Unique Unique Design

When I was a little girl, I would eat all the other M&M’s first and save the green and yellows ones for last. That was because I loved to look at those two colors. I have a confession….I still will do that. Now in my house, we use color like that (but not limited to those 2 colors) as accents, when we want to add color. Our color palette is much more subdued. We love the gray metal of old zinc corbels, the rough texture of burlap, the white linen or washed white denim of slipcovers, the old concrete bowl with a myriad of subtle colors brought on by age, the cool look of stainless steel mixed with stripped wooden pieces, or sparkly glass containers. Besides loving the serene, peaceful look of all this, it suits our customers better. If they desire they can add their own punches of their color of choice when they take their treasures back to their shop or home. So whether your style is “industrial meets farm girl”, “cottage by the sea”, “elegant modern”, “traditional with a french flair”, or whatever look that pleases you, sometimes a good place to start is those very natural neutral colors.

 

so many grays to choose from

quite a range even in these subtle colors

 

photographer: victoria pearson   house beautiful

The striped floor is just an extra touch

 

photographer: peter vitale veranda

Scandinavian flair with a fabulous stone fireplace. The touch of purple in the delphiniums and hydrangea is beautiful.

 

photographer: jonn coolidge veranda

linen, silk, iron, wood, greenery, GREAT

If you haven’t already done so, check out Joni’s site at Cote de Texas. She did a fabulous job (as usual) on the Belgium influence and Restoration Hardware’s new direction. She has some absolutely beautiful pictures and many with a very neutral palette. This is her August 25th post.

 

photographer: roger davies elle decor

If you like a more sleek modern look, this is stunning. Note the amazing lucite table base and gorgeous mirrored console under the black and white photos. Mayron’s favorite is the large piece of quartz on the table.

 

photographer: simon upton elle decor

The owner of this house calls this style “modern barn”. Wow, what a barn. Its both refined and rustic.

 

Now for those of you who like a bit more vibrant color in your rooms…

Aren’t these fun. These artichoke lamps (30″ tall) are by Straw Dog Designs.

And to liven up your kitchen, how about these “Switchit” utensils by Chef’n.

 

Here’s some great spaces with some of the above colors.

 

sweet home style blog

Spanish style entry looks like they just cut open a fresh cantaloupe.

 

photographer: james merrell house beautiful

More subdued shades of lilac with Venetian touches

 

sweet home style blog

Yellow, black, gray, always great.

 

sweet home style blog

Green and white is so crisp and fresh.

 

photographer: james merrell house beautiful

Perfect for entertaining with duck egg blue walls.

 

photographer: eric boman elle decor

If you like pink, this sitting room is for you. Quite unique.

If you really want to read about color and all the intricacies involved in picking and using color, you need to check out Maria’s blog at Color Me Happy. She is a color consultant and designer that really knows the whys and wherefores of using color…or as she says the “becauses”, one of the 3 most important words in color consultation. She, also, teaches color theory. That’s a class I would love to attend, If only Texas was closer to Vancouver. Check out her blog if you haven’t already found it. There is a wealth of information there. If you are not about to change colors in your home or trying to match shoes and a dress, her header alone should make you smile.

As for me, I have a room I need to go arrange. BTW, it’s all white and mirrored. Haven’t decided yet about a single pop of color in there. Any suggestions?

 

 

I was taking some pics today of some of our merchandise set up in the house. These were crusty old items. Then, I decided instead I would go around the house and take photos of different textures. Since we use a lot of neutral items, we, also, use a lot of different textures. I think it is especially important in a room without a lot of color. Something has to be in the room to give it dimension and depth. Those green Granny Smith apples in an old concrete birdbath top on a worn wooden harvest table, the peeling bark on tree branch in a tall metal vase against a white wall, or the murky silvering on a huge gilt framed mirror hanging above a stone mantel reflecting back the birch tree outside, all add interest and depth to a space. My goodness, texture is everywhere from a melting ice cube to a bowl of popcorn to a silk drape. We just need to remember to mix it up a bit when putting together a room. AND, to not be afraid to add something out of the norm. Who says you can’t fill a glass vase with old shoelaces. The curling pile of tons of laces would create a wonderful texture. Or line a dining room wall gallery style with old bike wheels. Not only does it become arty, it add lots of texture with the rubber tires, the shiny chrome, and the spokes. Whether you are a little more traditional or not afraid to step out of the box, there are tons of ways to add different textures in a space. Let us hear some of the ways you add texture to a room or ideas of ways you could.

base of rusty, painted old cast iron urn

worn pages of books

 

base of crusty old chalk lamp

ancient woven basket

hinge in old stainless medical cabinet

paint chipped off italian metal sconce

vintage faux bois planter

fern fronds

 

inside concrete bowl with spanish moss

smooth handles of knives

very shiny handles and doors

part of marble sink

ooh, shiny leaves

pebbles in another crusty painted old iron urn

rough texture of burlap

mosaic mirrored balls

sea sponge

very messed up silver mirroring…love it

the charcoal shadings of a very talented artist

That’s just a few of some of the textures in my house. Some were too blurry to use, but as you can see there are many. It’s fun to go searching for them. I bet you’ll be surprised what you find. Have fun.

 

Here are some lights we have designed out of found objects.  As usual, I apologize for the pictures. I’ve got a pretty simple camera, but maybe you can get an idea. All are for sale, but one is on hold. Most these can be used in several different settings. We aren’t afraid of mixing it up. It makes things more interesting. How would  you use them?

Very versatile shape

This one is fairly large, but I love the basket.

Pair of hanging lights from wire baskets. Would be great in a dark corner or over an end table next to a comfy chair.

We were told this is a crab basket. I don’t know, but we love it. The sticks are woven together with leather strips. Great for an elegant room that has touches of natural elements…kind of a "rustic elegance".

So, here’s to a little light in your life. Happy day!

BTW, my granddaughter, Haylie, is just having radiation at the site of the surgery. No chemo as long as it was just the one tumor. She’ll just have regular scans to keep an eye out for any new ones that might develop. Thanks again for your prayers and concern.

Time is such a tricky little thing. It can be so elusive, yet it’s with us every second of every day. Some are better at capturing it than others, but in reality we all have the same number of minutes in each day. Some let it just float away with no thought of the loss, while others have it so accounted for they lose the spontaneity of life.  I am certainly not the latter, but I hope that I can learn to use my time more effectively than I do…there is a time for thinking about it and a time for doing it. I guess I want both. It’s very rewarding to be efficient and find satisfaction in a job completed and done well.  Being a creative person, I love the design work we do whether in my home or somewhere else. There is alot of planning, physical labor, traveling, and we work hard. But, I, also, want to read a book, a blog or a magazine. I want to play with and talk to my grandkids and do things with my husband and kids. I want time for my friends and who doesn’t want a relaxing, long bubble bath.  Of course, when I get out I want to sit on my white slipcovered sofa and plop my feet on vintage industrial cart coffee table and look across into my dining room at the old white olive jars crammed in the center of the french style gray table surrounded by burlap covered french chairs. Then, I’ll pick up my latest issue of Elle Decor or House Beautiful…..I’m working now, using my time wisely as we need to know the latest trends. Hmm, maybe I have this figured out!? Tell us how you manage your time. And in the meantime, here are some really cool clocks to keep you on track.

1st Option London

Love this foyer and the scale of everything.

1st Option London

Another wonderful clock.

1st Option London

Uh oh the time police!

Hope you all have a wonderful day, and remember the clock is ticking!