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!

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.

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!’

First, let’s define the goals of the project.

1. We are incredibly blessed to live with dedicated open space behind our home. Privacy is not an issue, and we also have great views. Therefore, we want something that can provide some privacy, light and heat control, but still provide some visibility.
2. We have a more modern or urban aesthetic, yet lifestyle of the suburbs. We enjoy creating ways to urbanize our suburban home.
3. Both as an Interior Designer, but also as an individual, I am drawn to unique things and I especially wanted an original and creative way to treat the standard sliding glass door.

The Project:
The first and most important step is always a good design plan. This included a number of sketches to work out the design and the measurements. The door had to be large enough to completely cover the sliding door and window above, 6′ W x 8′ H.

One of the longest parts of the process was staining the boards, particularly because a bitter cold front moved through Colorado, forcing me to move the staining into the basement… We also went with a 2 step staining to get the warmth and aged-look we wanted.

Next came the layout and actual build.

The door is done! Now time to get it hung…

Hardware

We chose hardware from a company called Real Sliding Door Hardware.

We made the door handle from pieces of plumbing pipe found at any hardware store.

1. It followed the urban and industrial aesthetic that we wanted
2. Because the door is 6′x8′, the handle needed to be substantial to feel balanced with the door size. Finding a substantial handle is difficult. Finding one that doesn’t cost a fortune is nearly impossible.

On to hanging… This was the most stressful part of the project!

Once the hardware was up, it was time to stain again. Why didn’t I stain this with the other boards? The cold Colorado weather prevented me from staining in the garage. The 12′ L of this board prevented it from going down to the basement. Therefore, staining in place was the best option.

Modern Barn Door Is Complete and hung!!

Above, the door is closed.

And a view with the door open.

And partially open. Maximum functionality here!

I hope you’ve been inspired to think out of the box in your home! What project would you like to try?

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.

Candles

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.
Banners 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.

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.

Lamp, Hundred Watt

The light of Hundred Watt burned out on Jan. 1,  leaving the world a little darker but with more energy. Hundred Watt was eliminated by an industry in which he was once revered despite last minute congressional efforts to save him.

This venerable member of the Lamp family was always a welcome guest and brightened countless lives for more than a century. Known to his friends as 100A, Mr. Lamp was also referred to as “the filament” by his detractors. He was often compared to Santa Claus in his ability to deliver smiles and light.

Born in 1879 in Menlo Park, NJ, to the late Thomas Alva Edison, Hundred Watt grew from a dim carbon filament to a bright tungsten Lamp. He leaves behind three siblings: Forty Watt, Sixty Watt and Seventy-Five Watt, all of whom suffer from terminal low lumen efficacy syndrome. (that’s lighting-industry speak for “not energy efficient”)

Hundred Watt is also survived by his son, Seventy-Two Watt-Halogen, who bears a striking resemblance to his father but is not quite as bright.  In addition, Hundred Watt is survived by a nephew, Twenty-Six Watt CFL, whom many find slow to warm up.

I thought this was cute, so wanted to share with my fabulous readers. Lighting is incredibly important to creating beautiful interiors. I’m sure that you’ve noticed the difference in paint colors, fabric, or makeup when you move from one light source to another. Not only do Interior Designers learn a lot about lighting, there are many that specialize only in Lighting Design. I do agree with the need to improve energy efficiency, but I don’t agree with the banning of incandescent light bulbs. There are many roads to better energy efficiency, but this is not a good one. Just blindly banning incandescent (to be followed by halogen) bulbs is not a solution and will leave us all with the bad color-rendering, slow warm up times, and poor dim-ability of CFLs. Yuck

Other Roads to Efficiency

Thee are other means to reach energy efficient lighting in your home. The best long-term solution is adding dimmers. Dimmers are an easy DIY project and dimming your incandescent or halogen bulb by just 10% will double the bulb life. That’s right – DOUBLE. And this becomes exponentially more efficient as you dim it lower and lower.

Dimming your incandescent or halogen bulb by just 10% will double the bulb life. That’s right – DOUBLE. And this becomes exponentially more efficient as you dim it lower and lower.

If you are a lover of good lighting, like myself, and want to know more, you don’t need to take a lighting design class. I recently stumbled upon a book Losing Edison. A book review is available on the Blog Freedom Light Bulb.

This week I’ll be looking at ways to add exciting patterns for every room in the home. From bold patterned tiles to graphic towels and linens, don’t be afraid to bring patterns into your home. Patterns add interest and style to any space. Be bold, mix and match, and have fun with pattern!

DE Design Coop via

Patterned floors in the kitchen, bath or entry add an extra style element to these rooms. Tile laid in interesting patterns or a herringbone wood floor are interesting twists on these traditional materials.

Coco Cozy via

Patterned tiles… for the bath or kitchen add color as well as pattern to these spaces. Use them on the floor or as a backsplash. Moroccan style tiles are very popular now.

Bedding Chic via

Bold patterned bedding is a smart way to add pattern to the bedroom design. Mix and match it with solids to break up the pattern, or choose a patterned coverlet or duvet.

Design Sponge via

A bold pattern area rug is a smart choice for adding pattern to a dining room, entry, living room, bedroom or even a bathroom design. Indoor/outdoor rugs can add pattern to your porch or deck.

Apartment Therapy via

Wallpaper is the big trend for adding pattern to walls today. Available in a range of patterns, colors and sheens, wallpaper can work in small spaces, like powder rooms, and larger rooms like dining rooms.

Shore Dreams and Beautiful Things via

Colorful patterned bath towels, like these from Amy Butler, can liven up your bath or guest bathroom. Patterned tea towels for the kitchen are a hot trend right now. Other interior design ideas to think about, might include colorful tea towels as guest towels in a powder room.

Rent the Runway via

Curtains in the living room, dining room or bedroom can be the perfect place to add pattern. And they are easily changed if you decide you don’t like the pattern anymore.

Pepper Design via

Pillows, like these ikat patterned pillows from Fabricadabra, are the easiest way to add patterns to any room.
Pattern will add excitement to your décor and your life, start adding it today!

All Photos via Pinterest

What are your thoughts: Love it or Leave it?

Check out other Love or Leave it Ideas and Posts

I have honestly never been a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. I prefer to think that if you want to make changes in your life, don’t wait for a specific date on the calendar. However, this year I have taken some time to reflect on the year that has passed and what lies ahead. This reflection has raised a desire in me to strengthen a belief that I already have: to always choose happiness.

Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. ~ Guillaume Apollinaire

Many people tell me that I am a positive and happy person – and I am glad and grateful to hear that message. However, in our culture it is so easy to get sucked into the negativity that permeates modern life. Like anyone else, I can often feel the pull towards negativity, doubt, blame, judgement and ultimately unhappiness. But I have seen time and time again that feeling this negativity, and expressing it outwardly toward others, does nothing more than make me feel bad. So I always try to remember that in any moment of my life I have a choice and I’d like to Choose Happiness…every time.

In 2012, I’ve like to continue to strengthen this belief – and the frequency that I am able to choose happiness in my life. I’d like to cultivate happiness wherever I go, because it is a constant within me.  In 2012, I Choose Happiness. I hope you will, too.

What are your goals for 2012?

A little video on Choosing Happiness: Choose Happiness

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Here is a tree decked out beautifully in pink decorations and striped ribbon. Petite gold lights sparkle and make this little tree perfect. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

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