictures of items you want to match, says Tom Sundheim, owner of Queen City Architectural Salvage in Denver.
  5. Find new uses for old items. “The beauty of architectural salvage is it frees an antique from its former use,” says Johnson. Iron garden gates can become decorative headboards; wooden window frames act as room dividers; and an old weathervane emerges as the perfect accent for your mantel. (or lamp bases as seen below, BH)Interior Decorator Boulder Colorado
  6. Be open to doors. Shopping for antique doors means having an eye for “quality beneath the paint,” says Sundheim. “Know which woods are heaviest. A pine door will weigh far less than a comparable oak door.” If you need the door to function, pony up for a heavier door. Also, for newer homes, understand that you may have to reframe openings to accommodate taller antique doors, Johnson says.
  7. Hit up the hardware section. You might have a hard time finding enough matching knobs and drawer pulls to outfit, say, a whole kitchen. But unearth a few antique pulls (they can even be mismatched) for the right dresser or accent table, and you’ve got a statement piece.Custom Interiors Denver Colorado
  8. Let there be light. If you live in a historic home, says interior designer Beth Armijo of Armijo Design Group, one of the best ways to honor the architecture is to install period-appropriate light fixtures. But, adds Johnson, remember two important safety tips: have an electrician update the wiring and, for pendants, reinforce the ceiling box. (Most antique fixtures are solid brass and heavier than modern fixtures.)
  9. Dig around for your garden. A trip to the salvage yard can yield curios perfect for your outdoor living spaces, too. Look for stone statues or pillars, cast-iron park benches, weathered farm tables, or even vintage bathtubs (great for birdbaths).
  10. Try DIY salvage. Someone just might love that pale-pink tub you’re tearing out of your master bathroom. Before you haul it off to the landfill, consider selling your relics online, or, even better, donating them to ReSource Yard (resourceyard.org), a nonprofit with salvage yards in Boulder and Fort Collins. Sale proceeds benefit waste-reduction programs and donations are tax deductible.Reuse, Recycle in Colorado Design

My adventures in Architectural Salvage took me to the ReSource Yard in Boulder and Queen City Salvage in Denver. I also perused the Eron Johnson website (which is a great site and user-friendly). Ultimately, I am repurposing some wood that used to be a kitchen floor and I  purchased dining chairs on 1stDibs. My adventures continue as I am planning another visit to Queen City for a new art idea I have. Stay tuned for more stories on this interior design project, coming soon.

For additional inspiration in salvage and recycling, check out the post on 23rd Ave Sculpture in Denver. This is scrapyard meets art studio, where old metal is turned into art, furniture and more for your home and garden.

To read the full post, or other “10 Things You Should Know… articles, visit Colorado Homes & Lifestyles.

Do you have treasures that you’ve salvaged or recycled? Share with us here or on Facebook.

Love it or Leave it | Painted Wood Floors

  |  in Boulder, Denver, Love it or Leave It, paint, tileNo Comments

I often see photos of painted floors in blogs, magazines and on Pinterest. However, this is not something that I see often in person and as an Interior Designer. That has a lot to do with the Denver & Boulder Colorado markets in which I work. Many of my clients live in newer homes with new or nearly new wood floors. Painting them seems like blasphemy. Another group of clients lives in older pockets of Denver, with wonderful homes including bungalows, 1930′s Tudors, and Mid-Century Modern. In these homes we are working to strike a balance between preserving original detail and modernizing the homes for life in this century. Often the floors are original to the home and again off limits to paint. But I am curious about your thoughts on painting wood floors: do you love it or would you leave it?

Restaturant DesignCecconi’s in London via Studioilse.

Interior Decorator Boulder ColoradoA simple, solid painted floor, via Bradbourne Farm.

Bathroom Designer Denver ColoradoA faux mosaic tile design painted on to a floor, via Henry Donovan Motif.

Interior Design and DecoratingThis paint pattern looks like a rug in this hallway. Via Curbly.

Interior Designer Denver ColoradoA stencil design over a distressed floor makes a dramatic statement. Via Designspiration.

Interior Decorator Boulder ColoradoA classic tile pattern painted onto a kitchen floor. Via Hello Tiger.

I want to know what you think. Would you paint your wood floors? Do you love it or would you leave it? Have you painted wood floors before? Please share your photos with us here or on Facebook.

And please chime in on our other Love it or Leave it discussions:

Or, check out the opposite of this post with Painted Ceilings.

Banquettes | The Built-ins

  |  in Banquette, Beach, Beautiful Habitat, Dining, Dramatic, Entertaining, kitchen, upholstery, wallsNo Comments

Last week I wrote about using sofas, loveseats, settees and benches as banquettes. This week I pay homage to the built-in banquettes. Enjoy!

I’ll start with 2 photos from Candice Olson. This dramatic red velvet tufted banquette that goes right up to the ceiling is the banquette that started my obsession. I have a wall that would be PERFECT for such a grand statement. It’s the dining room and the first wall you see when entering our home – the place to make a statement.

Candice Olsen Dining RoomAlas, The wall has multiple light switches and an air-intake that make reconfiguring electrical and HVAC for such a built-in banquette very costly. I’ve repaired my broken heart and now I’m searching for the perfect sofa, loveseat or settee per last week’s banquette post. Still, I enjoy and envy the built-in banquette. I hope you enjoy this collection and find inspiration for your own home!

Custom Built-in Interior DesignCandice Olson

Interior Designer Denver Coloradosource unknown

Interior Decorator Boulder Coloradovia Houzz

Interior Decorator Denver Coloradovia House of Turquoise

Kitchen Design Boulder Coloradovia Luxe & Lillies

Interior Designer Boulder Coloradovia HGTV

Modern Interior Design Denver Coloradovia Absolutely Beautiful Things

Kitchen Designer Denver Coloradovia Tell Your Interior Designer

For more banquette inspiration, check out these posts:

Do you love banquettes? Check out my collection of banquette inspiration on Pinterest. Do you have a banquette? I’m jealous and would love to see it! Please share photos with us on Facebook.

Banquettes

  |  in Banquette, contemporary, creative, Designers, Dining, Dramatic, Entertaining, Favorite Things, furniture, kitchen, Nail Head, pink, seating, tableNo Comments

As I’ve mentioned before – I love banquettes. There is something inherently glamorous about a banquette. Or perhaps it’s because I imagine a dinner party of my friends piling onto a big banquette in my dining room. I can’t quite put my finger on the source of this love, but it’s there. Oh, it’s there.

Banquettes are often thought of as built-in, such as this dramatic gem of a dining room via Toby Fairly. These built-ins can be a  great solution to a tricky area.

Custom Interiors Denver Colorado

However, the look and feel of a banquette can be easily achieved by pulling a sofa, loveseat, settee or bench up to your table, without the expense and construction mess of a custom built-in. Allow me to explain… visually.

Interior Designer Boulder ColoradoA sofa fits perfectly between cabinets in a kitchen nook. via House Beautiful, February 2012 issue.

Interior Decorator Denver ColoradoAnother perfectly sized sofa. This one features a beautifully shaped back and another favorite: nailheads. Source unknown.

Elegant Interior Decor Boulder ColoradoA very simple sofa becomes more interesting as a banquette. Source unknown.

Dining Room Design ColoradoThis dramatic settee makes a big statement in this otherwise understated dining room. source unknown.

Kitchen Design Denver ColoradoA punch of pink pattern brightens up this kitchen with the sofa turned banquette. Source unknown.

Kitchen Design Boulder ColoradoThis clever Kitchen design features an armless sofa as banquette with a table where many others would have used bar stools. I love the originality and out of the box thinking! Source unknown.

Interior Decorating Estes Park ColoradoAn elegant sofa creates a contrast to the more rustic dining table in this interior design. The effect is stunning. via Four Walls and a Roof.

Luxury Interior Decorating Denver ColoradoThe Interior Designer of this hotel went big and bold. This space features a large, curvy hot pink sofa as banquette. Wow. via Ohmygosh! Design.

Glamorous Interior Design Denver ColoradoA beautiful curved sofa in a glamorous dining room, via Elle Decor

I wanted to add a built-in banquette to my dining room. However, the location of light switches and the air-intake vent make that project well beyond my budget. No problem – I now have my eye on a settee that I want to include. Stay tuned for more!

Do you love banquettes? Check out my collection of banquette inspiration on Pinterest. Do you have a banquette? I’m jealous and would love to see it! Please share photos with us on Facebook.

Salvaged Driftwood Decor | Guest Post

  |  in Accessories, arrangements, art, bath, Bathroom, Beach, Coastal, creative, Dining, DIY, family-friendly, Floral, furniture, Guest Post, lighting, Patina, recycle, Salvaged, table, Tips, Traditional1 Comments

Hi! I’m Joanna, a writer with Arcadian Lighting, a go-to source for all things lighting, including awesome light fixtures. I love my job, but to be honest it doesn’t seem like work at all. I spend my days searching the web for lovely interiors and terrific decorating ideas to share with blog readers like you. Thank you Tennille for allowing me to share today.

With grey being one of the dominant colors in interiors going into 2012, it’s no wonder we are seeing weathered salvaged woods, like driftwood, popping up in rooms everywhere. From farmhouse to loft, woods are light, rough and unfinished. Tables are perhaps the most popular pieces being made from driftwood, but there are many ways to incorporate it into the home. A driftwood table lamp anyone? Here are a few ideas I found from around the Internet. Which is your favorite?

This seaside cottage features a remarkable driftwood coffee table which goes nicely with the room’s style.

Three starburst framed mirrors are made from small pieces of driftwood. This would make an easy DIY project if you are fortunate to live in close proximity of the beach.

A small end table of driftwood and metal goes well with the rustic elements of this screened porch.

Rustic driftwood shelves make a nice place for showing off a vignette of books, candles and a jar of seashells.

This unexpected lighting fixture, tall driftwood floor lamp, creates a can’t miss focal point in an eclectic living room.

Small pieces of reclaimed wood are joined together to create an unusual flower vase. This would make a lovely centerpiece used in multiples down a long dining table.

A cottage bathroom gets its own touch of driftwood on the framed mirror. The contrast between the patinaed wood and the rich marble below works well.

This isn’t driftwood but you can see the many possibilities of using driftwood and other reclaimed wood around the house. I love that handcrafted hanging lantern. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Accentuate your beautiful driftwood decor with pendant lights and beautiful lamps!

Love it or Leave it – Black Walls

  |  in bath, Bathroom, color, Dramatic, Love it or Leave It, paint, Wall Covering, walls1 Comments

Black – the darkest of dark colors. In many cases it’s a staple – a stable and safe bet. In other applications it’s bold and daring. Would you paint your walls black? Would you dare cover the largest surface in any room in black? Black walls – do you love it or would you leave it?

Interior Designer Denver Colorado

Interior Designer Boulder Colorado

Bathroom Design Boulder Colorado

Interior Decorator Denver Colorado

Bold Bathroom Design Denver Colorado

Let me know your thoughts – love it or leave it?

Maybe black is just too much for you, or not your color. Check out my previous post Interior Design Trends: Dark Blue Walls. It’s lovely.

Timeless Floral Decorations for a Modern Home

  |  in Accessories, arrangements, art, Bathroom, color, contemporary, Dramatic, Entertaining, Floral, glass, Guest Post, modern, TipsNo Comments

Choosing the right floral decorations will add the perfect ambiance to a modern home, and can turn any room from ordinary to extraordinary. Bring pictures of each room in your home with you to the florist. The visualization of each room will help a person and the florist order flowers in the shapes and colors that will accentuate a special space and style. While the florist is busy designing a floral masterpiece, a person no longer has to wait around until it is created. Most will choose to have their flowers delivered, a convenience that is very much appreciated in these busy times.

 

Modern Home Flowers and Design Choices

Elegant flower choices like orchids, gerber daisies, bird of paradise, and calla lilies will beautifully compliment a modern aesthetic. Choose vases and containers with sleek, clean lines. Bold metal containers will add drama and sophistication to a flower creation. Once a person selects the perfect flowers and container, the arrangement should be displayed so that it becomes the focal point of the room. If the interior colors are white or tan, choose florals or containers in bold, dramatic colors. An interior decorated in bold colors would look beautiful accented with light or pastel colored florals.

Floral Decorating Ideas for Modern Interiors

Place a line of bold, square vases across a fireplace mantle or at the center of a long table. Fill each vase with clear marbles and water, then add a single flower to each vase. Calla lilies are a great choice for single flower arrangements. This timeless floral design will add warmth to a modern design, while complimenting the style and decor of the room.

A bird of paradise flower arrangement in a bold metal container will add a dramatic look to an entryway in a modern interior, and it is a great way to welcome guest as they enter the home. If the entryway is large enough, place a bird of paradise floral decoration on each side of the front door for a bolder, eye-catching look.

Beautify a bathroom by placing a small square vase on the sink or at the top, center of the tank. Cut the stems short so that the flower heads hit just above the vase. Tie a bow matching the flowers around the center of the vase. Add a drop of potpourri oil to the arrangement water. This is a natural and unique way to add a lovely aroma to a bathroom.

Fruits mixed with flowers is a floral design that would beautifully compliment a dining room or kitchen in modern home design. Place a flat bowl or basket filled with fruit on a table or counter. Lay flowers on and throughout the fruit for a bold, stunning look. Another design option is to have the flowers placed at the center of the flat container, then frame the florals with the fruit pieces.

Every room has an awkward space or small corner that needs that little something. A tall vase with a dramatic floral arrangement would be the perfect decor choice. Choose vibrant colored flowers placed in a clear vase, or select a colored vase with ivory or soft colored flowers to make the space pop.

A candle centerpiece is another floral decoration that would beautify any room with modern decor. Place some moss inside a large flower pot. Place a trio of pillar candles in the center of the moss, then make a border with roses around the edges of the pot. This floral decoration looks stunning on a fireplace, entertainment center, or a corner in the room that needs a decorative touch.

About the Author

Patricia Hall works part-time for a florist and flower delivery but loves to surround herself with flowers at any given point of time. Even in her free time she loves to involve herself with everything flora and fauna.
‘To me there is nothing more beautiful and global as the language of flowers – it is the easiest to understand all around the world in the same way. That is one reason why I truly admire flowers for what they represent in some ways – unity of all mankind!’

  • Categories

  • TS Recent Posts

    • May 17, 2012
      Fashion & Interiors Look-A-Likes
      It’s often noted that many interior design trends follow that of designer fashion. We often...
      Read More »
    • April 24, 2012
      Inspiring Images | Kuekenhof Gardens (Tulips!)
      I have recently returned from a European trip visiting Budapest and Amsterdam. It’s Tulip season...
      Read More »
    • April 6, 2012
      Things You Should Know About Commissioning Custom Furniture
      I am currently working on a very fun and interesting project that involves both Architectural...
      Read More »
  • Keep In Touch!