Archive for the ‘home decor’ Category
Lately I’ve been obsessed with these old spaces decorated with modern furnishings. I love the way the two eras sit comfortably side by side, each highlighting the great qualities of the other. Unfortunately, not all of us are able to live in one of these amazing classic spaces, so we need to find a way to fuse old and new within our existing setup.
If you have a more modern space, or perhaps something a bit nondescript, instead of relying on the space to give you that vintage look, try adding a piece or two of old furniture. Set in a sleek, modern kitchen, an old well-used farm table makes quite an impact. Or try a heavily detailed dresser, maybe spruced up with a new coat of paint. If that feels like too much, pick out some old accessories – anything that will give you a bit of variety is good. Just like we want to pair sleek pieces with a bit of texture, we don’t want our spaces to read as a single note in terms of style and time frame. It’s time to unearth that old vase your grandmother gave you and give it a new life.
(above) Wishbone Chairs and Marble Mantle
Heavy Trim + Exposed Structure
Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.
When Alexander and Zuzanna emailed me about a new online store, Thisispaper Shop, I wanted to reach out and give them each a virtual high-five. The shop, Thisispaper Magazine’s latest endeavor, is only a couple of weeks old, but I’m already smitten. Big time. So of course, I had to share it with you…
Thisispaper sells handmade items alongside sustainable goods from local manufacturers in Poland. The products range from kitchenware such as mugs and jars to accessories, like rucksacks and bags. And let me tell you, I’ve never wanted a denim backpack more than I do right now. Gotta get me one of those.
Here are a few photos from the Thisispaper lookbook…
Visit Thisispaper here to see more items from the collection. And while you’re over there, check out the magazine. Definitely one to bookmark.
Throughout the past years, there has been an upswing in the use of natural materials, a decline in the use of plastics, and by association, a desire for realistic finishes. This can be seen in fashion in the appeal of matte nail polish and messy hairstyles. In the interior scene, it has shown most clearly in a profusion of matte accessories like those by Jonathan Adler and honed stone countertops. But as is the nature of trends, once the pendulum has swung in one direction for long enough, its opposite becomes desirable once again.
And so it is that the high-gloss lacquer finish has once again started to appear on the scene. This is not the shiny granite counter and plastic of the 80s, but a measured amount of gloss, tempered by materials that have limited reflection; upholstery that ranges from cottons to velvets, paint that includes both flat areas and lacquers. I’m not talking about a single glossy accessory, but high-gloss paints on walls, shiny cabinets or sparkling reflective floors or ceilings, something to make a strong impact. And how can you give this trend a try in your own home? Try using a high-gloss finish for that colored accent wall, or add a lacquered furniture piece to heighten the shine factor in your favorite room. Just don’t forget to balance it out with some non-reflective surfaces, they make that gloss really shine!
How are you adding shine to your home?
(above) Gloss and Matte Paint Job
Shiny Metal Ceiling + Reflective Floor
Black Gloss Paint + Shiny White Floors
Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.
There’s something about dots that just makes me happy. Perhaps it’s thinking of the sweetness of a retro polka-dot dress, or maybe the fact that it’s a rounded shape with no sharp intrusive edges. Or maybe it’s the repetition that really gets to me. No matter the reason, injecting a bit of dottiness into your home decor might give it the shot in the arm it needs.
Polka dots are most easily brought into the home with accessories. A duvet cover, lamp or pillow makes an easy way to dottify your space without getting into it full force. But if you want to go all the way, a wall full of dots in one or many colors can make a huge impact. Or use multiples of items like plates or round hooks to give that polka-dot effect while adding some texture and perhaps a little bit of extra hanging. Confine your dots to a piece of artwork or just go completely dotty!
(above) Duvet Cover
Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with brick. Raw and new, old and whitewashed, painted, used. It has such texture and feeling. Whether used as a floor or on the wall, brick is a wonderful warm material for the home. Perhaps you don’t like the orangey tone of a standard brick? Try grey or cream-colored ones. Or just paint it over – but be sure to let the shape of the brick and the lines of the mortar show through!
Wishing you lived in an old loft with that exposed industrial look? Try adding brick to an end wall! Just be sure that the wall doesn’t continue past a window or door and your makeover can be seen as not original. Or have you found a brick wall under old wallboard? Take it off! Let those beautiful bricks shine through.
(above) Herringbone Brick Floor
Used Brick in Kitchen + Partial Plaster over Brick
Dark Painted Brick Wall + Used Brick Corner
Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.
