We’ve all seen them, those wannabe-real grass mats. Have you considered designing your own template, tracing it on the back of the mat, and cutting your way to a new look?
Dutch magazine 101 Woonideeen has a template on their website (.pdf) that you can download, enlarge, and use to create a fresh take on an otherwise boring mat. You can also try animal shapes, from a bunny to a dog, or even insects, like a butterfly. The directions here are in Dutch, but I’m thinking you can use a silver metallic marker because the backing is usually black, and trace the outline of what you want the shape to be. Then cut it out. Presto!
Has anyone tried this project?
(images from 101 woonideeen)
I really enjoyed the feature in Real Simple on mixing florals with patterns; I think they nailed it when they said, “Mix them with colorful stripes, polka dots, and gingham checks in complementary tones.” That really sums up the process, the key word being ‘complementary’.
Many fear the process of mixing various patterns and prints in a room. Layering is actually quite painless. Grab a color wheel and a good book on color combinations, and/or take a color theory class at your local art school. Introducing yourself to new ideas via classroom instruction enhances your life in so many ways, especially in the cold months, it helps fight creative stagnation and feelings of depression. You’ll also make new friends and tap into parts of yourself you never knew existed.
Of course, visual learning through the pages of your favorite magazines doesn’t hurt, either. The more you expose yourself to beauty and good design, the more your brain starts to pull all the pieces together and you find your own creative voice, you develop your own ‘eye’ for style. I do believe that people are born with talent, but I also think developing a good eye can be trained if you’re not one who was born with the ability to effortlessly throw things together to result in something pleasing. Try, try, try, again!
(images from real simple)
Blueprint arrived over the weekend, but for those of you who do not yet have a copy, I promise this sneak peak won’t be a spoiler. I’m sure lots of you have your subscription copy anyway, so let’s discuss!
This is a surprisingly solid issue, given their first two issues created lots o’ chatter in the blogosphere about its lack of cohesion, over-priced finds, and ‘been there done that’ products and ideas. Some of you were split down the middle, not knowing what to think.
This time, you’ll see a sharp, refreshing contrast. Everything works. It’s vibrant. The styling, gorgeous typography, Marthaesque layout, well-written, informative content — it’s a full course meal. A beautiful collection of things, from entertaining tips to peep toe flats and gorgeous rooms that are well arranged and attainable. I was glad to see Editor-in-Chief Sarah Humphreys bare a bit of her soul with a home tour of her newly decorated 307 sq. ft. foot West Village pad (does everyone live in the village these days?!). It was designed by three Blueprint editors. That was quite cool, at least according to me.
Here are a few tear sheets from my issue, heading straight for my look book.
Find 01. Holly Waterfield’s office space and West Village (see what I mean!) boutique, Camp, are featured. I love how she layers her collections, everything with such care, creating warmth and charm. Here’s her desk…
Find 02. Using job jackets as frames. Brilliant. When I worked in town, I used the black ones constantly to insert project plans in for one wall, and next to my computer, photos I’d taken to perk me up. I had no clue that they were available in a myriad of colors, and to use them in the home as art, well that’s just clever! Some Blueprint tips: Insert lightweight children’s books that you love, vintage magazine covers, kids art, food labels, origami papers, calendar pages (letterpressed or illustrated), greeting cards or postcards, digital photos, and seed packages. I’d like to add favorite textiles, wallpaper, stamps, and current magazines (or just their covers) that you find inspiring to their list. Blueprint lists Lineco as a resource, but their website doesn’t show these jackets, so you have to call them. I suggest googling “job jackets” or “job ticket holders” until you find what you need. You can also try Filmguard, they carry them in several primary colors, or try Media Street.
Find 03. This was an exciting find. Polaroids neatly arranged on the wall with acid-free double-stick tape behind a plexiglas sheet. I want to run out and buy a polaroid camera right now. Everything old is new again, including polaroids. Another major find in this photo is that killer stainless-steel table. I love metal tables, but hadn’t known about this resource until now. Visit Restaurant Services online for affordable metal, this one starts at $281.
Find 04. Oh the Parsons table. Margaret Russell calls it the little black dress of interior design, the one piece everyone should own. I’m on board. But it’s not the Parsons that I’m interested in here. It’s that photo over it. It’s an oversized picture of an Italian beach scene that the homeowners love, and not in a small way, either. It’s large and in charge. Mounted on gatorfoam board (which Blueprint assures us is stronger than foam core), you can mount it with velcro tabs from the office store. Turn your favorite image into art for as little as $100 at Duggal. Love!
Find 05. Sarah’s apartment. Great spread, lots of ideas, loads of detail (even a floor plan), and beautiful photos. I love her new shelving systems, styled as perfectly as you’d expect from Martha staffers, and her superb sofa and fabric divider between the kitchen and living room space. Not shown, but worth a mention, is her iMac cozy. I actually started designing these about 8 years ago for friends and then, when the new sexy iMacs came out, saw no need to keep producing them because most people feel Apple is like Prada, it makes a statement. Seeing her iMac cozy made me rethink all this… It’s back to the machine for me!
With talk of a new Blueprint Saturday afternoon Block Party on the Style Network, their own blog due to roll out soon, and the Blueprint radio hour, Tuesdays at noon EST on the Martha Stewart Living Radio channel 112 on Sirius, it looks like Blueprint is ready to dig in. They even plan to roll out 6 issues this year, so it doesn’t look like Blueprint is fading into the sunset, but building for a very strong, and confident, delivery for ’07.
(images from blueprint)
Finally. Someone sweeps in and demystifies the great rug dilemma that has stressed out so many over the years. Come to find out, all the sleep loss, vent sessions, and rug returns were totally unnecessary because Real Simple tells us that it’s basically a no-brainer.
From color to size, their February issue featured a terrific spread, Choosing the Right Rug for Any Space, that I found complete, informative, and so easy, even a caveman can do it (drum roll please). Let’s face it, most rugs don’t come cheap. None of us care to unload our wallets for our very own magic carpet, only to find out that it looks out of place and is hardly magical. From color coordination tips, to pattern and materials selection, and of course size (because it does matter), Real Simple solves your rug issues once and for all.
Click here to read the full article, and by all means, tear it from the February issue or print out the online article. Even if you’re not in the market for a carpet right now, chances are you will be someday, so save this information for a future date.
Rug-spiration images are below for you to enjoy. The article lists resources for all rugs shown in these images. Click on any below for a larger view.
I’m in love with this bedroom, right down to the creamy little deer head. All that texture and those soft hues paired with the rich neutral wall color is a fantastic pairing. Don’t you think? I’m not sure about the height of the side table though, I always suggest that a side table should be the same height as the mattress. I guess everyone has their own idea of what is right or wrong.
Love this medallion rug, don’t you? Great colors. I’m a huge fan of the sofa table in the back, flush against the wall. Makes for the perfect display space and great place to add extra lighting.
Look carefully at the dining room above and the rug color… Then direct your attention to the image below. It’s the same room! Well, almost…
Change the look completely by adding a different color rug. See how powerful color really is? Notice the different mood created by the crimson rug above (rich, warm, traditional) and the teal below (more playful, mood enhancing, a little on the cooler, contemporary side).
(images for decor8 from real simple)
Audrey from Australia wrote in, “I was wondering if you and the decor8 blog readers might be able to help me…” Seems she’s on the hunt for a trendy white table featured in a recent NYTimes feature about The Penthouse restaurant at the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, CA designed by Thomas Schoos. Audrey continues, “I’d like to get my hands on it (or something similar) to use as my desk. I love the white square top with the round base.”
She adds that it would be helpful if someone could point her to a resource in Australia.
Since that is wayyy out of my territory, I’m leaving this up to other Aussie readers who may be able to give her a hand. Or in this case, a table!
Anyone know where to get something like this?
Audrey – My first reaction is to contact the design firm to see where it was purchased, but given your location, you may do better to DIY it. Locate a vintage cast aluminum saarinen tulip base (Knoll) and work with a carpenter to create a laminate rectangular top and viola! You have exactly what you want. You could also contact 20th Century Design in Melbourne to see if they’ve come across anything like it… Mondo Trasho and Frhapsody 20C are great mid century design resources in your country that may also be helpful for you to contact.
Anyone else have a few clever ideas for our friend, Audrey?
(image from the nytimes)
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