Decor Home Design

See You On Monday!
I’m signing off for a weekend of packing, showing our house (it is up for rent), seeing the Transformers movie (yay!) and knocking out some more tasks on my massive move to-do list. I won’t be resting much this weekend but I’ll certainly be in a better place on Monday because of it. Plus the [...]

I’m signing off for a weekend of packing, showing our house (it is up for rent), seeing the Transformers movie (yay!) and knocking out some more tasks on my massive move to-do list. I won’t be resting much this weekend but I’ll certainly be in a better place on Monday because of it. Plus the movie will be a good break from it all, popcorn and junky soda is a guilty pleasure sometime and we’re trying to do all we can with our friends before we move. You know how it is, the pre-move crunch!

Some of my current Flickr favorites, view them all here.

And a final link to make you smile for the week, if you love illustrated music videos prepare to swoon, watch this one by Sarah Blasko illustrated by Australian artist Celeste Potter. I read about this Strawberry Lemonade. I’m in love.

What are you plans for the weekend? I hope that you have something good up your sleeve. I’ll meet you back here in just a few days on Monday so…until we meet again!

(image: screenshot from flickr and utube)

Coral von Zumwalt Photography
Today I’m inspired by the photography of Coral von Zumwalt, a sought after professional photographer based in Los Angeles who has a stunning online portfolio that I suggest perusing with your morning coffee. I couldn’t think of a better way to begin the week than to get lost through her lens. Coral’s client list includes InStyle, [...]

Today I’m inspired by the photography of Coral von Zumwalt, a sought after professional photographer based in Los Angeles who has a stunning online portfolio that I suggest perusing with your morning coffee. I couldn’t think of a better way to begin the week than to get lost through her lens.

Coral’s client list includes InStyle, Glamour, Gourmet, Bon Appetit, and many more of our favorite magazine so don’t be surprised if you spot several photos that look familiar to you. I kept spotting ones that I’d seen before and now I enjoy knowing another memorable photographer to watch for the next time I pick up a copy of one of these publications.

I found the first two photos above intriguing and wondered who they belonged to so I did some research and discovered that this is the atelier of California jewelry artist Sonia Boyajian in Hollywood. I love her laid back bohemian style and examining all the little details. And what is it about a pink shell rocker? It never ceases to sweep me off of my feet no matter where I spot one - an any color - such a sweet chair!

(images: coral von zumwalt)

Amanda Nisbet Interior Design
Have you visited the online portfolio of New York Interior Designer Amanda Nisbet? No, you say? Time to change this and peek into her perfectly designed rooms along with me. I spotted her in a recent issue of Elle Decor and well all I can say is don’t expect minimalistic, Plain Jane, or mostly neutrals [...]

Have you visited the online portfolio of New York Interior Designer Amanda Nisbet? No, you say? Time to change this and peek into her perfectly designed rooms along with me. I spotted her in a recent issue of Elle Decor and well all I can say is don’t expect minimalistic, Plain Jane, or mostly neutrals with Ms. Nisbet. Oh no. She goes big, bold and all fancy-like and you most certainly won’t be catalog shopping with her at West Elm. She’ll introduce you to fabric lines you can’t pronounce. She may paint your crown moldings purple. And if given the chance, Nisbet will deck out your daughter’s bedroom so exquisitely that your little princess just may stop texting long enough to thank you. And your fear of mixing patterns or how to make purple look grown up? Gone, abracadabra… poof!

If I could rewind and be a purple-loving one eye one horned tweenster again, I’d surely want this room to be my own. Okay, maybe part of me wants this room now.

Check this out… monogrammed towel perfectly placed, gorgeous silver leather pouf for resting fashion mags, ledge for a glass of wine, gorgeous soaking tub surrounded by lush pink floral wallpaper. Yes, please. I’ll be over at 7:00 with lavender balt salts and a bottle of Riesling.

(images: amanda nisbet design)

HIJ Kids
HIJ Kids over at Cookie mag! � Decor8. For personal, non-commercial use only. Feed ID: cdaa5590db8fca9e92d06113ccfa4e5e

HIJ Kids over at Cookie mag!

Namolio Crochet Bedspeads…
I came across this photo a moment ago and connected with it on so many levels. Okay, obviously the giant doily throw caught my eye (you know me and my doily obsession) but the bench overlooking the Engish countryside…sublime. I want to be sitting there at this very moment gazing out over those homes and [...]

I came across this photo a moment ago and connected with it on so many levels. Okay, obviously the giant doily throw caught my eye (you know me and my doily obsession) but the bench overlooking the Engish countryside…sublime. I want to be sitting there at this very moment gazing out over those homes and hills cuddled under the chunky and soft wool throw.

And speaking of a lush throw, you can purchase this one and others from an etsy shop in the UK called Namolio. I found a beautiful wool gray blanket with a tiny crochet trim for those of you not feeling the doily look. It’s sold here and shown above. I see Anna over at Door Sixteen liking that one.

And while we’re at it, I’m still trying to find this bedspread if anyone has leads, please let me know. I’ve been looking since at least last Fall, and all I could find is that the one shown in the Living Etc bedroom above is from Designers Guild London and they’re no longer available. :*(

Seeing Danielle’s new bedroom the other day over at The Style Files renewed my determination to locate a similar spread. I emailed her about this gorgeous bedspread shown above but unfortunately for me it’s vintage and one-of-a-kind. Plus I’m not looking for the star pattern without fringe, I’m hoping for a fringe and a flower pattern (I don’t have cats so the fringe won’t be a problem). I love how Danielle has her bedspread pattern (star) and her pendant (star) coordinate perfectly. She’s so talented and I love when someone pays such close attention to the details. Love it!

(images linked to their sources above)

HIJ Kids
HIJ Kids over at Cookie mag! � Decor8. For personal, non-commercial use only. Feed ID: cdaa5590db8fca9e92d06113ccfa4e5e

HIJ Kids over at Cookie mag!

Photography By Tia Borgsmidt
I was browsing the BoligLiv website this morning when I stumbled upon Danish photographer Tia Borgsmidt. The photos of these homes shown below are perfect examples of the home decor that I like. Especially the top two images and the dining room shown in the last photo. Wood floors, check. Transom window over interior door, [...]

I was browsing the BoligLiv website this morning when I stumbled upon Danish photographer Tia Borgsmidt. The photos of these homes shown below are perfect examples of the home decor that I like. Especially the top two images and the dining room shown in the last photo. Wood floors, check. Transom window over interior door, high five. Gorgeous lighting, yup yup. Pairing vintage with modern, yes sir re bob. Soft fresh color palette, sign me up. Showing restraint in design, amen. Though I confess, I have problems with the restraint part so I have to continuously fine tune when I’m decorating or else I risk over styling a dresser or putting too much art around, etc. Tia Borgsmidt’s photos are so inviting, don’t you think? You can view more of Tia’s portfolio online right here.

After googling Tia, I found that the dear Marion Hearts wrote about her too and I’d love to show you her post here where she shows additional work from this great photographer.

(images: Tia Borgsmidt)

Experience Schadenfreude Much?
The Whys Of Schadenfreude. � Decor8. For personal, non-commercial use only. Feed ID: cdaa5590db8fca9e92d06113ccfa4e5e

The Whys Of Schadenfreude.

Inspiration From Retrovilla
I just heard about Retrovilla in Denmark a few moments ago from a comment left by the sweet Christine (thanks, C!) and my heart is beating double time! All this delicious color and pattern, these fun rooms full of life and personality, it’s all so lived in and welcoming. The lady behind Retrovilla is 27-year-old [...]

I just heard about Retrovilla in Denmark a few moments ago from a comment left by the sweet Christine (thanks, C!) and my heart is beating double time! All this delicious color and pattern, these fun rooms full of life and personality, it’s all so lived in and welcoming. The lady behind Retrovilla is 27-year-old Mette Helena Rasmussen, a painter and home stylist, who works independently for clients and for such magazines as BoligLIV, Bo Better, Food & Housing and ROM123 while studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. Imagine hiring her to help you spruce up your space? If you lived in Denmark, you could!

Mette also has a knack for playhouse design which melts my heart - how sweet and what a fun profession to renovate playhouses for little ones. She even recycles vintage furniture for children and shows her work here and sells vintage wallpaper through the Liebe shop (email liebe.susan AT gmail.com if you are interested in any of these papers).

(images: Retrovilla but taken by Tia Borgsmidt)

Natural Beauty of Simrin
I’m so inspired by natural beauty found on simple paths, flower beds, or while strolling on the beach. A pebble, a fallen leaf, a pinecone… everything so beautifully designed and special that you can’t help but appreciate these free gifts all around us. Often when I need to collect my thoughts or just draw inspiration, [...]

I’m so inspired by natural beauty found on simple paths, flower beds, or while strolling on the beach. A pebble, a fallen leaf, a pinecone… everything so beautifully designed and special that you can’t help but appreciate these free gifts all around us. Often when I need to collect my thoughts or just draw inspiration, I go into the woods on a short hike near my house or I venture to the coast and just walk the beach where the world seems to go on forever as you look over choppy waters as far as your eyes can take you. When I was little I thought that if I looked hard enough, maybe I’d see France!

I’ve been thinking about nature a lot this week because it’s been raining for so many days now, and cold, that there seems to be no end and I can’t get outside as much and I’m starting to feel it in my bones. Like I need to get out and just be with nature! My town does not have sidewalks and I live on a very busy road so I can’t just go do a few laps around town with an umbrella in hand so I’m thinking of just grabbing my raincoat in a moment and head into the apple orchards or the forest to breathe in that fragrant scent of apple, wet wood and brush combined with pine.

Because nature has such a healing power over those who let it work it’s magic and who make time to really enjoy it, I reason that this explains my attraction to bringing the outside in through patterns that mimic nature. I’m a lover of florals and leaf prints, so the moment I saw Simron towels over at the Le Souk Shop I felt an instant attraction to them.

I love their simplicity and beauty, rooms that feel very connected to the outdoors give me a sense of calm but also my mind becomes more centered when I’m around simple beauty and small luxuries. It’s confirmation of the truth that less is more, don’t you think?

What do you like about bringing natural fibers, textures and patterns indoor - what connections to do make, feel, remember from the past that causes you deep appreciation for the natural world?

UPDATE: Daneille from Le Souk just informed me that she’d love to give decor8 readers a discount on the Simrin products that she carries in her shop. She’s giving you a 20% discount, just place your order via email: info AT soukshop.com and she will reply with the total after discount and shipping costs.

(images: simrin and le souk shop)

Jonathan Adler Gift Card Contest!
UPDATE: Due to technical difficulties, 300+ comments are no longer showing on this post but I have them saved in a file on my hard drive. If you have already entered, please do not enter this contest a second time. I already have your entry. So sorry for the confusion! Thank you! I thought it would [...]

UPDATE: Due to technical difficulties, 300+ comments are no longer showing on this post but I have them saved in a file on my hard drive. If you have already entered, please do not enter this contest a second time. I already have your entry. So sorry for the confusion! Thank you!

I thought it would be a fun to host a little Summer giveaway on decor8 starting today with Jonathan Adler since I’m such a fan of his designs and love his new things for the season like the Tangiers pillows. (By the way, are you on his mailing list? It’s a great way to be ahead of game when it comes to new product releases). When I was trying to figure out who to approach about hosting a contest, it simply had to be Jonathan Adler!

The giveaway will be open to enter for one week until Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 10:00 AM EST and will have two winners. The grand prize winner will receive a $150 gift card to use on anything or towards any item online at Jonathan Adler or in one of his retail stores nearest to you. The runner-up will receive a $100 gift card. Ready to enter? Good, here’s how.

Rules/How To Enter:

Visit Jonathan’s website and pick at least 2-4 items that you’d spend your gift card on and using tinyurl.com link to them in your comment. If you do not comment with your wish list, you will not qualify. Please make sure you sign in to comment using a valid email address so that if you win I can contact you (your email address will not be visible, only to me). Only one entry per person, per household. If you’ve won a decor8 giveaway within the past year you do not qualify so please do not enter, sorry!

Ready? Set? Go… And make sure you come back here to comment as your comment is your official entry!

UPDATE 6/25: This contest has officially ended. I’d like to thank all who participated! If you’d like to see who won, click here.

(images: jonathan adler)

Homebakes Ceramics
While browsing my local Anthropologie last month, I came across a few ceramics I’d not seen online before so I went home and did a little research to locate the source. Some of the pretty things I found are by a ceramicist based in South Africa, Wendy McLachlan, and she owns a small company called [...]

While browsing my local Anthropologie last month, I came across a few ceramics I’d not seen online before so I went home and did a little research to locate the source. Some of the pretty things I found are by a ceramicist based in South Africa, Wendy McLachlan, and she owns a small company called Homebakes which is exactly the brand Anthropologie now carries. Wendy attended the University of Cape Town, where she obtained a Master of Fine Art degree in ‘01 and went on to open Homebakes where she has had a great deal of success producing functional teatime ceramics which play upon themes found in traditional bone china where delftware printing and gold lustre embellishments are given a fresh, contemporary interpretation.

You can find some of her things on their website here. Aren’t these so pretty? I adore the drippy gold trim on the creamer and sugar holder and of course the dragonfly motif. Tea time anyone? :)

(images: homebakes)

The Love Shop
All you need is love, so they say. The Love Shop has plenty of good cheer to spread so give them a look… I heart tea so the tea print is my favorite, I love the color of it too. I’m seeing lots of prints lately with positive messages which seem to be sparked by [...]

All you need is love, so they say. The Love Shop has plenty of good cheer to spread so give them a look… I heart tea so the tea print is my favorite, I love the color of it too. I’m seeing lots of prints lately with positive messages which seem to be sparked by the “Keep Calm and Carry On” trend and I think it’s great fun.

Do you have any positive messages that you display in your home? Do you display them as prints or in some other way? What do they say? I’d be curious to know… I currently do not, though I have a pink Keep Calm poster but haven’t the space to hang it right now. I do keep positive messages and quotes on my desk and on my wall over my desk. Currently I have, “Our love is swollen, made of the quietest shade of loud. Holds me like an anchor. Floats just like a cloud.” It’s from one of my favorite songs called Swollen by Bent. You can listen to it here if you’d like. It’s wonderful, at least to me.

(images: the love shop)

Kindred - Summer Edition!
Hello friends! On Friday I mentioned that I had something special to share with you for Summer so here it is… the Kindred Summer edition just went live for the new season and Ez of Creature Comforts and I are excited to share with you the artists we’ve chosen to be part of the line [...]

Hello friends! On Friday I mentioned that I had something special to share with you for Summer so here it is… the Kindred Summer edition just went live for the new season and Ez of Creature Comforts and I are excited to share with you the artists we’ve chosen to be part of the line up this time. Here’s a peek of the 10 free desktop wallpapers created especially for you…

Our participating artists and designers include both Ez and I but also Alicia Bock, Bernadette Sipkes, Blanca Gómez, Caitlin Shearer, Jessica Gonacha, Sarah Ahearn, Susannah Conway and Traci French. Ez thought of a beautiful and creative theme and asked the artists to develop a wallpaper to fit the theme which is: Summertime - the five senses. You’ll find along with each wallpaper the artists own words on what inspired that particular design. In addition to the wallpapers, some of the artists are offering either their orginal artwork or prints of the wallpaper in their shops, so be sure to read each of the artists words to find out if the work is available to own and frame. :)

In addition, we have some fun freebies for you from us along with a special guest designer this season, Tara Hogan from INK + WIT who created some super cute downloadable postcard flats at no charge to you.

We hope that you will support this free deskptop wallpaper project meant to share the work of talented independent artists worldwide with your friends and blog readers and to pretty up and brighten your work space just a little. We also hope that you will enjoy the free wallpapers for your desktop and that you’ll remember to visit Kindred to participate in the active forums there.

Oh and I almost forgot… due to popular demand, we’ve added a new size for larger monitors so you can now download them in the following sizes: 1024�768, 1280�1024, 1600�1200 and 1920�1200. Yay!

Thanks to all artists involved for your contributions to Kindred, we love you guys!

(images: kindred)

Slim Shelving
Love this. Marianne van Ooij wrote to me today to tell me about a product that she introduced this past May at the ICFF in New York called Slim Shelving. She’s a Dutch designer living in Brooklyn who studied design at the Royal Academy of Art in the Netherlands and at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. [...]

Love this. Marianne van Ooij wrote to me today to tell me about a product that she introduced this past May at the ICFF in New York called Slim Shelving. She’s a Dutch designer living in Brooklyn who studied design at the Royal Academy of Art in the Netherlands and at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She wanted to develop a shelving system that allowed her to keep her favorite books in sight without taking up a lot of space so this wall system made of clear acrylic was the ultimate solution and is somewhat affordable ranging from $175-239 depending on the size that you select.

I love this idea and would like to own this — it’s really clever. I have so many pretty books and plan to look into how to order one of these for my office. Great idea, Marianne!

(images: slim shelving)

Homebakes Ceramics
While browsing my local Anthropologie last month, I came across a few ceramics I’d not seen online before so I went home and did a little research to locate the source. Some of the pretty things I found are by a ceramicist based in South Africa, Wendy McLachlan, and she owns a small company called [...]

While browsing my local Anthropologie last month, I came across a few ceramics I’d not seen online before so I went home and did a little research to locate the source. Some of the pretty things I found are by a ceramicist based in South Africa, Wendy McLachlan, and she owns a small company called Homebakes which is exactly the brand Anthropologie now carries. Wendy attended the University of Cape Town, where she obtained a Master of Fine Art degree in ‘01 and went on to open Homebakes where she has had a great deal of success producing functional teatime ceramics which play upon themes found in traditional bone china where delftware printing and gold lustre embellishments are given a fresh, contemporary interpretation.

You can find some of her things on their website here. Aren’t these so pretty? I adore the drippy gold trim on the creamer and sugar holder and of course the dragonfly motif. Tea time anyone? :)

(images: homebakes)

The Best Blues For Your Home
I received a nice email today from Lauren McGrath who recently launched a style blog with her mother, Good Bones Great Pieces. She works for a fashion magazine in New York and her mother Suzanne is an interior designer and former Martha Stewart Living TV producer and both admit to being huge decor8 fans, yay! [...]

I received a nice email today from Lauren McGrath who recently launched a style blog with her mother, Good Bones Great Pieces. She works for a fashion magazine in New York and her mother Suzanne is an interior designer and former Martha Stewart Living TV producer and both admit to being huge decor8 fans, yay! After browsing their blog this morning I decided to make them the blog of the week to drive a little traffic love in their direction so I hope you will go visit Good Bones Great Pieces. Here’s a post that I found that I think will lure you over… it highlights the Best Blues to use on your wall.

The entryway in Suzanne’s home is in Donald Kaufman’s DKC-29.

1. Farrow and Ball Blue Ground (210) 2. Farrow and Ball Pale Powder (204) 3. Benjamin Moore Heavenly Blue (709) 4. Sherwin Williams Gulf Stream (SW6768) 5. Benjamin Moore Iceberg (2122-50) 6. Benjamin Moore Windmill Wings (2067-60).

Do you have a favorite blue and a photo to show the color in a room?

(images from good bones great pieces)