Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Have a (Farrow &) Ball...

A visit to any Farrow & Ball store is awe-inspiring. Browsing their coordinated paints and wallpapers you will experience sophisticated hues and patterns that compliment the modern & the traditional. The techniques applied to their papers lend a handcrafted feel to the selection of pattern and stripes; all of which are block or trough printed using their signature water based and washable environmentally friendly paint - perfect for use around children or expectant parents. The various scales of each pattern offer a perfect solution to any project: large scales are great for a feature wall, small scales are great accents on furniture to back shelves or covering the interior of a re-purposed armoir. Enjoy their gorgeous designs below!





Friday, April 24, 2009

Home Fashions...

We are beginning our next custom design project and for inspiration we reached to our stack of glossies - fashion magazines & catalogs! Trends & palettes for interiors are almost always influenced by the fashion world. We've had our eye on the adorable designs JCrew is putting out for their crewcuts line for children. This picture got our creative juices flowing and will be a perfect starting point for a sophisticated little girl's nursery with fresh colors & exotic accents such as a peek of an animal skin and a graphic Moroccan print.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Backyard Beanbags...


Beanbag chairs have long been a favorite of children (& bachelors)! This simple seating has recently received a chic makeover by west elm; constructed with a durable, water-resistant poly shell it can now be used during fun days by the pool or anywhere in the great outdoors (which is always better than plopped in front of the TV). The chair comes in 3 sophisticated colors that coordinate wonderfully with the gray and white ikat print beanbag coffee table (that doubles as a footrest or extra seating) to create a kid-friendly poolside lounge that is as portable as your beach umbrella.


Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Archival Quality...

We recently went through our "archive" for a peek at things that have inspired us over the years. An archive can be the simplest stack of magazine tears showing rooms, colors or items that made you take a second look or an entire library of stimulating books and photos. Having these ideas at your finger tips can be an unexpected moment of clarity while working on any project in your home.

This unconventional mural was part of an advertisement from many years ago. We loved how a simple painting could become multi-dimensional with the addition of a textile bow. Taken one step further, the fabric statement piece can be made from a loved one's garment or household linen giving your child's room a significant homespun element. Be inspired by everything you see & everyone in your life!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Required Reading...


We are really enjoying paging our way through the adorable new book giggle Guide to Baby Gear by Ali Wing. Ali, who founded giggle (the national chain of healthy lifestyle baby boutiques), has provided cheerful information and descriptions of tools every new parent needs to become a fully equipped family on the go (aka no more purchasing items millions of moms buy and never use)! There are no product placements throughout the entire book and she even describes things we all need to know, but no one tells us! Helpful lists include: what to pack in your diaper bag, the best advances in technology for new parents and no-fuss tips for traveling with baby. Happy reading!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Lets go fly a kite...


Have a cramped room or bathroom that can't handle much decor on the walls but needs a fun focal point for your kids to enjoy? For just about $10 you can float this quirky kite by famous lifestyle product designer, Cath Kidston from the ceiling using fishing line & a few small nails (get creative with the ribbon tail!). Coordinate your wallcolor by pulling a shade from the charming english country print and combine with a textured lace shower curtain to create a proper dressing room for a little dame.


Monday, April 6, 2009

By the yard...

Re-vamping a "gently used" nursery or creating a new nursery using budget materials? Put some luxurious touches into the room by incorporating unique textiles from the collection of "fabrics by the yard" offered by the fabulous design duo Serena and Lily. A couple yards can go a long way as pillow fronts, to recover a cute ottoman or create a one of a kind valance over a window. The fabrics are sold in 1 yard increments (minimum of 2 yards) and for $2 you can request a 4"x4" swatch - which you will need to narrow down your selections from this fanciful collection. Each pattern coordinates back to their sumptuous selection of bedding, paints and accessories. Happy re-covering!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Fancy Fixture...


Top off a room fit for a princess with an architectural feature commonly found in palaces & castles all over the world. Give an inexpensive flea market chandelier or other hanging light fixture the royal treatment with this custom hand painted ceiling medallion by Purple Cactus Studios which we found on Ladybugs and Lilypads. An elegant finishing touch full of whimsy and character.

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