IDS 2011: Live Wood and Colour







IDS 2011 was on this past weekend, and I didn' get to spend nearly enough time exploring it as I would have liked to.  I can tell you that at the walking the show floor on Thursday night I felt a mix of vibrant colour and a beautiful assortment of earthy and rich woods tones.  Especially to note were live edges and grains.  The collection of carpets from Modern Weave, Elte and Weavers Art displayed a beautiful assortment of colours, and interesting patterns.  Brothers' Dressler had a really interesting display on the Sibling Revelry exhibit, and of course, Sarah Richards was rich on colour in her exhibit with brother Theo. 

Pictures above from these bloggers who had there cameras handy all weekend, and have followed up with great posts:

Glass Mosaics:  Filipetti
Blown Glass:  Tsunami Glassworks
Wood bench and shelves:  Brothers's Dressler

Colour Close Up






 

Colour is currently under a blanket of snow..

Image Credits:  1, 2 Birch, 3 Debby Krim 4. Castle 5.Phologers

Country Kitchen


So if you love the country, and farmhouses, and barns and land and all that goodness that goes along with it, you will enjoy the blog For the love of a house.  It's the story of a couple who are turning an old farmhouse into their home.  Well recently, the kitchen was revealed, and let me tell you the response was overwhelming.  Homeowner Joan, took the time to outline in a follow up post how all the details came together.  You can see for yourself what a true design journey it is, from antiques to salvaged, to treasure from travels, and those found local, from Ikea to Restoration hardware and other specialty shops.  She outlines where she splurged and where she saved, and all the little details that make this kitchen perfect.   Discovering design is an incredible journey, where you can find pieces that will remain in your home and heart for a lifetime. 




A Classic In White


Last week Design DNA featured the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by the dynamic duo Charles  and Ray Eames.  The chair is often compared to an old baseball mitt.  Well I could do without the old worn leather look, and keep it crisp and clean in this pure white version I found at Room & Board.  Isn't she beautiful?


From France to Sweden and Home

I have to credit AK Magnolia House for this House Tour that popped into my reader last week.  It's from a company called Alice Lane out of Utah.  The house is enormous at cool 14, 000 sq ft.  The incredible scale and simplified architectural details of this home allow you to slowly absorb all it's grandeur.  The Swedish inspired white washed furnishings complimented by France's Louis Quinze inspired pieces fill this home with old European charm that is easy and relaxed.   You can visit the rest of the home here.


Enjoy the mix of natural wood and white washed walls and gray trim.  They work so well together, to bring a perfect mix of cool and warmth.  The wood is carried all the way up to the great height of the ceilings, adding balance that frames the space. The colours don't change throughout the home, instead, the owners chose to infuse hints of aqua blue and soft sky blues, in the kitchen, and bedrooms through lighting and accessories. 




kimono

The Peacock Kimono

The Japanese Kimono

The Vermillion Kimono

Mending the Kimono

The works above are from artist Evan Wilson, whose oil paintings are incredibly realistic.  I have chosen some of his works that incorporate the intricate details of a Japanese kimono.  The light and shimmer of these works are exquisitely true to life.  I have selected an excerpt from his website to share so that you can get some insight into this exceptionally talented artist. 

The accomplished paintings of Evan Wilson imbue everyday reality with a heightened sense of elegance and grace. His varied subjects–including engaging portraits, dazzling floral still lifes, genteel interiors, and vibrant genre scenes–transcribe the world into something slightly rarified, a realm in which beauty reigns supreme. For nearly twenty-five years, Wilson has worked as a professional artist in the venerable realist tradition, evolving a painting style that fuses the keen observational clarity of John Singleton Copley with the dash and spirit of John Singer Sargent. His best works capture the present as they acknowledge the past, and underscore the enduring power of realism in skilled and dedicated hands.

– Peter Baldaia, Chief Curator, Huntsville Museum of Art

Pale Pretty


All those soft pale tones at the Golden Globes got me thinking of the beauties from Donna Karan.

Image Credit's  - Fashion Gone Rogue

Gone Antiquing






And I didn't have to go that far!  These beautiful commodes are a wonderful addition to any space.  As useful as they are elegant.  They add character and warmth, and perhaps most fascinating of all,  they come with a story. 

Auberge du Vieux Port





Every now and then we need a quick escape to recharge and recompose.  Far enough to get a change of scenery,  unwind, eat well, sleep and shop.  And close enough so that when you start to miss the kids, you can be home in a few hours.  I have found this place to be Old Montreal.  Especially if you like to cozy up in front of a fire, in a boutique hotel.  If you enjoy winter walks, and sitting in quaint cafes listening to soothing music, Old Montreal is filled with charming auberges for everyone.   Auberge duVieux Port, is on the water, and is beautiful year round.  There is much to explore in the area, and in summer months there is a roof top restaurant overlooking the Saint Lawrence River.  There are beautiulf historic buildings, museums and shops to spend your days joyfully.   Now,  all I need to to do is book a weekend.   

A Crafty Mix



The home is a 1920's Bungalow, styled with a little traditional, a little antique, and whole lot of fresh.  The bathroom was actually named Atlanta Home Magazine luxe bathroom of 2009.  The designer, Shon Parker, who designed for Baker Furniture before opening his own Atlanta based company in 2000.  His portfolio is spectrum of fabulous interiors that range from modern to traditional, and grounded by classc.   



And It Snowed

And snowed, and snowed.  So today we are out tobogganing.
Hope you too, are enjoying a fabulous Snowy Sunday

Image Source:  Limelight

Fine Design



Some people just know how to do it right  and Nancy Corzine is one of them.  From interiors to her exquisite collection of furniture and fabrics, everything is designed with beauty and longevity.  Who needs trends when you can enjoy the classics?