Happy Halloween

Photo via Silvino Mendonca

Hope all of you get lots of yummy treats. Go here for a creepy treat from me. (Courtesy of one of my creative heroes).

Louis XV Commode

Designed and manufactured by Axis FormLAB this Louis XV commode offers modern twist on period furniture. Made in MDF with white gloss enamel or rainbow coloured veneer, furniture grade plywood with an oak veneer surface or acrylic it provides an unusual and stylish way to display wine and serve drinks.

Louis XV commodes are traditionally flamboyant and ornate wooden cabinets with doors or drawers which are adorned with inlays, gilding or elaborate carving. Axis Form LAB have taken the overall basic shape and included the curved lines to produce an stylish and practical piece of furniture. The classical style and chic appearance make this commode perfect for ‘des res’ (desirable residence) homes of both traditional and contemporary design depending on which material is selected. The MDF and plywood versions are more in keeping with traditional or modern homes, while the transparent acrylic model is the ideal choice for contemporary homes.

Wine cellars are definitely a thing of the past, with the ‘in vogue’ custom of showing off your wine stock this Louis XV commode serves the purpose wonderfully, while also incorporating a much needed serving surface for informal snacks and nibbles. The one open side is ideal for storing glasses or displaying unusual shaped and coloured bottles of liqueurs or adding personal touches by displaying ceramic or glass dishes.

I am somewhat amused by the term ‘commode’, although it does refer to a chest of drawers, in the UK a commode is also the term given for a lidded seat which houses a chamber pot underneath!

Image source: www.axisformlab.com

The Best Houston Shopping.

In my opinion, anyway. Its time once again for the Houston Urban Market. For those of you who have never been there, its a must see. Many local antique dealers come together to peddle their wares in the fresh air. Being the shopper that I am, I try to never miss it. Click here to see my photos from a previous Market. This started me thinking. I very often love to write about my favorite shops, so I am going to set up a link to my previous shopping articles. I may not know much, but I know where to shop;) Hopefully, these links spread the knowledge.

Ink Art Work

I firmly believe that the most successful interior designs are those which not only work extremely closely with the client in terms of finished appearances but also include personal preferences and interests to ensure that individualism is incorporated skilfully within the agreed designs and styles.

For me this piece of intricate ink work displays a passion for using tattoo artistry which clearly demonstrates the ability of the artist to the full. Hand tattooed by Mama Tried studios directed by Scott Campbell, the team at Mama Tried has adopted a ‘why didn’t we think of that’ philosophy in producing exciting and unorthodox approaches to visual media.

The new series of the successful TV programmes London Ink and Miami Ink shows that many, many people are using tattoos to decorate and bring art to life on their bodies. This striking chair with its retro black ornate frame, cream leather seat and back rest tattooed in black ink will bring much pleasure to those who adore this type of artistry and a bold way of life. The trendy skull design used as the main focus has a haunting appeal, daring someone to take a seat!

Undoubtedly this chair will not appeal to everyone’s taste, however, I do feel that it would make a striking focal point when incorporated within a room which has taken client personality and individualism seriously. I’m sure many a discerning tattooist would jump at the chance to include this unorthodox chair in their workplaces to provide an unusual and unique method of promoting their profession effectively.

Image source: www.decojournal.com

Marble, Marble Everywhere.

My next kitchen will be decked out with marble like this, no matter what!
Pictures via Idaniko

Roller Blind Revival

I have to admit that I have always liked the concept of using a roller blind as part of a window treatment in both traditional and modern home interior designs.

Roller blinds are an extremely practical way to provide the maximum amount of natural light entering a room as when rolled up they expose virtually the entire window, offering unobstructed views of the outside world. At night roller blinds provide essential privacy in the easiest of operations.

New designs of digital images on roller blinds, which can be made into any size, have given the humble roller blind a whole new lease of life for me. Striking images seem too good not to be see during the day, part pulled blinds compensate this very well and yet still enable light to flood into a room.

Roller blinds need not be confined to a bathroom or kitchen, the functionality and versatility of a blind makes them perfect for using with both contemporary and traditional curtains.

My love of the roller blind has definitely been re-kindled with the range of blinds available from Noodle.

Noodle launched their new range of blinds at this years 100% Design Exhibition with digitally printed Pink Nerine. The natural vibrancy of the colours and clarity of the images present these blinds as works of modern window art in a very exciting way for me.

With over one hundred different designs in the Noodle range, there is a colour and image to suit all homes. Noodle can also produce truly unique blinds using client’s own images to add a real personal touch to a room.

Image source: www.100percentdesign.co.uk

Looking Back.

Well, I can hardly believe it; but over the weekend my blog turned one year old! Wow! I'm amazed at the opportunities this little blog has presented to me. I've met so many wonderful people, both virtually and in person. I can't honestly tell all of you how much I enjoy hearing from you. When I started writing this a year ago, I had no idea how much enjoyment I would get out of it. I really feel like I have found a world wide family. So I just want to thank all of you for stopping by and reading all of my crazy ideas:) Last weekend, I walked through the Houston AIA home tour. I was a little disappointed, but did love the serene bedroom above. The blue wall and linen covered chair were beautiful. Although, one year ago my second post was about a fantastic house featured in the tour.

You can check out the full article here, but I decided to re-post a few of my favorite shots. Given that it was only my second post, I'm sure 99.9% of you didn't see it. I remember how uncomfortable I felt asking for permission to take photos, for a blog that consisted of one article. Thankfully, the home owners and architect were very gracious.

Here's to one more year!

Inject a Riot of Beautiful Colours into a Home

Digital images skilfully designed into a range of cushions by Noodle will inject a riot of beautiful colours into a home. The variety of different images which capture nature at its best are digitally printed onto silk fabric and come complete with a feather insert.

The traditional style square shapes are available in either 16 or 20 inch with the rectangular panel cushions in a generous 11 x 18”, all are machine washable making them extremely functional as well as striking to look at.

Noodle have their own on-line shop with many of their products available ready to buy rather than ordering and waiting for them to be made. The wide choice of traditional favourite flowers in vivid natural colours provide something to suit all colour decors. The stunning effects of the close up images and vibrant colours are perfect for instantaneously injecting colour into a room.

The autumnal leaves and branches in burnt oranges or sunset reds offer a warm appearance just waiting to be snuggled into during the winter months. One of the great advantages of using cushions in a home is the versatility to replace the covers in line with the seasons, alternatively brighten the winter blues by choosing spring or summer flowers reminding us that winter doesn’t last forever!

With Christmas just around the corner, I believe I have found the ideal gift for all horticultural lovers, green-fingered gardeners or those who love nature at its best! With such a vast range available it’s just a matter of selecting which ones to opt for!


Image source: www.noodleonline.com

Serene Weekend.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Personally, I would love to spend it in a place like this, enjoying life's simple pleasures. This brings up an interesting question. For me, time in a peaceful place like this with my family, my camera, and access to great coffee is my definition of heaven. How do all of you define a perfect weekend?

Why You Gotta Hate?!

Paloma sent me this and I had to share! Its too funny. Its especially funny because I really am a part of that supposed "Small sliver of the population". I know for saying that, I probably will get this kind of hateful treatment. I would hope that people who consider themselves open minded and progressive would allow for others to have varying opinions, but if not... I guess I'll survive.

Getting It Right.

Here are a few spaces that really make simplicity work.
I like that every space takes a different approach at achieving the same goal.

Via: Alvhem. I don't understand this site at all, but its great!

Marie Claire Maison

Studio Violet

My all time hero!

Black and White or White and Black?

I adore these coffee tables made in fabric, PU or leather. The monochrome effect is striking in an understated way, the pattern is inspired by natural objects which have been placed ingeniously around the base, providing a style which would look stunning in a variety of different hone or office interior design styles.

The Buono-coffee table was launched and exhibited by PimPen.Co.Ltd at the 100% Design Exhibition in September this year and is designed to be both a coffee table and a stool. This piece look incredibly comfortable as a stool, just perfect for perching on informally! I can also see this table being used as a foot stool, a contemporary twist on the traditional pouffe in many homes.

The circular insert lends itself beautifully for placing a mug of coffee during the day or a glass of wine at informal gatherings or a quiet night in by the fire! The practicality of incorporating this piece of modern furniture into homes I believe are endless, although they have been made as part of the Buono collection of seating they would look equally striking coordinated with people’s existing furniture suites, more particularly if they are also in plain black or white fabric or leather.

Chic and sophisticated the Buono-coffee table has an unfussiness which I really enjoy, stylish yet functional and exceptionally pleasing to the eye with no harsh rigid lines one’s attention remain focused on the coffee table. For me, either colour way, black and white or white and black is reminiscent of Ying and Yang, balance and harmony.

Image source: www.100percentdesign.co.uk

The Ultimate in Recycling?

This has bench has got to be one of the most innovative designs in ultimate re-cycling! The “334” bench is made strangely enough from 334 old newspapers which have been folded and stacked next to one another on three parallel bars of metal. The design shape and number of newspapers provides the bench with enough strength to hold five people.

Not only is the “334” bench extremely economical and an excellent way to re-cycle it has a design shape which is simplistic yet proportional, suiting all manner of interior design styles.

Created by Oscar Lhermitte, product design student at the central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, the “334” bench is part of his 'X Days Project', the concept behind the “334” bench has been used to inspire people into recycling and creating their own unique and fascinating pieces of furniture and useful objects without using glues or screws!

I think this type of effective and practical re-cycling should be encouraged in schools as part of 'going green' campaigns. I suppose for those who wish to be annoyingly pedantic one could only use the newspapers one reads! Saving a daily newspaper, a bench could be successfully completed within a year and the colour supplements could be created into coordinating coffee tables!

I'll be interested to know how well this fantastic idea catches on and whether it will only people who read certain newspapers actually give it a go! Of course there is bound to be the dilemma of where to store a years worth of newspapers somewhere dry while or maybe it should be an ongoing project which gradually evolves over the days and weeks!

Image source: www.woohome.com

An Eye For Simplicity.

The world seems like such a complicated place lately. I've decided to dedicate this week to true simplicity. Being a minimalist at heart, I find peace and rest in simple and uncomplicated things. I think its easier to see their true beauty that way. Over the weekend I discovered an amazing artist who captures quiet moments with amazing detail. The sand and sky in these photos are hypnotic.

Artist: Rebecca Villarreal

Tom Raffield- Ash Pendant No.1

Tom Raffield, co-founder of Sixisis, has created his own company from which he has used the most beautiful local English Ash to create this unique sculptural light shade.

A piece of true craftsmanship which looks as stunning during the daylight hours when natural light permeates through the coils and woven twists as it does when the energy saving soft glow giant light bulb, which Tom supplies with every commission, is switched on. The visual effects highlight the natural colouring of the wood magnificently while offering a soft, subtle lighting effects.


Tom is renowned for his designs using sustainable woods. To create the light shade he steams green, unseasoned wood to provide him with the flexibility to bend, coil and weave the strips into this fabulous design. His low energy manufacturing methods are truly remarkable, he uses only water and local wood, any wood waste goes to a local smoke house to cure fresh salmon and mackerel.

I really like this piece of practical sculptural art. This particular piece has a 60cm diameter, however, different sizes will be made on request, contact@tomraffield.com

I believe Tom has costed his work at low prices, Ash Pendant No.1 is only £250, making he work very affordable as well as genuinely unique.

As Tom has called this Ash Pendant No.1 I sincerely hope he is going to produce numbers two and three very soon!

Ash pendant No.1 was recently unveiled at Liberty of London and is currently available to see at the Re Design Lighten Up travelling Exhibition which began in September this year.

Image source: www.tomraffield.com

XOXO

Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes and lovely words. All of you really mean so much to me, and I appreciate all my wonderful blog friends. I'd like to give all of you a big hug and kiss...MWAH!!

Picture via: LA Ginger

Busy, Busy!

Come October most people's calenders get pretty crazy, here in Houston. That's because its finally cooled down enough to not cause everyone to melt. Most of the country is feeling crisp autumn breezes, but around here...not so much. It is fun because there are so many events around town. This week is certainly packed with things to do. First, the fabulous Installations Antiques is opening up their doors, Thursday evening to show off everything that is new.
Second, it is also time for the Houston AIA Home tour. This is one of those events I look forward to all year. Third, is the Bayou City Art Festival. This is always so much fun because there are so many great artists who participate. Fun, Fun. But my jam-packed week of fun starts tomorrow, because...

Its My Birthday!!

Yes, finally 21!!...Give or take 12yrs. I'm getting to the age where I should be a "mature" person. But, I'm not certain that I am yet. Hmmm.
Well, I decided to make a birthday registry for myself. One that can be found in a place called Fantasy Land. Only there would anyone buy me these gifts. Well, while in Fantasy Land I decided my house could use a makeover. These items would be just right. Like the cast concrete light fixtures, how wonderful. The Marimekko wall hanging and the Chair Couture dining chairs add some great color to the dark dining table. Finally, I love the collection of nose casts. For a girl who has always been self-conscious of her nose. My nose is still better looking than these.
So now that my fantasy house is looking so good, I hope all of you come to the party:)

Can You Keep Decorating If Your Money Is All Gone?

You can if you decorate college dorm style. I found this article via The New York Times about some very creative college students and their cheap decorating tricks. The two photos above are so cool, I would be willing to pay good money to copy the look. But they are both assembled from found pieces! Times being what they are, I guess we are all going to have to get creative.

Can Someone Explain This To Me?

When I was a kid growing up in a small town, I was often the target of mean kids because of things about me that they found to be "too different". I remember taking pan dulce in my lunch box and kids literally gathering around me to make gagging sounds and to tell me how "gross" my food looked. Or listening to Spanish music and getting strange looks. Okay, so take the same exact music and have it recorded by an American artist, and all-of-a-sudden its genius! Have someone change the shape of the pan dulce, and give it a French name or something...now its a delicacy. I have often found this baffling. When you grow up as part of a minority, you learn to hide a lot of your cultural traditions while in the "Anglo" world, because otherwise you often run into discrimination. But if a well known artist or whatever, blatantly copies those same cultural references they are hailed as original and truly creative. If you are wondering why I'm on such a soap box, its because I was scrolling through the web, when I ran across this article about the latest Hermes collection. I admit that I chuckled at the details of the collection, because it all looked and felt suspiciously familiar to me.

Hmm, I wonder what in the world could have inspired such a collection? Maybe all the folks who actually sew the clothes, clean up the main offices, and build the massive sky-scrapers? I don't know...maybe. When I was younger I used to think that this sort of thing was a sort of acceptance of cultural differences...but now I'm not so sure. I can imagine the reaction I would get if I walked around wearing these clothes. Hermes or not, I probably wouldn't get the nicest treatment if I walked in to a high end department store.
My intention is not to be divisive because I love where I live and my parents had to sacrifice a lot for us to be here...and I am very grateful. I guess I just wanted to point one of those curiosities of life. My point of view is of growing up Mexican-American, but I know anyone who grew up here with a family from somewhere else has experienced the same thing.
So there is yet another of my random thoughts that has nothing to do with interior design...I know, I have a lot of them.

P.S. I posted this photo with only the utmost respect, because I think Los Tigres Del Norte is one of the best bands ever! (Even if I don't agree w/ the outfits)
P.P.S. Anyone reading this who isn't from the U.S. probably doesn't know what I am talking about. These clothes are a reference to a part of Mexican culture known as Tejano or Norteño. It is basically a fusion of Northern Mexican and Southwest American traditions.

So Cozy...

The beautiful and soothing textures just jump out of these photos! I don't think anyone could have a bad day after relaxing in this house. This is the work of Bradford ID Inc. I received an email informing me about Bradford's site and his great new blog called Design Therapy.

The dark lines of the barstools look fantastic against the white walls. Me likey!

Colors Of The Rainbow.

Phillip Gorrivan is a New York designer, with an amazing sense of color. He finds creative ways to use beautiful fun colors in what is spaces that could be considered very formal, otherwise.
Link: VT Interiors