What a beautiful foyer. Sure, it's got a lot going for it architecturally, lots of windows looking out to lush green and very open. But, it's also been expertly decorated with some gorgeous antiques and that blue door is a knock out. Not to mention that red bauble hanging from the ceiling...aqua and red are quite interesting together, tribal and refined all at the same time.
On February 13th, 2010, I became a mama to Beckett Lyons Moore. While I was pregnant, I designed a nursery for him (and me), which is finally complete, including baby! Here are pics of the space...
The design centers around a wall mural of lifelike birch trees. This went up like wallpaper and we got the help of a pro to hang. It has lots of black and white contrast, which Beckett loves to gaze at. We painted the other walls with Benjamin Moore's Decorator's White and used Eco-Spec which has low VOCs. The room has an airy and refreshing feel to it.
For the rocking chair, I used a vintage Eames style chair and ottoman, which I had recovered in soft chocolate brown leather.
The crib is Ikea's Gulliver in White. And, the bedding is a simple organic cream colored crib sheet. Since the mural is busy, wanted to keep all other elements really clean and simple.
A mobile of tiny deer cut from birch plywood dangles over the crib. Found this on Etsy.
An antique oak dresser stores Beckett's threads and doubles as a changing table. It adds a lot of warmth to the room. This happens to be the dresser that I grew up with...just removed the fancy carved mirror and updated the hardware.
The handles on the dresser are white stones which works with the nature feel of the room.
On the changing table is Sophie the giraffe who keeps Beckett happy while he's getting changed. We also purchased a washcloth warmer to use instead of wipes, which we love...the warmth is soothing to Beckett and it cuts down on the cost and waste of wipes! An oversized silk eye pillow is repurposed for a baby pillow. In the background you can see the window panels, which are white linen.
We just got this nifty and adorable Beck puzzle stool in the mail as a gift. The wool throw on Eames chair is vintage. And, the lamb plushy on the ottoman was a gift and made by Gund.
Beckett's lovies and books are kept in a basket woven from recycled paper.
And, here is my little sweetheart!
I discovered South African designer Laurie Owen over the weekend after reading a bit about her on Apartment Therapy. She has dubbed her style "Romantic Organic". Most of the pictures on her website are of resorts that she's designed, but she also does residential work. Check it out:
Harnas Lodge in Namibia:
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Agricultural Holdings Residence in South Africa:
Clifftop Limopopo in South Africa:
Little Kulala in Namibia:
Vumbura Lodge in Botswana:
So, I've attempted to deconstruct her work so we can all bring a little (or lot) of this "Romantic Organic" style to our homes. Here is what I'm seeing:
-Raw tree trunks, branches, twigs, stumps, roots, rocks, and stones for furnishings and decor
-Faux natural furnishings and accents (ex. stone shaped ottomans made of wool or metal & metallic tree trunk tables)
-Drippy strands of crystal, beads, coral, bone, silver
-Earthy browns {taupes, camels, ecrus}, atmospheric blues, pure whites, and touches of black
-Fluffy plush rugs and pillows
-Metallic accessories
-Boho ombre & tie dyed linens
-Textural concrete & mud-/plaster-like walls
-Floaty hanging chairs
-Reedy rattan and rope accents
-Organic shaped glass reminicent of water
-Natural fibers: cotton, silk, linen, wool
-Relaxed, loose, slipcovered furnishings
-Low profile beds and seating
For more on Laurie, check out her website.
My friend Melanie just had this precious little girl named Lily...
Melanie hinted that I do a post on nurseries and children's rooms. So, I've scoured the web to come up with these lovely pictures to inspire...
neutral can be nice...
but brights are really fun....
being part Polish, love the larger than life matryoshka nesting dolls...
i'm suprised they were able to pull this color off...
soft pastels are comforting....
stripes are good...
like these cozy modern sleeping compartments (and the mod bedding)...
paper lanterns will be nice for baby to look at...
glam is good too...
room for friends is most important...
Pictures culled from Desire To Inspire, Domino, Ohdeedoh, Dwell, Ouef, and probably a few others that I'm forgetting.
Last night we watched the French movie Priceless starring Audrey Tatou, which was a fun, light-hearted flick with AMAZING styling (interiors + wardrobe). It was filmed in luxury hotels in Nice, Cote d'Azur, Biarritz, and Monte Carlo. The interiors were glitzy, yet sophisticated, with refreshing pops of vivid colors (red, aqua, and cobalt) on neutral backdrops, lots of patterns, and a mix of furniture styles. I took pictures of the movie on my TV, so the quality is not so good. I highly recommend you rent the movie if you like what you see here!
love this number.....
There have been some changes in my life over the past few months (new job) which have put a damper on my blogging. However, tonight, I have been too inspired by the work of Frank Roop to not blog about him. You could say that Frank Roop has broken my blogging drought. Let it rain Roop (I really love his last name too...so much fun to say!)...
The April issue of Metropolitan Home arrived in my mailbox yesterday and it's their "Guide To Modern Green Design". I was surprised to read a blurb about what could be America's greenest hotel, the Proximity Hotel, which happens to be a stone's throw away from me in Greensboro, NC (talk about proximity). Metropolitan Home says "Proximity is striving for LEED Platinum status, which would make it America's greenest (indoor) spot to spend the night. More than 70 sustainable ideas are at work, including rooftop solar panels, an elevator that generates energy for ascent on the descent and the use of geothermal energy for restaurant refrigeration. From $199 per night."
I had no idea this environmentally conscious and stylish boutique hotel existed just an hour away from me. I will have to check it out in person sometime very soon. Until then, here are some lovely pictures to enjoy from their website...
Apartment Therapy is doing a Romantic Bedroom Giveaway this week, so of course I entered (one day I will win something). You have to give a sexy bedroom tip and include a picture of your vision (real or aspirational). Two entries are posted each day on Apartment Therapy and mine is one of them today! I'm blushing that it is there for all to see. It's kind of silly. However, in the spirit of Valentine's day, you can see the entry too right here.
The picture I submitted, which is also below, is of a collage I created over a year ago as inspiration for decorating my bedroom. I love this dark magenta color (using it as an accent is my tip). I like it mixed with a lot of neutrals so it's not too overpowering. And, lighter shades, like that light pink paper lantern on the left, help soften the palette.
I'll let you know if I happen to win the prize. And, it's not too late for you to enter too, as the contest is open until noon tomorrow.
This lovely home was featured in Veranda's October 2007 20th Anniversary issue. It's a 1930s Spanish style home in Santa Barbara that's very classic and beautiful. I love the use of neutrals, natural materials, crisp white walls and light floors, amazing antique furniture, and unusual accessories.
Credit for this masterpiece goes to Barbara Wisely, the owner and interior and exterior designer. Photography is by Jonn Coolidge. Produced by Miguel Flores-Vianna for Veranda.
This chic French loft has beautifully combined modern, industrial, and primitive styles. I love the use of contrasting light and dark neutrals. And, the worn woods add amazing texture and interest. The raw wood dining table and mixed dining chairs is my favorite. This is from via Ellmania via Emmas designblogg via Marie Claire Maison.
