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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Wall Photograph Display

How many of us have our favorite pictures displayed in a prominent place in our homes where they can be enjoyed daily? Some of us have a lot stored away on a CD or someplace for "when needed". That was me until recently.

I get asked by many people about the wall of photographs in my kitchen. I wanted to enjoy pictures of my kids up front in the kitchen/family room area. I had a blank wall  - actually, I used to have a picture hung on it, but (as I am constantly changing things around) decided to do something with photographs instead. I use decals in a number of diffferent projects (like here) and I purchased these Butch and Harold sticker frames several months ago from http://wallstickeroutlet.com/. I had decided I did not want to drill holes in the walls and I wanted to try something different, fun and with a variety of designs with one color tying the collection together.

Butch and Harold Sticker Frame Kit - Wall Sticker Outlet

I ordered 2 packs of these and decided it was worth it at $20 for 8 frames in sizes shown above. The hours of pleasure we would all get from seeing these pictures every time we passed that wall would be priceless.  I did have to make larger copies of some of the pictures. I make copies through http://www.kodakgallery.com/.

This picture was taken months ago and for some reason I do not have a direct view of the wall but read on and more will  be revealed. (The wall to the right is not perpendicular to picture wall but is angled toward direction of camera).

I placed the pictures almost randomly although I tried to alternate with large and small. I also started at little-kid-eye-level so all could enjoy. As you can see, I needed at least 2 packs of the frames.

I helped a friend buy the same frames recently for some photographs she wanted to put up. She has a more expansive wall and she was concerned about placement and making the display look more cohesive and planned and not appear to be floating. I suggested we frame the pictures with some decorative tape I would find for her. 

I decided to add a frame to my display too. Again, no drilling holes.

I found decorative masking tape at  my local True Value in a basketweave pattern and thought this would look pretty. I used no measuring aides and proceeded to eyeball a line above the pictures and taped. I decided while I was up on the chair that I would include some of the angled wall on the right too. This way I could enjoy the pictures while busy in the kitchen (which it faces). I then did a double line making a thicker frame so the piece looked more substantial.



After some thought I decided I wanted to add some other tape to the frame, perhaps black, to finish off the border (more interest) but then I came across this striped white/transucent tape by Scotch and went ahead and centered it over the doubled basketweave tape.

More pattern, a little dimension and some sheen!



View from the across the island while preparing dinner (a pendant light in the foreground).

So here it is. My kitchen wall photograph display which I now enjoy every single day. It is sentimental; I see time flying. I have more pictures to add on the right-hand-side.

Decals are great and and can be moved around. And of course, the pictures can be changed, too. I love them; I always recommend them. Do you use decals? Would you use them for photographs?

*Please do not reproduce pictures of my children for any purposes other than to share what has been posted on this site, with my permission, of course. Thank you.

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Apartment Living in Auckland, NZ

A side note: This is how we spent Sunday evening.
Isabel taught us a new card game she picked up while at camp this summer. We ended the evening with Monopoly (a childhood favorite of mine). Those flameless candles from Crate & Barrel have certainly come in useful. We survived Hurricane Irene with just a 17-hour power outage but our thoughts are with family, friends and those who continue to endure the after-affects and for others who are encountering loss and devastation of unparalleled magnitude.

This post was scheduled to go out this week in the event of continued power outage. I shall share it with you anyway. This stunning apartment building in Auckland, New Zealand was engineered to utilize natural light, warmth and cool breezes. The floors are built in tiers. Materials used are concrete, glass and cedar. Aluminum and wood also contribute to the overall harmonious aesthetics and green design. The building retains heat in winter and deflects it during warmer months.
trinity apartments exterior

Glass panels like sculptures off the facade of the building.
trinity apartments street facing side glass panels

Grid-like landscaped garden.
trinity apartments street birds eye view

trinity apartments balcony view street

trinity apartments kitchen

trinity apartments dining counter chairs

trinity apartments exterior pool

trinity apartments dining room

via Dwell photos Simon Devitt

There is so much appeal to the entire design of this structure, indoors and outdoors. I love that it is modern, contemporary and yet exudes a homey feel and warmth in the design (wooden shutters, lighting, garden) and colors. I could live in such a place, couldn't you?

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Monday, August 29, 2011

Contemporary Cowhide, Many Applications

I wanted to share pictures of some amazing creations by Kyle Bunting, whose company has redefined how hide can be used in interior settings. I am amazed at the versatility of it.  Luxurious carpets and wall coverings are their main products but their line extends to upholstery and architectural applications, too.

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Stunning intense colors.
You can almost feel the texture, the softness of these pieces.

I love the designs on these chairs.




All images via

I think these items take comfort to another level altogether. I would love, love a rug but would be afraid to sit on such luxurious chairs unless it was in a formal setting. A wall covering would be interesting. What do you think? Are you or could you be a fan of cowhide in any application?
If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.
I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Saturday, August 27, 2011

We are on Salvage Savvy Today!

We am thrilled to be on another site for the kids' artwork, yet again! Today we are on Salvage Savvy. I recently discovered Connie's amazing blog where I she shares some awesome tutorials. One of my favorites (and  there are many) is this unbelieveable artwork. I will certainly be trying this one.


Stay safe this weekend everyone!
If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Ethan Allen Chairs - Favorites

On a week when forces of nature took us by surprise (East Coast earthquake) and could potentially cause severe damage (hurricane Irene) I look to the comforts within the home.

This pair of chairs from Ethan Allen (named Corsica; no longer available) are some other favorite pieces in the house. I purchased them some years ago and found this amazing chinoiserie-inspired fabric (also no longer available) at the same time.

  

The coral-toned birds are so beautiful against the gold (described as "clay"). I absolutely loved the combination then and have not tired of this delicate pattern. It will take a really special fabric to replace this one come the day that I have to reupholster these chairs.


I love the elegance of the chair together with the obvious comfort (upholstered back and sizeable seat, 24"D x 27"W in front). It looks good and it feels good.

 Do you have a favorite item that has served you well for many years or one you would not want to change?

On another note..I was crowned today thanks to my kids' artwork..check it out at La-Dee-Da Creations!

diva thursday    Diva Thursday: Who will be crowned this week?

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Monday, August 22, 2011

At Home with Green & Blue, Teal & Turquoise - The Living Room

I like to change things around in the house, challenging myself to do something different every so often. It is certainly not due to boredom but really to see if I can discover a new effect in a room while enjoying the items I already have. This is one of the reasons I love what I do!

In an effort to add more teal and/or turquoise to my living room I have been largely focusing on what I own already (purchased or been gifted with over the years). I love the effects of this color combination in a space. I had published a post about the effects of blue and green together a few weeks ago. I did, however, purchase a couple of items over the past few months because they were too stunning to pass up.

Here are some of the items I have which I have been playing around with recently in the living room.

These colors make me happy. I love the effects. Some are older, a couple are new. Details to follow. Do you have any favorite colors at the moment or through the year?

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.
I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

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