Another Shade of Grey

Monday, August 13, 2007

Design Star - Episode 3

My favorite Design Star challenge is the blank room. It's where David Bromstad's talent emerged in the first season, IMO, and may be the challenge to note for this season as well. Make sure you check out Vern's Design Tips for this episode. A great read.

As shown below, each contestant was given a blank room, two cans of paint, and $399.00 to spend at the Dollar Store. Creativity was a must and Christina's room was the winner for me. Making laundry baskets look chic requires talent.

To view all the rooms and derive your own conclusions click here.

Room Envy

From the art on the walls to the rustic fireplace to the vintage chandeliers, this room is to be envied. Designed by Madeline Stuart, as seen in Elle Decor's July/August 2007 issue.

The art chosen for this room couldn't be more perfect. From the hands of the late Edward Dugmore, you can see more of his work here.

And the etchings of Richard Serra's Venice Notebook Series prove that simplicity in multiples makes a huge statement. I'm considering digging out my black paint and creating something similar for myself. Enjoy and be inspired!

Onion Blooms

Polaroid print from etsy seller jerseymaids for $12.00. Enjoy!

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Karl Johnson, Jonathan Adler & Larson-Juhl

I love Karl Johnson's silhouettes, even more so in these Larson-Juhl frames designed by Jonathan Adler. What a combo! Check it out in Elle Decor's July/August 2007 issue. Enjoy!

Karl Johnson's work displayed in Jonathan Adler's new frames fro Larson-Juhl.

Karl Johnson's work featured at the Bella Bean Couture store in San Francisco.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Change is Good...

but it's even better when kept in this leather coin purse from etsy seller hollyhawk. $20.00 right here. Enjoy!

DIY'd and gone to Heaven

I recently purchased Better Homes & Gardens 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100.00 remaining on news stands until August 21st. It had some fabulous DIY ideas, including this clever little table. For instructions, read below.

1. Sheath an existing table (or a purchased unfinished table) with 1/2 inch MDF. Cut the top piece 1/2 inch larger on all sides.

2. For the sides, make a cardboard template with a design that pleases you. Allow for an overlap. Cut the sides using a jigsaw. Glue and screw all MDF panels to the table. Screw on the panels from the inside.

3. Sand all edges and seams smooth. Prime and paint the table cream. Using a geometric compass as a guide, draw the border design onto the sides. Cut strips of FrisketFilm (a self-adhesive masking film available at art-supplies stores) and place it over the outline. Use a mat knife to cut the FrisketFilm, following your drawn lines. Strip the film from the border areas and then fill in the border with teal blue paint. Remove any remaining film.

4. For the top, mask off the border with blue painter's tape and paint. Remove the tape.

Awesome!

Cloud Branch Earrings

for $20.00 from etsy seller katinkapinka. Enjoy!

Everything's coming up daisies...

A set of 4 retro yellow daisy drinking glasses for $8.00. The perfect glass for your daily dose of vitamin C. From etsy seller thevintagekitchen. Enjoy!

Making a Spectacle...

Stuart Haygarth's Spectacle Chandelier is awesome. Check out is site for lots of other interesting lighting ideas. Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

On the road today...

Something to keep you busy is New York Social Diary's Decorator Series . It includes interviews with 20 some odd designers, including pictures galore. I haven't had the time to read the interviews, I just looked at the pictures. They're amazing. Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Ana

Laser Cut Filigree Wood and Freshwater Pearl Necklace from etsy seller msbelle for $38.00. Gorgeous.

Adakame

Organic Eames style abstract illustration by Bill ONeil. $15.00 right here. Enjoy!

My problem with Keds is...

it's too hard to pick just one! Mischa Barton is one lucky girl. I'd be their spokesperson for free in exchange for one of each design. Enjoy!

Q Collection

I love the Cale & Brady Stool from Q Collection. Check it out, especially if you're eco-conscious !

I'm in love

with this coral matte sterling bracelet from Anne Maa Designs. Gorgeous. Enjoy!

Red Wing Dinnerware

I love to browse through their collection of dinnerware patterns. A great online resource for purchasing Red Wing dinnerware is California Connection. If you're browsing for inspiration Red Wing Dinnerware has an online gallery of existing patterns. Below are two of my favorites, Driftwood and Spice. Enjoy!