Fabulous Ways Of Using Curtains

Removing doors and replacing them with full length curtains is not only an inspirational idea in rooms where doors are impractical, they are also make a very elegance and frame through which to look through and an easy way for the eye to be naturally drawn through into the next room and the natural light coming through the window.

The aspect I really find an easy, yet brilliant idea is to have the tie backs up high to enable the space to be fully utilised. Of course, this type of door way is a perfect for any type of interior design, be it traditional, modern or contemporary, it would purely be just a matter of choosing the right style and colour of fabric and altering the pelmet to suit.

With the curtain pelmet touching the line between the wall and the ceilng also adds height to the room. Look closely and you will see that the windows in the other room have the same curtains, also with high tie backs, creating a real sense of cohesion and harmony.

Using tie backs up high would look wonderful on sheer fabrics such as silk and voiles, particularly if you were to use the latest trends of beaded tie backs in a contrasting colour. Opt for opaque beads to allow the sun to make fascinating patterns of subtle colour to give the room a wonderful and gentle focal point.

Much nicer than traditional style of net curtains used in many homes in the UK, predominately to stop prying eyes seeing into other people's houses rather than for their somewhat bland and in my opinion boring and outdated look which do little to enhance the beauty of anyone's windows!

Image: Absolutely Beautiful Things

In The Details

Sorry to leave all you on such a sad note for so many days. I will be away from home for several days, and spent the last two on the road. Until I get back with more inspiration, here is a tiny detail that I love. I don't know if this is a decal or paint, but doesn't make the room? God is in the details they say.

What Is There To Say?

I'm still in shock over this.

Michael Jackson was a major icon in my life. I was 7yrs old when Thriller
was released. It was such a phenomenon that my view of pop music was forever
affected by him. His influence over so many aspects of music are still visible. From the art
of video making, choreography, fashion, etc. Without him modern music would not be what it is today.
I will always remember wearing my red "leather" jacket with the studded shoulders to my elementary school.
Also, in Middle school I took to taping the ends of my fingers like Michael did in his Bad album days.
Ha! I had forgotten that until I saw this video. No wonder kids used to call me weird! I just admired him so.
Of course, I can't pretend that I don't remember all the terrible allegations that followed him around the last
years of his life. I pray for those innocent children and wish that those things weren't true...but who's to say.
Now I just hope that they can find peace. I guess that's why this news is so shocking to me. I'm forced to deal
with my mixed emotions over a fallen idol.

One Lovely Blog

I would like to thank Sparrow of Simon on the Side for giving me a "One Lovely Blog" award. I'm honored:)
After receiving this, I am supposed to pass it on to 15 newly discovered blogs. It took me a while to compile this list, but I do like sharing these sites with all of you. Be sure to link over if you haven't seen them. I'm sure you will enjoy these blogs as much as I do.
So here is my list:

1. The Brick House (Love this room from her house, featured on Design Sponge)
(*Fellow Houston bloggers)
2. *Harbenger Duo
3. *Under A Paper Moon
4. *Late Check-In
5. The Design Boards
6. Knack
7. Little Brown Pen
8. A Room Somewhere
9. Design Fabulous
10. Bluebird Photography
11. Indian Summer Vintage
12. My Adventure is Your Advantage
13. Style Swoon
14. A Life More Fabulous
15. Design Studio

Tips to decorating A Child's Bedroom

I'm staying with the theme of bedroom for children and teenagers as these rooms often pose dilemmas for parents.

Things I would recommend:

* Children grow very fast, silly statement I know but it's true! You send money and hours decorating it the latest fads of favourite TV characters and before the paint is dry they have changed their minds! Stick with more neutral themes and let them add their own identity by have their favourite toys (of the moment) and opt for cheap duvet covers which can be replaced without spending a fortune.

* Window dressings, always opt to have black out lining unless you want to be woken every morning by your children rather than the alarm clock! You can fit blackout linings to any style of curtain fabrics, and if you prefer to use blinds chose the ones which are made with light blackout fabrics.

* Flooring, this needs to be easily to keep clean. In the UK carpets are now being replaced with stripped floor boards or wood effect laminate flooring which is much easier to keep clean and far more 'accident' proof than carpets! Don't be fooled into thinking it's only toddlers who have 'accidents', as your child enters teenage years 'accident' of a different kind, usually alcohol related, will also take their toll on a carpet!

* Furnishing, trendy beds and furniture made from wood or metal are a good investment for children of all ages. Bunk beds or bunks which have a working space underneath are great space savers.

* Above all keep things simple! The more fancy you try and make the room the more cluttered and untidy it is likely to become. Always have lots of storage space and add shelves to store books, DVDs etc.

Image: Freshome

The Cottage Life

Yes? No? I never know how I feel about cottages. I love their character but many feel too restrictive. Small choppy floor plans. This house on the other hand, I do love. It was obviously remodeled and opened up. Now it has a great loft feel! It also helps that at over 1700 sqft. It isn't tiny.
OH, I WANT A NEW HOUSE SOOOO BAD!!!!!

(Found via The Houstonist)

Hipster Rug

Following on from my last post I had to share this fantastic rug with you! Created by Lil Mo this 'Hipster' rug it has to be one of the coolest rugs you could possibly choose for a teenager's bedroom.

You may not know what all the abbreviations mean but I can assure you with most teenagers using text chat and internet abbreviated speak all the time they will find this rug really trendy and will be the envy of all their friends!

The colours are just as cool and will blend with any décor scheme and style quite easily. It may just shock your kid's to know that you are just as hip as they are even though you prefer not to speak in abbreviations all the time! The rug is available in different sizes and is 100% acrylic giving you the durability you need in a teenager's bedroom!

If this rug is not quite to your liking Lil Mo has created other great designs with kids in mind. Visit Atticmag to see others in the the collection. These may not be cheap rugs but the certainly do cater for children of all ages and tastes and a ideal way to keep your kid's happy!

Your kids will be astounded at your impeccable taste in soft furnishing and they may even teach you how to text at ultra fast speeds...in abbreviated text of course!

Well, you have to LOL occasionally even if you really would prefer to stay straight-faced!!

The Next Annie Liebovitz?

I say this as a joke of course:) Last week at the David Byrne concert, he announced that the audience could take as many photos as they liked. Luckily, I had smuggled in my point ant shoot camera. Yes, I was planning on taking photos dishonestly....its funny, I didn't really feel bad about it until I wrote this, oops.
It turns out the joke was on me because I could have taken my better camera and gotten better pics.
This was the first time I attempted this type of photo, and I found out that is not as easy as it looks. The varying lights, dancing, working around the audience! It was kind of crazy for this amateur photographer.

When I got home, I was somewhat disappointed. Only 2 or 3 photos were sort of clear. So I decided to make lemonade from my lemons. Since many of the photos were so blurry, I took them to another level of blur! It was a very liberating process. Since I didn't have to worry about "ruining" the picture, I was free to do whatever I wanted. Very cool.

So I'm not holding my breathe for Rolling Stone to hire me any time soon, but this was a new and challenging process for me. I think at the next concert, I will know a little more what I'm up against and have a better approach. In the meantime, these off-beat photos are my tribute to one of my creative heroes:)

Decorating Children's Bedrooms

Decorating children's bedrooms can be a real nightmare! It's fine when they are toddlers because you can use the alphabet, animals, circus tents just about any theme and they will be happy!

However, reaching those in between years when they are no longer little and yet not reached their teenage years can be a real problem. I love the design concept of this boy's bedroom, especially the baseballs used on top of the bed posts which add a really individual touch.

Including names of the children who occupy the room has always baffled me! Is this to remind them who they are and which bed they are supposed to sleep in or it a psychological symbol indicating their own individual space?

With that dilemma put aside, I do believe it is important to let children have a say in the colour scheme and style of their room, as they are far more likely to want to spend time there in a space of their own as well as sleeping of course!

Having personal touches is another great way to let them express their individuality, home-made quilts and bedspreads may not be to everyone's liking but they are a great way of showing how much you care, and until they reach the rebellious stage I say 'go for it' in a big way!

Once they reach the age, when it's pointless trying to help them make choices, they can have their own space decorated and kept in whatever disarray they want! If they want black walls and ceilings then agree enthusiastically, you may be surprised to find that if you whole heartedly agree with anything they will want something different! It may be mind games but it works...well nearly always!

Image source: AtticMag

Currently Obsessed With...

Voila, in Los Angeles!! After reading the article about them over at 1st dibs, I can't get them out of my head. It seems like a rather haunting and intense place.

That's it! I need to have black walls somewhere!

I will admit that living with all the items in this store would be over the top, but adding one or two...talk about an amazing touch. I found these photos at 1st dibs, but there are more at Viola's site.

Beautiful Bedroom Designs With A Modern Twist

Finding the right colour combinations for bedrooms is a matter of balance, to create trendy yet serene places of tranquility and peace. Opting for two basic or main colours is always a good idea and then add an injection of one other accent colour to achieve a harmonious and stylish look.

Too many colours and your mind will be full of confusion which is not conducive to restful sleep. Black and white are classical monotone colour schemes which are used successfully in all styles of homes and interior design styles. These colours look great on their own and yet but adding just a couple of accent pieces the whole effect is easily transform.

Add an accent colour by including a cushion or bedspreads neatly folded in half across the bed for a more conventional look or folded in thirds to make one of the latest trends of bed runners across the bottom third of the bed.

At least with bedspreads you can pull them up if you feel cold, whilst these latest trends of bed runners are purely for aesthetic appearances or for keeping you feet warm!

Rooms which are coordinated do not have to be stuffy and old fashioned looking if you choose your colours carefully. If you opt for the totally coordinated style opt for plain bedspreads, duvet covers and curtains as well as plain walls as these provide a sense of cohesion to the room.

For great inspirational ideas and image source visit A Life's Design blog.

Personal Questions

I can never decide how I feel about personal questions. On one hand I wonder why it is that not many people ask personal questions (boo hoo) and on the other I feel somewhat uncomfortable when they do. Crazy, I know. Well, I took a leap and answered some for the lovely Nikk at a very fun blog called Onions+Garlic. Let's be honest, I did enjoy
talking about myself. Ha, ha!
Check it out here. (P.S. Don't you just love this banner?)
Thanks Nikk!

Mas Amor

(Translation: More Love)
I know many of you loved this incredible work space as much as I did. Dezeen posted a more extensive article with additional photos and an interview with the architect...just one problem. The interview is in Spanish, so you might need a translator. Its got great photos though!

Finding The Right Colours In The Bedroom!

Neutral colours create a relaxing atmosphere which are ideal for guest rooms or for those who prefer a non flashy style of design. Neutral tones are perfect for creating a serene ambience which can give the illusion of more space which is a real asset in small rooms.

Master bedrooms are intimate places which are rarely shared with anyone but the houseowners, irrispective of age. Keeping bedrooms private places enable people to have much needed santuaries of peace and privacy in modern hectic lifestyles.

If you are able to keep your bedroom private and child free, at least for some of the time! you will sleep better and furthermore feel better. I know that I'm a clutter free freak, however if there is only one place that should be kept immaculate it has to be the bedroom!

Get into the habit of putting clothes away, either by re-hanging in the wardrobe or putting them into the laundry basket. Always make your bed after an airing. Walking into a bedroom which has an unmade bed is one of the quickest ways to deflate you!

Add injections of colour in neutral colour schemes, this is a great way of keeping up with the latest design colour trends, scatter cushions, beautiful bed sets, bedside table lamps and personal touches by way of photographs or your favourite objects. Remember uneven grouping always looks far more styish, three and five are perfect!

Luxury bedding in deep rich colours offers a sensuous and very stlish look to a bedroom. Make your bedroom your personal space which is not shared by anyone but your partner!

Image: So Chic Interiors

Its A Casamidy World

Lately I keep thinking about traveling. I'm not sure why I'm so preoccupied with vacationing this early in the summer, maybe because we are already topping 100 degrees! I think its going to be a long summer. My current goal is to travel to San Miguel de Allende, not that I think it will feel very cool; but I know it would be beautiful. Many of you may be familiar with the design company Casamidy, located in San Miguel. Their interiors and furniture are so striking and amazing. Well, I just found they own several properties both in Mexico and France that are available to rent. Anyone interested in sharing a place?

I can feel history and warmth jumping out from these photos! The architecture and furnishings are so beautiful. I love traveling to places that spark my creativity. I think my imagination could really soar here.

Monday Morning Randomness

Here are a couple of things that are on my mind this morning. First, I'm so excited about this concert, I can't sit still!!!
Second, have you ever thought what your Ikea name would be if you were a piece of furniture? Well, wonder no more! Go here and find out. Apparently, I would also be a very minimal platform bed, hmmm?
I'll be back later today:)

Appealing Summer Design Styles

There is something about this room design which I love, not my usual type of style, however the more I look at this room the more aspects of it I like!

In a nutshell that is what good design style is all about, liking the look, loving the colours and feeling comfortable with the style. This is a room which would suit many homes and could so easily be copied, even if you were to follow the design principles if you are not keen on the colours a striking style could be achieved very cost effectively.

If you are not adept at painting features and focal points on your walls there are lots of places where you can obtain transfers which are quick and easy to apply.

Of course the room has lots of white, well I doubt I’d like it so much if it didn’t! along with some beautiful striking summer colours in the cushions, mural and the ready made curtains. The white coffee table has all the hallmarks of a sixties style which only has the all important three objects placed on it.

Always display objects in uneven numbers as this is far more pleasing to the eye. The other thing I love about this room s there is no clutter, which I admit is one of my greatest dislikes!

The flooring makes a pleasant change in mustard yellow, however I’m not a lover of wall to wall carpets and would change this for a large rug on stripped floor boards or ceramic tiles in a neutral shade.

Image: Decorology

Go With The Flow

So I've got a kid who obviously likes to express himself. I figured
why not just go with it! Far be it for me to discourage a kid's desire to be creative.
I selected a few of my favorite school projects of Liam's and framed them myself.
I just went to an art supply and bought some simple frames with nice mats.
I also hung them at his eye level so he can see his own work.
I tell him how much I like them all the time:)

Walk Into A Favorite Movie

(I love how the window treatments capture the eerie glow in the movie's hotel window and yes I realize that there are more orange chairs)
All Alkemie readers may have seen her mention the Vertigo Hotel last week, but for those who didn't; I had to revisit it. This cool hotel is in San Francisco and inspired by, what else...Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. This is one of my favorite movies, ever! I am a Hitchcock fanatic and Vertigo is by far my favorite movie of his. So you can imagine my excitement to see photos of this hotel. How soon can I get there, I wonder?

When it comes to set design, Vertigo always tops the list as my favorite. It combines great Mid century style with classic San Francisco architecture. I especially love Scottie's (Jimmy Stewart) apartment. Love every detail. I have to admit that I am also intrigued by a hotel getting its inspiration from such a dark and mysterious movie. It doesn't exactly have a happy ending. I had to include a clip, but if you haven't seen Vertigo don't watch past 7 minutes. But I insist that you see this classic AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Sorry, my passionate movie buff is taking over.

Using White In Your Home

White and so chic this is the ideal hallway for me! Simplicity really is a matter of less is more in many styles of interior design and this is one of those designs where nothing more is needed, its striking simplicity speaks volumes!

Injections of colour are all in-vogue within the world of interiors, however white continues to be the most favoured of colours. purely because it look stylish on its own and even more stunning when a natural wood table on which a few objects, including plain table lamps, nothing fancy or flashy, are placed. Natural coloured flooring is used as a purely functional necessity and to make this design feel homely.

The great advantage of using white is that it looks good however old or new your home, unless you are trying to replicate a particular period of time, such as the Victorian era or before, then white is an excellent option. (you shouldn’t include brilliant white paint if you want authentic looks in Victorian homes for the simple reason it hadn’t been invented!)

Any room of your home can be predominately white, of course total white is also acceptable but needs to be used carefully and skilfully otherwise it can look very cold…think of snow and ice and you will realise what I mean!

Injections of any colour, pale pastel to vibrant neon will lift the coldness and turn your room into a chic and very stylish place to be!

For great interior design inspiration and image visit Decorology

Beautiful Portfolio: Phoebe Howard Home

I am passionate about wonderful details. I often admire a handbag because of its beautiful stitching or a painting because of a bold brush stroke. The other day I ran across the portfolio of Pheobe Howard Home, and loved their attention detail. So many of even the tiniest things are done so beautifully. Of course, the challenge when you work on the details is to still keep the big picture in mind. (I know because that is my number one struggle EVERY day!) I think these spaces manage to balance both of those factors.

Marble, marble! Still loving it!

The Fabulous Flea And A Fabulous Sale.

I don't often get to write about a furniture store in houston that I've never been too, but this is one of those times! This weekend The Fabulous Flea opened its doors to the public for a rare sale. I decided I needed to jump at the chance at seeing this place, and it was worth it! I was ready to move into this beautiful space. Its so quaint and romantic:)

(This little doorway captivated me. I imagined the curious places it might lead to)
Mary Daly along with the fabulous folks at Found For the Home, put together a beautiful collection of antiques and unusual objects. P.S. If you are reading this, live in Houston, and its before 5:00 pm on Saturday....go check it out for yourself!

This beautiful carved horse head was my favorite piece! Why am I so into horses now?
I grew up in West Texas and didn't care about them then...oh well.

Ooh, I even got to take a peek at the pool house, behind the studio. I tell myself that this was special treatment,
but I'm not really sure if it was. Anyway, just had to share. Don't you just love it?!

Images of Cairo

These photos of Cairo by Denis Dailleux, present the city as a mysterious and magical place. By looking at them,
I am transported there and can imagine the sites and sounds of Egypt.