Entertaining

Dining Room Project | Repurposed Table

  |  in Antiques, Beautiful Habitat, Before and After, contemporary, creative, Custom, Denver, Designer's Home, Entertaining, Flooring, furniture, recycle, sustainable, table, Upcycle, upholsteryNo Comments

A little over a year ago, I gave our dining room an update. I cannot believe that I have not yet shared the results with you! Life, it seems, has been far too hectic. But I’m here now to share the process, inspiration and results of this make-over. I hope you enjoy!

Flooring Repurposed as Table

In 2008, we replaced a wood floor with tile in the kitchen. This flooring change was done to expand the kitchen nook by several square feet and because the flooring and cabinets were too similar in color and we desired a bit more contrast.

Interior Designer Colorado

I kept the wood for 4 years, waiting for inspiration to strike. I knew I would dream up a clever way to reuse this wood…someday.

Custom Furniture Design

Eventually Inspiration struck in the from of a repurposed table top. I found this image on Pinterest and the idea took off from there.

Repuposed wood table

To bring this vision to life, I contacted  my favorite custom furniture Designer and Builder in Colorado: Ryan Schlaefer Fine Furniture. Ryan went to work on the details of the design.

The completed table is lightly distressed and has a grayed, slightly weathered finish. The herringbone pattern is beautiful! I could not have been happier with the result. Thanks, Ryan!

Custom Furniture Design

Giving New Life to Vintage Chairs

As the Dining Room started with upcycling, I thought I’d continue with an environmentally conscious room. Instead of buying new chairs, I found a unique set of metal neoclassical revival chairs on 1st Dibs. The chairs are circa 1950′s and are cast metal, allowing the lines of the chairs to curve and taper in a way that carved wood could not, yet has details to mimic carved wood.

Repurpose Vintage Funiture

I immediately loved the lines of the chairs. The pea green paint and silk fabric were a bit “easter egg” for my taste. Instead, I opted for black paint with silver highlights and a combination of fabrics from Kravet and Osbourne & Little.

Creative Interior Design Solutions

The new Dining Room!

I love the final results and look forward to seeing these beautiful pieces in the dining room of the new house soon.

Interior Designer Denver CO

Interior Designer Boulder

Do you have a story about creatively repurposing or upcyling products in your home? Share with us here or on Facebook.

Two-Toned Kitchens | Love it or Leave it?

  |  in Beautiful Habitat, Entertaining, kitchen, Love it or Leave It, paint2 Comments

Whether it be different colors for Base cabinets and Wall cabinets or switching up the color for the island, kitchens with multiple colors of cabinetry are all around. Do you love it, or would you leave it?

Custom Kitchen Design

via Better Homes & Gardens

Kitchen Design in Denver CO

via Beautiful Habitat

Interior Design & Decoration

via Pinterest

Kitchen Designer Boulder CO

via Home Bunch

Full Service Interior Design Colorado

via Pinterest

Custom Kitchens and Design

via Southern Living

Contemporary Interior Designer

via The Marion House Book

 

Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

  |  in arrangements, color, Dining, Entertaining, holiday, Nature, orange, tableNo Comments

Are you ready for the holiday season? Sadly, I am not. Not even close. My mind is somewhere in early October. But it is officially upon us and I’ve got to face it. Have you planned your decor or table settings for the Thanksgiving holiday? I am thinking about it today. Below are several images that I find inspiring for the 2012 Thanksgiving celebration at Casa Wood. I hope you’ll find inspiration for you decor, too. Enjoy!

Holiday DecorationI love the contrast of blue and orange together. It’s a nice twist in the decorating color scheme. The rustic place mats are a nice textural element.

Interior Decorator Denver ColoradoSimple, yet clever use of candles in a centerpiece.

Modern Interior Design Boulder ColoradoA modern take on Thanksgiving table settings. It’s simple, with a great color palette in the graphic table cloth.

Colorado HolidaysA wonderful natural centerpiece – pine cones, twigs, berries, gourds, rice. It feels very mountain cabin -like to me.

Color Consultaions InteriorsA colorful take on Thanksgiving. This feels like Cinco de Mayo meets Thanksgiving and I love the energy.

Interior Design Denver Colorado

Home DecorA wonderfully simple design. The burlap place mat and brown paper and a great contrast to the white plate. And the message is perfect.

For more information on each image, visit the Pinterest Board Falling for Fall

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out previous posts on Holiday Decor:

The Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving Decor Round Up

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love it or Leave it | The Kitchen Desk

  |  in Beautiful Habitat, Entertaining, kitchen, Love it or Leave It, Work SpaceNo Comments

The built-in kitchen desk. A large number of homes built in Colorado over the last 20+ years include the built-in kitchen desk. I’m curious to know how many people really utilize this space. Do you use it, or does it accumulate the family stuff? Is it a valuable resource and organization tool that you’d hate to part with? Would you rather the desk be converted into a pantry, second oven, sink, or other space that you might use more? The built-in kitchen desk: Do you love it or would you leave it?

Kitchen Design Denver Coloradovia Pinterest

My husband and I had a kitchen desk in our first home and never really used it. We also had no kids and, being newly married, very little “stuff”. Our flat in London and our current home are both without the desk. I don’t miss the desk, so that qualifies me as a “leave it” girl.

However, I recently had a client that went from a desk home to a no desk home. It was a big concern for her, so we’ve added a desk into the plan. In the floor plan below, we added a desk/console behind the sofa to add the workspace that she had lost from her previous kitchen. She is obviously on the “love it” side of this debate.Kitchen Floor Planvia Beautiful Habitat

With another client, who didn’t need a work space, but does entertain frequently, we changed the desk in to the beverage station/bar for parties.The wall cabinets are stocked with glasses and spirits. The base cabinets include overflow wine bottles.

Kitchen Designer Denver COvia Beautiful Habitat

The photo below is a home where they took this idea to the next level and converted the desk to a full wet bar. Clever!Kitchen Design Boulder Coloradovia Pinterest

 The built-in kitchen desk. Do you love it or would you leave it?

Custom Kitchen DesignColorado Interior Designervia Pinterest

How do you you use your kitchen desk? If you don’t use it, have you converted it to a space that is more useful to you? Share your ideas and photos here or on facebook.

 

Banquettes | The Built-ins

  |  in Banquette, Beach, Beautiful Habitat, Dining, Dramatic, Entertaining, kitchen, upholstery, walls1 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.

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!’

Valentine’s Day Decorating Ideas | Guest Post

  |  in Accessories, arrangements, creative, Dining, DIY, Entertaining, holiday, pink1 Comments

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you may be making dinner or hotel reservations or picking out a new dress for the occasion. Make Valentine’s Day that much more special this year by decorating a room for the holiday.

Flower Arrangements, Bouquets, and Centerpieces

A simple, floral centerpiece could add an extra boost of color to your dining table, if you’re planning a special Valentine’s Day breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Of course, pink or red roses are the Valentine’s Day go-to but they can be softened with a pale blue, art nouveau-esque vase that would accentuate their sensuality. We prefer shades of pink and white over the stereotypical and sometimes harsh red bouquets.

Interior Designer Denver ColoradoDecorating IdeasCandles

Nothing ignites the flame like decorative candles, which cast a flattering glow on the faces of lovers and friends. Wood and other rustic candleholders can add a flame to the dining table or bedroom, without looking over the top or strictly seasonal. We love the idea of flipping wine glasses upside-down, then placing scented candles on their base, too.
Interior Designer Broomfield ColoradoInterior Desinger Westminster ColoradoBanners and Wall Hangings

For the crafty among us, a heart banner, comprised of individually crafted valentine hearts, could blend perfectly in the eclectic home. Pink-tinted doilies can hang on invisible string over a dining table for a Valentine’s Day party.

Interior Decorator Boulder ColoradoInterior Decorator Denver Colorado

Whether you’re throwing a Valentine’s Day party or planning a dinner for two, decorate with flowers, candles, and hearts galore to celebrate romance this holiday.

About the Author: Ryan is a guest writer and interior designer who specializes in seasonal trends, especially in houses for sale Austin TX and Florence homes for sale.

Pink & Gold for the Holidays | Guest Post

  |  in arrangements, color, contemporary, creative, Dramatic, Entertaining, glass, Guest Post, holiday, pink, tableNo Comments

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica and I’m a writer for Arcadian Lighting. I get to write about brilliant lighting fixtures and the latest in interior design trends. Now that Christmas is only days away, I’m going to share a few holiday decorations that use an unconventional color combination: pink and gold. These two colors are so fresh and magical together, just right for the holidays! I hope you enjoy!

Pink Gold

This lovely pink Christmas tree is certainly eye-catching, but it doesn’t overpower the room when paired with silver and gold gift wrapping. The pastel pink wall color and bare floorboards are light and bright.

Pink Gold

The rich pink and gold ornaments on this tree are beautiful together. Matching gift wrap and stockings complete the room. I really love the little log cabin under the tree, as well.

Pink Gold

This holiday table looks like a beautiful setting for a spring time celebration, but the dark pink ornaments and glowing Christmas tree tell us otherwise. It’s a clever contradiction, and one that is all about fun. The chandelier looks especially bright with flowers and Christmas ornaments. Ceiling lights truly make all the difference when sprucing up your home decor.

Pink Gold

Another holiday table setting, this one is more subdued and sophisticated. The varying shades of pink and silver accents glisten under the golden candlelight.

Pink Gold

This holiday bedroom vignette is feminine and romantic. I love the floral wreath and crystal berry garland adorning the wrought iron bed frame. The ornaments are so lovely with their soft pink color and golden glow.

Pink Gold

The soft color palette in this room really helps the fresh flowers, gold mirror frame and pink pendant light stand out. The ropes strung across the room would look brilliant with garlands and ornaments.

Pink Gold

Pretty pastel colors adorn this dining room from top to bottom. The sparkling tree looks sweet with minimal decorations and pretty pink ribbons. A set of gold candlesticks shine on the mantel.

Pink Gold

Here is a tree decked out beautifully in pink decorations and striped ribbon. Petite gold lights sparkle and make this little tree perfect. Images 12345678

What do you think of using pink and gold for the holidays? Explore our wonderland of light fixtures and check out Arcadian Lighting!

Holiday Entertaining – Setting the Table

  |  in arrangements, creative, Designers, Dining, Entertaining, holiday, table, TipsNo Comments

As Holiday Entertaining gets into full swing, I find myself inspired by some amazing table designs. Your table setting and decoration is a great way to set the tone for your holiday gatherings and to create parties to be remembered.

First a quick primer on *proper* table settings. To be followed, or completely ignored as YOU see fit for your own party…

Starting with your dinner plate, which looks more lovely and festive when layered over a place mat, charger, or both. A salad plate or bowl can be layered on top of the dinner plate, depending on your planned courses. Don’t be afraid to mix styles, colors or vintage with new – get creative. Place cards are a great touch to a dinner party. Think out-of-the-box, use fruit or foliage, or a small gift.

 Next – forks to the left of the plate, knife and spoon to the right. Place silverware in the order of it’s use, working from the outside in.

Glassware is at the top right of the plate. Water glass first, followed by white wine, then red wine glasses.

(article and photos from House Beautiful Magazine‘s Entertaining Issue)

And now some simply beautiful and creative table design and decorations that are inspiring me this holiday season. Courtesy of House Beautiful.

Michael Devine, Fabric Designer

Miles Redd, Interior Designer
Jan Barboglio, Home Furnishing Designer
And a final image from BBBCraft Sisters c/o Design Sponge. I love the incorporation of pomegranates and evergreen into the table.

Do you have a beautiful holiday tablescape? Share it with us! You can send me a link via the comments on the blog, or upload to the Beautiful Habitat Facebook wall.

Happy Holiday Entertaining!

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

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