Saturday, March 31, 2012

Flying high

Lately I'm seeing birds in many design magazines and home decor shops. They keep popping up on wallpaper, pillows, bedding, pottery, art work and in cages.  It seems the sky's the limit!  Here are some of my favourite ways to integrate a theme into your home. It doesn't have to be birds, it could be butterflies, fish etc.

Wallpaper 

Heather Garrett eclectic laundry room
 Houzz
 I love the design possibilities of wallpaper, but I can also remember all those hours of scraping it off walls.  My preference now  is to use wallpaper on smaller spaces or as an accent.  The colours in this pattern work perfectly with other colours in the room. In a small space which isn't lived in daily you can be a little more whimsical or adventurous.

living room eclectic living room
maison21

This vibrant yellow is hard to ignore and it is used sparingly.  Framing sections is a perfect solution for a shot of pattern and colour.  Look closely and you will see tiny birds.  The graphic pillow repeats the motif in a much bolder way.  
Creating Exploration eclectic kids

 And the bird theme is carried through this nursery even to the ceiling.


Wall Decals and Stencils

Four Walls and a Roof contemporary kids
 These white birds  are subtle and fresh even with the addition of pattern on another wall. I think white drawings are so minimal  because they just hint at their presence.   


Look up!  Look waaaay up! What a lovely finishing touch in a nursery!   

oniroco eclectic kids
 Oniroco

  You have to love these graphic birdcages and birds on the wall, but don't miss the pillows!




And here they  are again in  graphic black providing a  backdrop for this dark sofa.  I like how the curved lines of the sofa interact with the curves of the cages. And following up with the real thing......

Birdcages

Family Room Details traditional family room
 Cristi Holcombe

Using cages is a way to reference our fine feathered friends without having them actually  appear.  The absence of presence so to speak. I love the weathered driftwood with the straight lines of the cages.  


 You can also attach birdcages to your wall for a very three dimensional look which leads me to other forms of 3 D accessories....  


Sculpture
Accessory Closeup traditional entry
Nelson Wilson Interiors

Tucked away on a table top amidst  a display of flowers and books, 
Interieurs Showroom by Francine Gardner eclectic home office

 commanding a shelf in a very contemporary office space,



 or hanging in pristine whiteness to delight a new baby, birds take many forms in homes.


Eames House Bird by Vitra modern artwork

 The iconic Eames bird can be found in many styled homes. Charles and Ray Eames had the original carved bird and constantly rearranged  it in various vignettes around their home and when styling photos. Because of the colour and simple lines the bird was sought by Eames fans.   Using 3 D scans of the original bird Vitra is now creating reproductions of it.


Art work


Edgewood Townhouse modern

Silhouettes of birds and branches provide a very eye catching headboard design. 


Black & White Master Bedroom with a Touch of Teal contemporary bedroom
Small prints of various birds matted large and stacked on either side of this bed make for an interesting symmetrical layout.

Spring 2009 British Colonial Entry Room Design Ideas | Williams-Sonoma Home tropical

 Don't forget you don't have to hang artwork.  It can be beautifully displayed as part of a vignette.



Painted Furniture 
black birds

Birds appear to be a favourite motif on painted furniture.  This striking combination begs your attention.  It would make a fantastic art piece at the end of a hallway.


  

 What a difference from the dresser above.  This one is all calmness and delicacy. 

 Lighting

Mountain House eclectic dining room

 Ingo Maurer  birdy chandelier is a modern classic that will always inspire interest.


Lola Bs traditional living room

 And a more traditional take on a birdie chandelier.

 I could keep going but this post is already too long!


Do you have an interesting way you have included bird motifs in your decor?  Just click on the comments button and have your say.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Ahearn Architecture














I love when photos can take you away for a few minutes! This absolutely gorgeous home on Martha's Vineyard designed by architect Patrick Ahearn certainly did that for me. Gauthier-Stacy out of Boston was responsible for the detailed, dreamy interiors. The master bedroom with its cozy fireplace, high ceilings, gorgeous bath, and private deck is just incredible! And the views! The rolling hills of Martha's Vineyard certainly are breathtaking!! Tour the rest of the home with more photos by Greg Premru right over here!

And with that, I wish you all a fantastic weekend!!!


Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise...updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club










Seems like I'm usually sharing hotels more off the beaten path, but today's feature is in Florida at the newly renovated Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club. Located on Tampa Bay near St. Pete Beach, the 86-year-old resort recently revealed a renovation of their gorgeous lobby. The architecture and interior design firm Leo A Daly used shades of turquoise to give the historic Mediterranean Revival architecture a fresh, modern design. How fab are all of the chairs?! I especially love the ones with the turquoise backs! Such cool rugs too! You can read all about the resort and see more images right here!


Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise...updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Marmalade Interiors














Does your home feel like you?? Swedish-born interior designer Jill Sorensen of Marmalade Interiors out of McLean, Virginia believes that your home affects you deeply–ignoring your home is ignoring yourself! Her vibrant home above photographed by Tanya Malott translates to where she is in life right now: fearless, carefree and happy. So much cheery color, I love it! With the idea that you can improve your life with good design, and that good design should be available to everybody, at any budget, Jill started a blog called Live.Like.You. in addition to a (really cool) online store. She sells a lot of unique, colorful home decor, but also provides a ton of free design ideas and advice! Check it out here!


Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise...updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Ali Schwarz Design Group










You know it's going to be a good day when your morning begins in the Hamptons! This dreamy Southampton haven designed by Ali Schwarz out of Redding, Connecticut has that light and airy feeling we all love so much. The introduction of blue on the accessories, bookshelves, ceilings, furniture, kitchen island, window shades and bedroom wall is just the icing on the cake! Did you notice on the gorgeous kitchen island, the glass-front bins are storing candy?! Ha! I love it! You can see more of this home right over here!


Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise...updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!