Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Where I'd like to...

Sleep at night

Usually I wouldn't opt for coral walls in a bedroom, but this shade is perfect. An abaca, or wool-sisal blend rug, cream, white and natural fibers paired with coral and orange add a calming effect to the color. This room feels elegant but casual. I may have added a hint of light tan to the white ceiling paint {or maybe even a subtle wallpaper} to soften it a bit. Other then that this room is beautifully simple just the way it is.

Image: Jennifer Flanders

Monday, July 13, 2009

Office Makeover - Tips and Tricks

I just love transformations. It's amazing what a difference creative space planning, paint and a few ingenious ideas can make. This room is very coordinated which makes for a cohesive design. I usually add something to "throw things off a bit". I'm not a big fan of everything matching but this office - den space works very well! It's full of tips and tricks. Let's run through the list shall we?


1. The power of paint. These white walls reflect the natural light and make for a clean crisp space. The green painted molding along the ceiling creates definition and interest.
2. The small love seat is upholstered in two fabrics, an interesting print has been used on the back and seat cushion. The body of the piece is covered in a basic white duck cloth. The limited use of the print adds an unexpected touch but can also save you some money.
3. The organic white and green rug lightens up the woods floors. It's actually two 4' x 6' rugs taped together. Another money saving tip. Often odd sized rugs are hard to find, this idea devises a custom size for your space. Places like Ikea sell great inexpensive rugs. Carpet tape can be found at most hardware stores.
4. Using lucite in small spaces saves space visually! It also adds a modern twist to a classic space.
5. Paint your ceiling a slightly different color then the walls. I've even covered the ceiling in my office with wallpaper. {I'll post photos of my office soon}


This photo is so typical of many spaces. {loose the hollow-core doors}

I love the way those hum-drum closets were hidden but also used so efficiently. I've also done something similar in my office.
6. Create storage space and shelving within under-used closets. The shelving is perfect for your home computer, books, music - i pod connection, office supplies, photos etc. They are accessible but can be hidden with the over sized fabric panels. This small amount of space is now so functional!
7. Add interesting trim and banding to your drapes. The leading edge of these panels is very fun and graphic.
8. Spray your plain file cabinets with a shot of color. Specially formulated paint is available for metal surfaces.

10. Paint the top of your white desk with a color. It will help tie the room together.
11. Cover one wall - Preferably a focal wall with a patterned wall paper. Try and match the background color to your wall color for a cohesive look.
12. Repeat your crown molding trim color on the insides of book shelves. Painting the interior of any simple white shelves is fun, unexpected and inexpensive.
Images: Better Homes and Gardens

Friday, July 10, 2009

Off to the beach....

Sorry I've been missing. It's been a hectic week with work!! I guess that's a good thing. I'm hoping to go to the beach today. It currently feels more like September in Boston then July.
I promise to return next week with lots of great ideas.

This photo is by Roger Davies - His work is great, for more check out his site here!

Have a great weekend!!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

LAYER THE DETAILS...

I love the way designer Lindsey Harper layers the details in her work. These photographs are of her New York apartment.
The foyer of your home is the perfect place for wall paper! {Quadrille wallcovering}


You don't need an office to have a centralized tack board! Lindsey uses hers for cards and daily reminders! {It's perfect and unexpected above her bar}

Layering unique and beautiful objects creates a space that feels so personalized! Lindsey also uses animal {zebra} print details throughout her home. Repeating pattern and color throughout a home or room enchances cohesive! This little zebra is precious!


This small snake skin table transforms this typical bathroom!

How do you feel about this over the top headboard? It's kind of fun.

I always love the mix of blue and yellow.
Images: my home ideas.com

Monday, July 6, 2009

Book of the Month + Music of the Week! {no surprises here}

Every July I long for a pool! The thought of walking behind your home to take a dip is delightful! Photographer Kelly Klein's book shares some inspirational beauties. Available through Tonic Home.






1982
Michael clearly had some issues...but his passing has absolutely recalled past memories for me. I know I am dating myself. But I'll never forget my middle school friend Jen's "M.T.V. Thriller Party". We were giddy for the release of the Thriller video. Micheal was a tortured soul, but very talented none the less. His early music was amazing! I'll never tire of songs like "Don't Stop 'Till you Get Enough" {Off The Wall} and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin" {Thriller}. Thriller remains the best selling album of all time!

1979

Friday, July 3, 2009

ONLY MARTHA..


Looking for something to wow your guests with? This yummy fruit tart should do. Perfect if you have both the time and the patience. It's from Martha Stewart {or course}. Every time I try to recreate one of her recipes it never quite looks like "her" photo!!
Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!! It's one of my favorite holidays.
link to recipe:

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Sneak Peek

Here's a quick peek at a project I've been working on with a lovely client in Boston. We are adding a bedskirt to the crib, a rug, a glider and artwork to the nursery! Of course my quick photos don't look great! {it was raining out, so I had to use the flash, for instance you can't see that the cut velvet pillow also has turquoise in it and the window seat is a great tweed with all the colors!}. When the project is finished I'll have it professionaly photographed!


The color palette for the room was inspired by this fun crewel fabric from Clarence House.



The office nook

I love adding a grosgrain ribbon detail to pillows

Manuel Canovas's Bengale in Paprika


Lulu DK's chant, looks so amazing as a roman shade!

Hello, Hello Everyone

Ahhhhhh!


I know I've been MIA. My computer was hit with a crippling VIRUS on Monday. I haven't been able to access the Internet or any files on my computer. Hence the lack of posts.

I hope to be back tomorrow with a Friday Post!!! Sorry - See you soon!!! - Julie

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Where I'd like to...

GARDEN

Like many designer's I'm drawn to aesthetics that run the gamut. I'm inspired by incredibly chic spaces, but I'm also drawn to the beauty and comfort of a country bungalow. Lately I've been tossing around the idea of starting a garden. It would be a mix of flowers, fruits, + vegetables. The layout, beauty and organization of this garden featured in this month's Country Living magazine {a publication I hadn't looked at in years, but as of late have been reading again} is amazing. I love the idea of cultivating and then serving my own organically grown food to family and friends. {there I go again, with the casual lifestyle talk}. This isn't going to happen this Summer. The best way to begin a garden {as with any design} is to devise a PLAN. Maybe I'll start sketching that out this winter!!


I love having fresh cut flowers around the house. These giant Dahlia are amazing.


Don't you just adore this outdoor entertaining space?
Another beautiful garden - on a much smaller scale


Images: Country Living

Monday, June 29, 2009

A Sunny Spot

Happy Monday - I hope you have time to relax in a sunny spot this morning; the perfect way to start the day! I can't wait for the sun to return.
I only have time for a quick note. My mother and I hosted a beautiful shower for my sister yesterday, so it was a busy weekend. I'm not sure if I have any post worthy photos, I didn't have much time to take many. I'm now off to a client meeting and have an equally crazy week. If you are on vacation, ENJOY! I'll return with a longer post soon!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Friday Finds.. By the Beach

I never tire of a home that feels livable!! Especially if it's by the ocean. I cherish the days of summer in New England. It's such a short lived season. I think I'm becoming more laid back in style with age. Maybe it's because I have a young child or maybe it's because I run around all week, so during my down time I just want to relax by the ocean with a cold cocktail, family and friends. Either way this house is inspiring - laid back with a little bit of luxe - just the way I like it!! {I remember this one from Domino}
The simplicity of Zoe Chicco's sea and sky line is beautifully elegant.


This one's my favorite!! I've just added it to my wish + "saving for" list [no more credit cards in my life}!








Images: Francesco Lagnese

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Beautiful Floors....

I often begin my designs from the ground-up. Not only can a beautiful area rug make a room, it can be the impetus for the entire design! I love the three dimensional quality of these hand tufted rugs from Gan-Rugs. The product designer is listed below each creation! {so click on each photo for more info + a closer peek}




Gan Rugs - Valencia, Spain.

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