Barbara Hill At Found.

One of Houston's best stops for antiques and unusual objects is Found. They are fairly well known in blogland and have a great site on 1st dibs. Being the "eclectic" person that I am, I always find many lust worthy objects there. Next week they will premier new furnishings designed by Barbara Hill.

Barbara's Marfa home has been featured in several publications, including

Dwell and Metropolitan Home.

I really got to go there! The photo below is actually one I have in my tear-sheet stash, but didn't

know who designed it. (I admit I don't always read magazines...I just look at the pretty pictures).

I'm ashamed of myself:( I'm also ashamed because I now realize that Barbara

is a frequent patron of my favorite coffee shop, I see her all the time but didn't know who she was.

In fact, a couple of weeks ago, I stopped her to say how much I love her red hair.

I think she thought I was crazy. Oh well, maybe I can officially meet her next week

and she won't think I'm crazy. (Ha ha).

I can't wait to see her new designs!

I'm Tired, I'm Stressed...Only Junking Will Help.

Junking is a real term right? If not, I'm sure you all know what I mean.
Its the act of searching through and hunting for junk!! I have yet to figure out why I love it so much, but it does my soul good:)
Many of you may have noticed that I have been slow on posting lately. I have to admit that my work has been taking all my time and energy.
I'm struggling w/ feeling any amount of creativity or inspiration.

I know, "Boo hoo".
Over the weekend we had a few rare child free hours. (Thanks to my lovely sister and brother-in-law)
So I took the time to hit some "antique" stores, to relieve some stress.
Some of my favorite Houston haunts are located along several blocks of Westheimer.
Finding so many hidden gems made me very happy. Here are a few of my favorite finds.

This is such a cool Valentine's themed window display!

Of course I must include chairs.

I feel a little better, now. Aahhh.

Rek Bookcase

I love this expanding shelving unit by Reinier de Jong. As your book collection or collection of anything come to that! begins to grow you can simply slide the unit apart to reveal the ideal shelving unit.

The Rek bookcase looks simply stunning closed up with the added intrigue of it opening up to cover virtually a whole wall. Great idea for rented studio flats where space is usually confined or you don’t like the décor in a room!

The other aspect of Rek which appeals to me is the variety of different shapes and sizes of the shelves/cubby holes when the bookcase is open. The long thin ones would be ideal for storing magazines; there is even storage for oversize books which I can never seem to find the right place on a shelf for.

The overall simple clean lines provides the opportunity to use the Rek bookcase in any style of interior. It would look equally at home in either traditional or modern room designs. No over the top fussiness; just a very functional piece of furniture. Being white it will coordinate with any colour scheme, style of furnishings and window dressings such as roman blinds or curtains.

Although Rek has been designed as a bookcase I think any sort of personal collection would look equally as stunning. This bookcase is perfectly in keeping with this year’s interior design themes of no clutter or mess, just be careful that it doesn’t become an untidy dumping ground as that would completely ruin the look!

For further information and image source visit MoCo Loco.

Is This Heaven?

It just might be! My version anyway.

This from The Modern Warehouse, found via Hoping for Happy Accidents.

Sunday Abstraction: Pretty Balloons

Loquat "Harder Hit" from Evan Lane on Vimeo.

What is it about balloons that I think we all love? Lately I notice them everywhere.

As a little girl, I treasured every new balloon I would receive. Of course, it was all the more heart breaking
when I would lose hold of the string and the balloon quickly flew into the sky. I cried every time that happened.
I think all the pretty images of balloons reminded me of that. The funny thing is, I still love them!
Does anyone outgrow their love of balloons? I think not.

Links:
1. The most romantic image of a balloon ever!
2. Harder Hit by Loquat. This was an instant favorite for me!
3. Sofia Coppola's tribute to being "Pretty in Pink" via A View To.

This just in...
Check out Pink Wallpaper's article about balloons too!

'Lull' Light

The concept of this amazing light has 'blossomed' by the Norwegian design group Varmo 1 Kollstad 1 Buene. It works by a motor which has a timer attached. When it is time for sleep the light slowly dims and the petals of the light slowly close. In the morning the bud comes to life by reversing the action-the light comes on and as the bud opens the light becomes brighter. What a wonderfully relaxing and ingenious way to let your body clock know when it is time to sleep and when it is time to get up.

Lull, the apt name of this design, is a great way to get children into a good sleep routine from an early age. No more being afraid of the dark, as the light fades and the flower closes the room will gradually and gently become darker, rather than the usual 'shock' of being plunged into complete darkness. It may also be very useful for anyone who has problems drifting off to sleep or waking up.

In order for Lull to work effectively it would probably be best to use a blackout roller blind to prevent unwanted light coming into the room too early in the morning or when trying to get to sleep-as these would defeat the object of controlling the amount of light in the room.

Lull would be ideal for use all year, most particularly during the long summer evenings and early morning sunshine!

The design group consulted psychologist and specialist on sleep problems Dr. Staalle Pallesen during this wonderful lights conception.

For further information and image source visit yatzer

Peeping Tom.

Earlier in the week I mentioned I would share a look into some personal spaces. Here is the first. This is the home of Luise Helm of Berlin, otherwise known as Allerleirau; on her Flickr site. I wanted to show this personal space, because it has such attention to detail. I really love the fun little vignettes spread throughout the house, and I especially love her collection of old photos. The photo of the girl w/ the unknown person in a bear costume is hilarious. I would love to see that every morning:)

The stairs have such amazing details. They like an art installation.

Another great idea is the wire basket hung on the wall. Great storage and stylish too.

Beat the Wintry Weather!

Beat the wintry weather and stay cosy and warm by ensuring your windows are draught free. Double glazing has improved the number of heat lost via windows in recent years, however, studies show that many homes still loose a substantial amounts of heat through windows and doors.

Finding modern curtains in a heavy weight fabric can be time consuming and very frustrating! These contemporary designed, Elston curtains are the ideal solution.

The curtains are fully lined , with deep three inch headings they are perfect for using with a modern curtain pole made from either wood or metal. Coordinating tie-backs and cushion offer a stylish and elegant look to a room.

Traditional floral pattern with an up-to-date design looks great in both traditional and modern interiors. Shown here in a dining room style setting, these curtains would look equally at home in a lounge or trendy bedroom.

The subtle red and green contrasting colours provides the opportunity to use these curtains with many different colour schemes. I must admit to having a difficulty with rooms that have patterned walls and patterned curtains! The thought of having a completely coordinating room fills me with dread-I have recently seen on TV, a room where the wall paper, curtains and bedding were all exactly the same-eek!

The colours used in Elston curtains offers the opportunity to having a variety of different plain wall colours. By selecting one of the main colours as an accent, subtle injections of the same shade can be incorporated elegantly in the room.

Image source: Terrysfabrics

Charming Little Homes.

Just the other day I pulled out one of my favorite movies, Roman Holiday. Oh, its so romantic!Audrey and Gregory in Rome...what could be better?! What's interesting though, is that one of my favorite parts of the movie is the tiny apartment "Joe Bradley" resides in. Its such a tiny little space, but packed with character. I always get blown away when they step out onto that amazing balcony with a view.

As I was watching Roman Holiday, I was reminded of another great movie with a charming apartment.An American in Paris. For years I've imagined myself in a charming little place just like Gene Kelly's.
If you haven't seen it, go rent it because Kelly's apartment is a great study in small space living!
In my imagination, all European bohemian types live in apartments just like these.
Surely they do, right? Don't blow it for me, if you know they don't.
I think I'm rambling again, but I wanted to show a real life little abode that inspires me. Ironically, its not an apartment at all but actually a house boat.
For any of you who read Pia Jane Bijkerk, you will be familiar with her "Petit Bateau". It really is so inspiring.

Can you imagine yourself floating down a beautiful river while admiring city lights?
So romantic! I wonder if I could invite myself over for a few days?

P.S. A couple of creative people are allowing me to share their amazing homes with all of you.
More on that later, this week.

Modern Times

As of late, I have been working on a project that is all about contemporary style and minimalism. Its been very fun, and I hope to have some photos soon. The down side is, I don't have as much time and energy for blogging. I know my posting has been a bit sparse lately and I wanted to let all of you know why. Hopefully, I can get back on track soon and have some great pictures too.

Links to photos:
1. Mody and Mody
2. Foscarini
3. Ligne Roset

Florence, Take Me Away!!

I never knew how much I would love to travel to Florence,
until I saw these photos from The Sartorialist.

I also never knew how much I would love to have frizzy blond hair.
Would this look work for me? Not very sure.

Green Is The New Black!

Mostly because we are all trying to save some.

Go to Pieces' amazing site and get a 30% discount by mentioning Carolina Eclectic.

Its only available through the 15th, so go now!!

Kid Free Weekend

I'm off for a kid free weekend, so no Sunday Abstraction.
I'm going to be occupied w/ other things!
P.S. Check out the fabulous bedroom inspirations at Desire to Inspire.

Dream Bag

This new design concept made from beaver nylon and foam filled polyester brings the humble bean bag right up to date. Dream bag offers the ideal resting and relaxation place for people of all ages.

Designed by Ulrika Engberg and Kasper Medin- they have used the idea of a flower bud when the Dream Bag is closed which blossoms when open. A simple yet effectual concept.

Like most bean bags Dream Bag looks incredibly comfortable. I love the idea of having that extra support from the contrasting ‘petals’. Ideal for letting babies snuggle into to rest, as long as they are not left unsupervised of course, and great for oldies like me who still like to sit low down but need extra help to get comfortable!

Dream bag is lightweight and therefore easy to transport around the home or in the garden-when it’s a bit warmer.

I also like the use of black and white beaver nylon fabric- as this enables the Dream Bag to blend well into both modern and traditional interior designs with ease. It looks great against this wooden flooring and would be ideal in chic apartments which have a monotone, minimalist interior. Coordinated with either white or black wooden blinds, white walls and black and white rugs a remarkably easy and affordable interior can be created.

No doubt once Ulrika and Kasper have found a producer for their Dream Bag, a huge variety of different colour combinations will become available.

Source information and image via Yanko Designs.

Pixel Couch

I just love the multitude of colours in this Pixel Couch designed by Christian Zuzuanga.

The couch fabrics is designed by using artificial Picture Elements more commonly know to us all simply as pixels. I’m not really into understanding the complexities or simplicities of how pixels ‘work’- I simply love the striking effect they produce!

The squares remind me for a contemporary patchwork, without the necessity of sewing the individual pieces all together. The slight blurring of the colours looks stunning close up, but I’m not sure when viewed from a distance if you may have the feeling of being unable to focus your eyes properly, a bit like when you’ve had too much to drink!

This Pixel Couch offers the possibility of using any colour within the spectrum for the rooms design colours. In large rooms I would opt for the brightest of the colours for curtains and accessories; smaller rooms would look great with the more mid-range colours. Plain black or white would look striking in a room of any size.

The great advantage of using multicoloured furniture is the ability to have curtain fabric in practically any colour and it will blend beautifully.

The couch offers a contemporary approach to traditional style furniture. I’m sure if you search you will find that someone has already designed fabric using pixels from which numerous different furniture and accessories have been created. I’m sure I have seen a woman’s dress made from pixel style fabric- I just can’t remember where!

For more information on Pixel Couch and image source visit Yanko Designs.

Oh, The Other Carolina!!

I say this jokingly of course. This article is about Carolina Herrera Jr...pas moi.
This apartment is so wonderful with all of its beautiful color and pattern.
Funny enough, I think my favorite part is the found blackboard,
Carolina uses to collect photos and notes.

Those of you who read regularly, know I'm not big on too many patterns,
but I am fascinated with this bedroom!
What don't I like about this article? Now I feel like the frumpiest Carolina around:(

Posters Of A Memory.

Growing up, a favorite family event was watching old Spanish movies.
We spent countless hours sitting in our living room laughing, and crying to those amazing movies.
I guess because of that, I became a devout movie buff.
There aren't many things I enjoy than a good black and white film.
So you can imagine how much I love these amazing posters from the Keep Calm Gallery.

Ready-made is not Cheating!

Window dressing should always be given careful consideration. It can be really difficult finding exactly the right colour and patterns, especially if you don’t have the skills, time or inclination to make your own curtains.

I just love these beautifully patterned, wave eyelet curtains. They look striking hung from these contemporary steel effect curtain poles, offering a really clean and crisp look to the room. The subtle wave effect pattern provides the illusion of height to the window and room. Made from robust and durable fabric which has a soft lined look these curtains would look stunning in both traditional or modern homes.

The great thing about modern ready made curtains is the simplicity of hanging them; especially these eyelet style headings, it’s just a matter of sliding them onto the pole and fixing the pole to the brackets.

The key factor in having curtains like these is to ensure they hang to the floor exactly. Too long and the wave effect pattern may be lost; too short and they will remind you of trousers which are not quite long enough to be trendy and stylish!

Another good aspect of buying window dressings ready made is that they generally come with other accessories such as tie-backs and cushions to match or coordinate, providing a really stylish look very easily.

Having ‘ready made’ is not a cheat’s way out, it’s simply a practical and affordable way to have elegant window dressings throughout your home.

Visit Terrys Fabrics for further information and inspiration!

Reflection Chair

This relaxing snuggle into ‘Reflection’ chair has been designed by Vincent Lai.
I can’t help but think that it reminds me of a pet basket!
The upholstery may not be to everyone’s liking; somewhat bland colours in my opinion. Maybe that’s the whole point not to be distracted by too many colours and patterns while relaxing; the chair certainly doesn’t want to be the focal point in a room if it’s used as a personal hideaway, just blend into the background in an unobtrusive way.

Would look great in any room; ideal for teenagers who don’t want to have to interact or talk to anyone else; ideal for snuggling into and shutting yourself metaphorically away from the world, if only for an hour or two at the end of the day; a great space for quietly reading the weekend papers, it makes a statement of ‘I want to be left alone, this is my space’ very clear!

Being up off the ground and virtually encircled with high padding, anyone who lives in a draughty house would welcome the warm advantages this delightful chair brings. Team Reflection chair up with some thick discount curtains in a plain lemony yellow colour and a small living space could be transformed into a warm, welcoming zone specifically designed for one. Ideal for students and those who enjoy their own company.

As much as I like Reflection chair and the concepts behind the design, I still think it looks like an oversized pet basket-but that’s just my view!

For further information visit Yanko Designs

Versailles Under The Microscope.

When does preservation cross the line into revisionism?
Being a history buff, I ask myself this question occasionally, and
so does photographer Robert Polidori in Versailles series.
For over 25 yrs. he photographed the preservation process of the great Versailles,
although the process did take away some of its romance.

Article found via: Wallpaper.

Sick Day.

Hi everyone, today is a migraine day. I can't sit at the computer long because it hurts my eyes.
I didn't want to abandon you, though; so I am giving you a referral.
I found these beautiful photos via a great blog called Tinyk. Have you seen it?
I recommend you visit there today, and hopefully I will be back soon.

Carolina