Black & White Beauty

The December 2008 issue of Veranda Magazine features the home of designer Renea Abbott. She shows a strict adherence to a black/white/gray/cream color theme. The high contrast results are absolutely stunning. I would love to do this in my own home, yet I know that I lack the discipline to pull it off to this degree. I'd be sneaking in color somewhere.
If you want a dramatic home, this is inspiration for you. But do remember that the drama is all in the unwavering discipline of the application. Your color scheme doesn't have to be black, and white, but it does need to have contrast and it must be as disciplined and purposeful as Abbott shows us here. Varying from the strict color scheme would start to diminish the drama. I hope you find this as inspiring as I do.

Favorite Things - Non-Adhesive Window Film

A constant struggle in design seems to be our desire for natural light versus our desire for privacy. There are several window treatment solutions designed to maximize our control over light and privacy - wood blinds and shutters; top down, bottom up shades, and drapery sheers. But in many applications those solutions are inadequate for our needs. That is why I love window film.
Most window film is applied with an adhesive. This is great for many people and situations. However, if you are like me and worry about getting the film on straight or changing your mind, non-adhesive window films are the way to go. They adhere to windows with static and are very easy to remove and reapply.

The following collection of non-adhesive window films are available through Scandinavian Design Center.

The Pelagron screen by Strössel Design is absolutely my favorite. Take an ugly view and create the impression of potted geraniums on the other side. Brilliant.

Linjer film by Maria Liv

Träd (Tree) film, also by Maria Liv

Maria Liv Vass window film

Here is my very own design dilemma solved by the Vass window film. My foyer gets very little natural light, so I wanted to keep as much as possible. However, this long, narrow window invites a lot of peeks from those ringing the bell. And there are times I don't want to answer. Blinds or shutters would have eliminated too much light. Drapery sheers would not have provided enough privacy. Not to mention that the window is very narrow for any of the above treatments.
Instead I bought a roll of Vass window film, cut it to size and applied directly to the window. The whole process took about 15 minutes and I have the perfect balance of light and privacy.

Sexy Bedroom

What takes a standard bedroom to a sexy bedroom? A lot of elements can come into play - the fabrics, colors and technology (think mood music). In my opinion, the number one element in a sexy bedroom is lighting. Good bedroom lighting should include multiple light sources all on dimmer switches and, of course, candles. This allows the maximum light adjustment to get the mood just right. And when we are talking about sexy bedroom lighting, a chandelier is a must. Adding a dimmable chandelier is one of the easiest DIY projects to spice up your bedroom.

If you want to amp up the sexy even further, bring the same lighting elements into the bathroom. Here, I've added matching dimmable chandeliers in a master bedroom and master bath, along with several candles.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Favorite Things - Stacked tables

The Luna Line, by Helene Aumont, is constructed of stacked wood disks for the table base. What a beautiful concept. The table top is constructed of sections of walnut or rosewood. Available locally (Denver) at Town Studio.

Luna Round Dining Table

Square Luna Dining Table

Luna Side Table

Luna Mirror

Favorite Things - Polka Dots!

Polka Dots really are a favorite of mine. For some unknown reason I am just drawn to them. Truth be told, I have 2 pairs of polka dot shoes, untold dot shirts, and even a polka dot sofa. I'm crazy for polka dots, and so is Pottery Barn, apparently. Below is a taste of the Pottery Barn Dot collection.

Favorite Things - Lazy Garden #2

If you loved the Lazy Garden by Alex Davis Designs, I hope you'll enjoy this post as well. For those of us who do not have a green thumb, Ballard Designs offers Porcelain Succulents.

Using Mirrors to expand space... in a non-1970's way, Part 2

To follow up on the last post, "Using mirrors to expand space... in a non-1970's way", below are some mirrored products on the market today. As I mentioned last time, mirrors are always a popular product and am important piece of any designer's arsenal. So there are many, many more options available. I hope this will get you thinking creatively about using mirrors in your space, without resorting to the 70's for influence!
Enjoy!

Using a collection of leaning mirrors is a great idea. The mirrors below are Villaine Floor Mirrors from Ballard Designs. (note: floor mirrors, both leaning and those on a base, should be secured to the wall for safety, especially when children are in the home!)

Also from Ballard Designs, Mirrored Stars are a break from tradition. You get the light-bouncing benefit of mirrors combined with a great artistic design.


I love the idea of adding a mirrored frame around artwork. It's the best of both worlds. The collection below is the Watercolor Botanical Paintings from Wisteria.

A similar effect can be found in the Heron Mirrored Giclee Prints, also from Ballard Designs.
There is no rule that the mirrors must be mounted on the wall. You can easily incorporate mirrors into other decorative items to get the light-bouncing and brightening benefits. Several retailers and showrooms offer mirrored furniture of various styles. This is one of my favorites from West Elm, the Faceted Mirror Side Table.

Also from West Elm, a great storage solution and mirror in one. The Mirror Cabinet could be great for a bathroom, bedroom, dorm room...

Not quite enough to lighten and brighten the whole room, but these candle holders are another great example of creative mirror use. Star Candle Holders from Ballard Designs.

I don't shun everything with a 1970's vibe, just the walls of gold flecked mirrored tiles. So if your tastes tend toward the retro, this mirror is for you. The Raindrop Mirror from Pottery Barn.

Using Mirrors to Expand Space... in a non-1970's way

We've all heard the design rule that mirrors can help to visually enhance and extend a space. This works in two ways - mirrors give the illusion that the space beyond and behind the mirror continues and that it is not a solid surface; and mirrors bounce light and brighten a space, making it feel larger. In addition, mirrors are usually wonderful decorative pieces in themselves.
But if you are anything like me, the thought of using mirrors to expand a room brings up unpleasant images of this principle as applied in the 1970's. I cringe when I think back to my grandma's hallway. It was lined wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling with gold-flecked mirror tiles. I'm sure we all have such memories. It was certainly fashionable then...
Well put these images out of your mind and replace them with these wonderful ideas. Mirrors are still an important tool in any designer's arsenal and the principle still applies. Here are several inspirational images for using mirrors in an updated manner, for all decorating styles.

One tried and true method is the mirror above the sofa. This is particularly useful in a room like the one below, where there is a lack of overhead lighting. This mirror helps to bounce light from windows and lamps to brighten the space. This is my own design for a client. For more information see my website - beautifulhabitat.com


In this bedroom, I took a slightly less conventional approach by leaning an extra large mirror against the wall opposite the large windows (with a stunning view). The light from the windows and mirror combination means the homeowners rarely need to turn on lights during the day. beautifulhabitat.com


This mirror certainly commands attention. This is from the October 2007 edition of Traditional Home Magazine.
This Entry ensemble is from Homes & Gardens (UK edition).


The mirror above the mantel is another popular arrangement. Below is a more modern version of this arrangement from Metropolitan Home.



A very creative use of mirrors is also from Metropolitan Home. Here the fireplace is flanked by two custom waterfalls over mirrors. Beautiful and brilliant! My next post will include some great traditional and out of the box mirror products that you can try in your own home - all the benefits of mirrors for the 21st century.

What are your design issues?

Hello design lovers and design novices alike. I love design and have many, many ideas and tips that I would like to share. But all of my ideas are only meaningful if you find some useful and applicable information. So, what would you like to know and read about? What design issues do you face in your home? What have you always wanted to read more about?

I look forward to answering your questions and/or sharing in a discussion with others. Feel free to respond as a comment to this post, or email me directly at beautiful.habitat@gmail.com.

Favorite Things - More Alex Davis

In addition to the wonderful "Lazy Garden", Alex Davis Designs also offers a number of other products. The theme remains the same - stainless steel mimicking natural materials.

Log Stool

Log Center Table

Bamboo Credenza

Bamboo Vase

Chair

Carpoy Lamps