Let's be social!

I'm a busy gal. I'm sure a lot of you out there know what I mean! I'm a mom, an interior designer, an artist, etc. And, I always try to fit in some time to reach out to you...my readers. People who want to be inspired. By art. By architecture. By design. To see more of what I think and feel about design, follow me on FaceBook!  Here's a little bit of what you're in store for...

Exposed beams are always interesting...but I really love the treatment 
done to these. It looks like dental molding, but I'm pretty sure this look 
was achieved by using nail-heads. Love this!!

I love a good Ikat, and this is really good! I love the colors.
Cowtan and Tout always has fabulous fabrics!! 

I'm a big fan of old buildings. They have a sense of permanence.
Unfortunately, here in the states, when a building gets "too old," we
tear it down. But that doesn't have to be the case! This is a great
example of keeping the integrity of an old building, while renovating
the interior for modern use. ♥

One of my (nearly) daily quotes

"Like" me on FaceBook to see more!!!

Art in amazing places

There are all sorts of things that inspire the creative side of me; architecture, nature, textiles, art... The list goes on and on! Today I'd like to share with you some really interesting art that moves me.

There's an artist named Jacqueline Lou Skaggs who painted a series called "Tondi Observations" on old copper pennies. They are amazing! In most of them you can still see the engraving on the penny...but in a few of her portraits, WOW! They're just stunning little canvases filled with soul.

The part that inspires me the most is this idea of taking one thing, often with little or no value to others, and turning it on it's head to create something that is totally unexpected and amazing. Enough talking... how about I just show you the art?

National Geographic Photo Inspires Room

National Geographic Traveler magazine recently published the winners of their 24th annual photo contest.  This first-place winning photo was shot inside of a family yurt in the Kyrgyz lands of the Wahkan Corridor in Afghanistan.

This image is hauntingly beautiful. I love the layer upon layer of textiles and patterns. The deep, warm, earthy colors must be such a nice respite from the rough, rugged terrain that surrounds them outside.

The intimacy of this everyday life moment, shot inside of a family yurt, is
in total contrast with the harsh environment these nomadic tribes live in.

Here is my room concept based on the image. Everything shown here comes from one of my favorite places... Etsy!!  Handwoven textiles, natural materials, and both Asian and Morrocan influences create a comfortable  casual space that speaks of a globe trotting inhabitant.

Picking the right ceiling fan for you

Living in South Florida, it's pretty much always hot. As we near the end of a Summer marked by record breaking heat across the country, I thought a post about ceiling fans would be appropriate!

When it comes to choosing the right ceiling fan for you, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. While the aesthetic of your fan is important, even more important is fan size and its features.

Let's start with size first.  You'll need to consider both the size of the room, as well as the height of the ceilings. While the size of the room will help you to determine the size of the fan (fan blades), the height of the room will help you determine whether your fan can have lighting, as well as if it needs to be flush mounted or with an extender.

I use the following relationships as my guide for picking blade span sizes.
    Rooms 6x6 or less: use a fan with a blade span from 24-36"
    Rooms 10x10: use a fan with a blade span from 37-48"
    Rooms 12x12: use a fan with a blade span from 49-55"
    Rooms 15x15 or larger: use a fan with a blade span of 56" or larger
The reason to use different fan sizes based on the room size is really all about efficiency, in addition to its visual scale. If a fan is too small, it will be unable to properly circulate the air in the room...as well as run the risk of looking ridiculous in the space.

Ceiling heights are also very important. The last thing you want to do is have people knocking their heads on your new fan...especially if the blades are spinning!  I like to leave at least 7' of height under my ceiling fixtures; 8-9' is optimal for air circulation.  (One exception is with lighting above a dining room table)  So, once you've measured your room height, take away 7'. The number you're left with is the maximum height I would recommend for your new fan. If you have low ceilings, look at fans with low ceiling mounts.

The next thing to consider is whether you need or want additional lighting in your space. Ceiling fans are a great way to add lighting. From very simple flush mounted lights to highly decorative lighting fixtures, there are tons of options out there to satisfy your personal aesthetic.

The last thing to consider before you run out to pick out your new fan are it's features.  While lighting is certainly one of those features, there are others that are equally important, yet often overlooked. I always look for fans that are reversible. By that I mean, a fan with a motor that will turn either clockwise or counterclockwise by flicking a switch. Here in Florida, I usually have my fans set to counterclockwise, which pulls the heat up and away. However, there are one or two months a year when I flip the switch. Then the clockwise motion of the fan pushes the heat down. While Floridians may not need this feature, anyone living in seasonal climes would find it fantastic! I've seen studies that claim ceiling fans will help to reduce heating costs up to 2% for every degree the thermostat is lowered in winter.  Another way to save it to look for energy efficient models.

So now that you've determined your fan size (blade span and overall height) as well as the additional features you want, it's time to pick your fan!

Low ceiling mount fan

Standard ceiling fan with 3 shade lighting and extended ceiling drop

Decorative fan with single centered lamp

Ultra modern ceiling fan

There are so many fantastic and fantastical fans out there, that I just couldn't fit them all in this post. So stay tuned... there will be another post coming soon with some really weird and wild fans!!

Fantastic (and unusual) Pedestal Sinks

After my last post regarding bathroom tips for the DIY-ers, I thought why not continue the theme? So today's post is all about the pedestal sink!

  Barclay 3-75 Victoria Pedestal Sink

Why choose a pedestal sink over the traditional cabinet or vanity variety? There are a number of reasons when a pedestal sink is beneficial. Firstly, if you're looking to add clean lines, or visually open up your room, a pedestal is right for you. Also, if you're working in a tight space, they take up very little space. Another great benefit is they're super easy to clean...at least you can get to all the parts. Take that Dust Bunny's!

While most pedestal sinks are made from non-porous vitreous china in traditional styles like the one shown above, I've scoured the web to bring you a few of my favorites... and I love the nontraditional! 

Copper Pedestal, Frida by Thompson Traders

Available at vintagetub.com, this pedestal sink is hand crafted from copper as one piece. I love the chevron design on the inside of the sink basin.  

Quiescence VAN-PD Aspen Pillar Divine Pedestal Sink

Available at fixtureuniverse.com, this hand-chiseled gold granite vanity and bowl basin set can add rustic charm, or masculine elegance to your powder room.

        Contemporary Bath Oyster Pedestal Sink

Also from  fixtureuniverse.com, this glass pedestal sink has a much softer and delicate feel to it. As the manufacturer puts it "This glass is designed to showcase the superlative beauty and clarity of light shining through water like no other bath products. European-inspired glass artisanship meets advanced technology to create beautiful, durable, one-of-a-kind glass designs for most discerning clients." I definitely agree. And as a side note, wouldn't this sink look fabulous set against an elegant glass bead wallpaper?!

Earthen Fantasy Braveness Pedestal Sink, Natural Boulder

Another winner from Quiescence is this natural granite boulder set, which includes a natural granite boulder pedestal, top and basin, adds the feel of nature into your home. You can find more from their line at  quiescenceisd.com

Kohler Rêve™ Pedestal Sink

Lastly is this modern beauty from Kohler. Though made from the traditional non-porous vitreous china, the shape and lines are anything but! I love the clean, crisp lines of this sink. Perfect for an ultra-modern bathroom. To see Kohler's full line, browse though their online catalog.



Not that I expect you to install one of these beauties all on your own, but if you decide that you're up for the challenge, I found a great post online here that will walk you through the process, step-by-step. Have fun!!

How to create outdoor spaces with interior items

When it comes to entertaining in the summer, taking full advantage of all your available square footage is just smart. That means utilizing your outdoor space too. Here are a few ideas on how to maximize your outdoor space for entertaining.

When you're thinking about reupholstering indoor furniture, think about using an indoor/outdoor fabric. Not only will you be able to use those pieces outside when entertaining, any inevitable spills will be a snap to clean up! And today's options when it comes to indoor/outdoor fabrics may surprise you... 

Ceramic Asian plant stands do double or even triple duty. From holding potted plants inside, you can then move them outside to be used as additional seating and/or side tables.  From traditional to ultra-modern, there's a plant stand out there just for you.

Lastly, don't forget to 'dress' your table! Bring out your linens, china, and crystal for an elegant evening complete with candelabras and flowers. Or, for a more relaxed evening, hang some old mason jars with tea candles from the trees with simple place settings and a bushel of fruit as your centerpiece. 

Tell me what you love to use to when entertaining outdoors!

A Mid Century Living Room in Green

As an interior designer, I love searching on etsy to find unique peices for my clients. Here I've designed an entire room, from furniture to lighting to art, using only fabulous etsy finds. I hope you love it!