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Monday, June 27, 2011

Red White Blue Interiors

Leading up to the 4th of July I thought I would dedicate my posts to red, white and blue. These are classic colors, popular in decor because they create an aesthetic, together are stylish and appealing. Here are some pictures of interior spaces where red, white and blue have been used in some places in obvious ways and for more dramatic effect, or with other colors. In other instances these colors have been used as accents. The effects are obvious.

Source Photo Francesco Lagnese

Source photo Victoria Pearson

via House Beautiful photo Robert Trachtenberg

via House Beautiful photo Victoria Pearson

via House Beautiful photo Victoria Pearson

via House Beautiful photo Tria Giovan
Photo William Abranowicz

via House Beautiful photoTria Giovan

via House Beautiful photo Laura Moss

via House Beautiful photo Simon Upton

via House Beautiful photo Ngoc Minh Ngo



Our 25 Prettiest Island Rooms: Outdoor Living Room
via Coastal Living Photo Sandra Allen Lynn, Photographer Jean Allsopp









Do any of these interiors grab you?

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa




Friday, June 24, 2011

Mannequin Hunt

I have been looking for a mannequin for my thirteen-year-old, Isabel. She has been scouring magazines, looking at ideas for her room (a work in progress), and we discussed a few. One of the items she thought would be fun was a mannequin. The functionality of such a piece is obvious. With that in mind, we decided that I would look for one that was also decorative and that would suit the decor of her room as well as be age-appropriate now and one she could keep for a very long time.

I soon discovered there are some fabulous choices available. This first picture is what started it all...
Dress Form, Black Dottie
                        Pottery Barn Teen, one of my kids' favorite "picture books."

I love the look of this one with the interesting base.
mannequin
via Pinterest from Amazon (UK)

I also came across this antique metal figure.

While on Pinterest, I discovered Corset Laced Mannequin, a shop on Etsy. Take a look at Lucy's jaw-dropping creations..
NEW Quirky Fun Crochet Mannequin Dressform - Yarn
Crochet Mannequin

A stunning Union Jack figure, and take a look at the vintage-styled lace in the back!
Vintage Style Corset Laced Mannequin UNION JACK Dressform

Yet another beautiful piece. I love the turquoise print fabric.
Vibrant Turquoise Damask Display Mannequin Dressform - Sophie
Link

This dress form has been tailored using recycled burlap coffee sacks. Found here.
OOAK Coffee Sack Recycled Display Mannequin Dressform

 Photographic Tailored Vintage Mannequin Dress Bust Form - Snap
Link

Stunning retro fabric. This item found here
Retro Orange Chrome Mannequin Dressform Display Form - Orla

One can find more of Lucy's amazing work on http://www.corsetlacedmannequins.co.uk/ as well.

By chance, while searching for another item on ebay I came across a mannequin that fit our budget and that Isabel loved, so we ordered it. It arrived a few days ago and the both of us set to work putting it together immediately (no tools necessary).







Although the pieces had screws to hold them together I decided to use the black ties which came with the packaging to secure the torso to the base even more and give it further stability.







Dressing "her" up is sure to be a fun, almost-daily event!

One of the reasons we picked this particular piece was because we liked how it tied in with the Bungee Office Chair in the room.


You may go here to read my post on the chair, one of my favorite purchases.

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Naturals at Ballard Designs

I love the look of woven elements in a space. Personally I think they add a layer of comfort, a relaxed feeling, and if you are looking to create a sense of informality these would certainly help. Ballard Designs has some incredible pieces and their latest catalog reminded me of that.

 Hyannis Rope Mirror
Hyannis Rope Mirror

I think this Spool Side Table is certain to be a conversation piece and it doubles as a storage item, too!
Spool Side Table

Baskets are a must-have in my book.
Suzanne Kasler : Set of 3 Woven Baskets
Suzanne Kasler: Set of 3 Woven Baskets

A fun doorstop or how about using it as a bookend!
Rope Knot Doorstop
Rope Knot Doorstop

And something different for an indoor or outdoor wall.
Seagrass Topiary Plaque
Seagrass Topiary Plaque

I absolutely love caning that looks like this!
Averill Daybed
Averill Daybed

A fresh new take on a classic urn lamp.
Addison Glass Table Lamp
Addison Glass Table Lamp

Dorchester Benches
Dorchester Bench

Do you like this element in a room? Tell me what you think.

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa


Thursday, June 16, 2011

One of My Favorite Things from The Container Store

One of my absolute favorite things is the Flat Bungee Office Chair from The Container Store. As I watch my middle-schooler spend hours preparing for final exams this week I appreciate the total ergonomic quality of this product and I feel good that I found the right chair.  
Here it is by Isabel's desk.


This chair is stylish, modern and sleek. The bungee cords are ever so comfortable. On the whole it is strong yet lightweight. It took me a while to find something appropriate for my kids and by chance I came across this chair. I purchased the ones in black as I really wanted a neutral for the white desk-and-hutch setups in their rooms.

I purchased these at the store, carried them into the house and promptly assembled each one easily. The girls were so excited and absolutely love the feel of these and the fact that they have wheels and a pneumatic lift system so the height is adjustable. I prefer the idea of a desk-chair with wheels as it is easy to manipulate in the space.  




So there it is, one of my favorite things from The Container Store. I think this design would be perfect for small spaces.


Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Monday, June 13, 2011

Beautifully Handcrafted by Jennifer Carter

I get very excited when I discover products that are eye-catching as well as beautifully constructed and perfectly functional. I recently came across these clutches by Jennifer Carter. Using fabric in exquisite colors and patterns, Jennifer has created these pieces, available at her shop jcarterhandmade on Etsy.

NEW- Black Floral Lace Clutch/ Wallet Set
Black Floral Lace Clutch/Wallet Set

NEW- Teal Blooms KissLock Clutch
Teal Blooms Clutch

NEW- Country Fair Raisin KissLock Clutch
Country Fair Raisin Clutch

I have purchased a couple to give away as gifts and now I think I need to pick one up for myself. I know that's going to be quite a dilemma - to pick just one!
Ink and Pink Diamond KissLock Clutch
Ink and Pink Diamond Clutch

NEW- Purple Moroccan Tile KissLock Clutch
Purple Moroccan Tile Clutch

They are a perfect accessory to add that extra pop of color or a pattern to one's own wardrobe. Personally, I could see any one of these adorning the top of my dresser.

I have my eye on this one.
Grey Chain Link KissLock Clutch
Grey Chain Link Clutch

NEW- Whispering Birds in Spring KissLock Clutch
Whispering Birds in Spring Clutch

I absolutely love the block-print effect here!
Aqua Medallion KissLock Clutch
Aqua Medallion Clutch

Esther Toffee KissLock Clutch
Esther Toffee Clutch

NEW - Tiles in Dusty Blue KissLock Clutch
Tiles in Dusty Blue Clutch

Linen Rabbit of Royalty Clutch
Linen Rabbit of Royalty Clutch

Here are some examples of other items available at the shop. These card holders/small wallets can be bought individually or in a bundle. I bought a bundle and was able to choose any 5 different fabric patterns (of the selection available).
SPECIAL - 5 Card Holder/ Small Wallet Bundle
5 Card Holder/Small Wallet Bundle

Here is another example of Jennifer's work.
NEW- Pleated Shoulder Bag in Chocolate Elizabeth
Chocolate Elizabeth Pleated Shoulder Bag

Perfect as bridesmaids gifts, design-your-own Jewelry Rolls
NEW - Design Your Own Jewelry Roll - Whispering BirdsNEW - Design Your Own Jewelry Roll - Picnic Bouquets
Whispering Birds                        Picnic Bouquets                         

As you can see, so many amazing choices. Not an easy decision but definitely a must-have! Which one would you pick?

Click here to visit Jennifer's shop on Etsy where you will find her entire collection.

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa