Look for less?

I have a thing for ethnic textiles and John Robshaw bedding really does it for me.

I am redoing my son's bedroom soon with navy walls and new bedding. I really want something a bit exotic in terms of a quilt, duvet cover or throw. Robshaw bedding is a bit over budget but there surely must be a "look for less". I am toying with hand printing my own.

I love to hear your "look for less" ideas.

Grafitti living

source

I think the sofa above is really awesome and I would do it in a heartbeat if I thought I could pull it off in my house. I think it would look silly in a suburban, new construction house.

The owner of this furniture, Pamela Bell, one of the four original partners in the Kate Spade brand, bought muslin covered furniture from John Derian and asked her daughter's class to come and decorate it.

It take's "kid friendly" to another level.

How's that for being cool?

I f you could, would you?

Friday inspiration

This Manhattan loft satisfies, for me, the quintessential urban space with huge windows and an eclectic mix of art, furnishings and architectural detail.

I just want to breathe it in!

Is this positively dreamy to you too?

Virtual Show House Day 3- dining room

 Welcome to day 3 of the Virtual Show House. I asked Lindsay of Sadie and Stella to do the dining room because she recently did her own dining room and knocked it outta the park. As far as I am concerned she is batting 1000. Check it out.

 I have to tell you, I adore a good virtual showhouse. Why you ask? Probably because budgets are unlimited and your imagination can run wild. If you read my blog, Sadie + Stella, you know that my style and aesthetic is unconventional and definitely eclectic. Full of major color, pattern mixing and unapologetic style. Well folks, when I first saw the gorgeous showhouse that Kerry presented to me, my first thought for a dining room was monochromatic. Lawd. What can I say? The heart wants what the heart wants. Here is my inspiration for this bright and airy dining space. 

{inspired design}

You want to see what my space would look like? Here it be. Neutral color family and all. Lots of layering and pattern mixing. 

Chairs/Settee /Wallpaper/Table/Ceiling Wallpaper/Mirror/Chandelier/Rug

Thank you so much for peeking into my virtual dining room in our virtual showhouse. I will say, this room is not toddler, sticky hand friendly. Come and visit me over on the blog for more and more and more. Loves! XOXO

 What did I tell you!? Awesome right? Come back tomorrow to what Stefan has in store and take a trip to the blogs of all of my very talented participants.

Loi Thai of Tone on Tone

 Beth of Chinoiserie Chic

Lindsay of Sadie and Stella

Stefan of Architect Design

 Nancy and Bethany of Powell-Brower Home

Beth of Chinoiserie Chic

Let's talk

I saw this quote and thought, "really?"

True style has the chance to emerge when you stop worrying about what everyone else is doing, will think, or might say.

I love an ounce of fearlessness in decor but total abandon without regard what looks good just ends up in a jumble.

 I do not live by myself or with five other design bloggers, I live with people. People with opinions and if left to their own devices my house would have medium blue walls which would be lined with recliners, Christmas lights, and knock about furniture.

I think good looking, functional interiors need to be carefully put together considering the needs and comfort of it's inhabitants. Personalization makes it fantastic but needs to be kept in check.

Remember this wonderful use of children's art and photos? It works because the color palette is simple. If you were to start adding yellow chairs because you like yellow and the four needlepoint pillows that Grandma gave you it would begin to be less cohesive. Conversely, this little setup would be very bland without the varied works of art.

I know many people like this image (above) but I think it is full of too many disparate objects.

Tell me what you think. Is there such a thing as a home that is too personalized?
I'll be announcing the giveaway winner later today so check back if you entered.

Flipping the mix

Did you ever notice that it is rare to see a room with modern furniture and classic art? The mix, if there is one, seems to generally be classic furnishings with modern art. Its an easy favorite. The kick that an abstract can give to a room that otherwise could seems stuffy is a no brainer but why not flip that and combine modern favorites with a classic old portrait or other traditional art?

What do you think? Which is your favorite way to mix styles?

Where things have gone awry...or not

Most of us design junkies love an eclectic mix, with maybe a bit of bohemian vibe.

I thought I would have fun today and show you a few spaces that missed the mark, in my opinion.

Afghan, suzani, slipcovers, accent wall, rustic table, clutter, lots of pillows and abstract art. This room is just a mess. In my opinion. I am sure it makes someone very happy.

Some of you may like this but I am just not feelin' it.

Note the fake flowers hanging from the ceiling. The chairs are lovely though.

I suppose other's opinions of our houses don't really matter since we are the ones living in them but I can't help to wonder if these pictures were posted with pride. 

It could be argued that the level of personalization of these spaces is so specific that it is a given that most would not find it appealing. 

That leads me to the question: Does a room created with with the occupants in mind automatically equate to good design?

If not, where is the line between good taste and personal indulgence?

Sunday Inspiration

I was drawn to this room because of the huge bookshelves and the overall relaxed feeling of the space. It is a good example of getting the mix right and a keeping the look liveable. There are gorgeous spaces that are out there that I can't help but wonder where they put down a drink or curl up with a book. I think about what it must look like when the kids play in there. In short, they are too perfect to really live in but this room is not. The rug, Saarinen table and Eames chair (far right) work nicely with the English arm sofa and traditional chair. The green curtain adds a little drama without being ridiculous.

I just want to jump on in and spend a little time relaxing.