Architectural Digest Show 2012

It's that time of the year again. Spring is here and so is the Architectural Digest Show. I love to go every year to see what interesting tid bits vendors are showcasing. However, for me, the most interesting and fun part of the show, is the Diffa Dining by Design NY.

Diffa, Desgin Industry Foundation Fighting Aids, raises money to provide care for people living with AIDS/ HIV and educaitonal resources for those living in high risk areas. Supporters come from all areas of design and visual arts. Every year they have a spectacular showcase of innovative and conceptual designs. I just love it! Check them out at www.diffa.org .

These are some of my favorites from the exhibit. Some are a lot of fun, bright, and colorful.

Some are simply elegant.

I think these are all great inspriations for decorating table settings. Especially with holiday dinners around coming up, how nice to maybe think a little outside of the box and make a great dining experience for your guest.


Marimekko. Can you say YUMMY!

Very clean and sophisiticated. Love this for a simple little gathering.

Love the Native American influence.

Everything covered in plastic. Hmmm.., this would be an interesting idea for a  rib dinner or maybe if  your guest consist of children and you want to be extra  cautious in case of messy spills.

I'm totally feeling inspired.



Loving French Country.

There seems to be an esquisite simplicity with French Country. The taupes and greys that keep everything harmonic and balanced. You don't have make your entire space French Country but just a few accessories can make just the right touch.

Tara Shaw Swedish Rococo bench. $3,830.00

Maybe, I've been influenced by my days at Restoration Hardware, but I find a feeling of being home with french country decor. It has that, "lived in" look but yet you know each piece in the room has been chosen with love and care, maybe even handed down from a fond relative. It's very stylish and has an effortless look. Classic.

Refinishing Your Tile for a New Look.

Hiring a professional to paint your bathroom or kitchen tile is genius. If you are looking to update your look while not hurting your pocket, this can make for some fabulous changes to your space.

Even if your existing tile is damaged, they can be fixed.

Also if you are in the process of selling your home and don't have the money or the time to invest in remodeling, some painting can take you a long way. It could make a huge difference and definitely add some value to your home.

By simply changing the color on the wall and the color of the tile, you can create an entirely new space.



There are many companies out there that can provide this service. They will refinish your tile to what ever your desired look may be.

Fabulous! Happy Decorating!

Black Traditional Kitchen Inspirations

When you think of traditional kitchens, the color black is usually not the first color to come to mind. You may see black on counter tops and appliances, but hardly every cabinetry. Black is typically seen in modern and contemporary kitchens.

The color black being used in a traditional kitchen brings on entire new look.

Black is bold, elegant, and decadent.  



Very inspiring. 



 With Spring around the corner, it's time to start finding some decorating inspiration. It's easy to change up the decor a bit using color and a few simple decorative accents. Design Seed is a blog dedicated to providing it's readers with color inspiration. Jessica Colaluca, has her own secret formula to putting together tasty, inspiring treats of color eye candy.
Yum, yum, Design Seed has some delicious eye candy.

The colors from vintage pink would look great in a bedroom. These colors are very soft and serene.

These colors from antiquity hues would be fantastic in a family room. The bright, vibrant colors in this group would bring life and joy to a room.

The colors from costume tones would be lovely in a guest bedroom.

I would use these colors for a living room. The pallette  bonsai hues is very peaceful and harmonic. 



Henna Tones

Citrused Brights

What ever your mood, there's a pallette to suit everyone's taste. Design Seeds color boards would be great to use for decorating, planning events, arts and craft, what ever project requires color selection. Great inspiration!

Sushi hues

These colors from church hues would be nice for a powder room.

Just beautiful!

Time to Decorate.

For some reason, lately I have gotten into clocks! I love the idea of using clocks to decorate. Not only do they serve a funciton, but they can give a little insight into your own personality.

These clocks are just so much fun. Great for nurserys, childrens rooms, even an office or workspace area where you'd like to add a liitle color or personality.

Clocks made from recycled parts are interesting conversation pieces. In fact, you can make your own clocks using what ever you like.

Amd of course there's the more traditional route. I love something that shows a little bit of history. A lot pf these pieces are from http://www.etsy.com/. Etsy is a great place to find interesting pieces that are made with love and express individuality.

Wall clocks are really nice if you want to tie things together in a space.Time having fun. Time re-inventing. Time displaying a preiod, in time.

Happy decorating!

Mentioned in this post.

Design Within Reach
Restoration Hardware
Etsy

Megan and Joshs' Summer Wedding.

Megan is my sister-in-law and she is marrying Josh this summer. I love a summer wedding; it's fresh, it's bright, and it's filled with romance. She and Omi (that's what we call my mother-in-law) were asking me my thoughts on flower arrangements, center pieces and color. Planning a wedding can be quite crazy, and when people are throwing their own personal opinions at you, it can make things a little confusing. I could see the bride to be was becoming a bit distraught with making decisions for color. Most people, like myself, need a visual to get an idea of what they would like to see as the end result. I whipped this up with three different colors to see what might work with her main color navy. This way, when she goes to meet with florists and event planners at the venue, she'll already have an idea of which way she wants to go.

We already know that her main color is navy. But the question is, should she go for a jewel toned look, festive orange, or a simple, pretty yellow. Here's what I came up with.

This combination screams formal sophistication. I love the idea of a wine or champagne glass as a wedding favor.
The orange pops against the navy which makes it a great color scheme for an evening wedding.

  



Lilacs and purples mixed with navy give a sense of a simplistic royalty. It blends well and does not
come off too girlie. The center pieces are elegant and the wedding favors are trees that are to be planted
in the name of this memorable event.

 



 

Mmmmm, yellow and navy is perfect for a summer wedding. The navy sets the formal tone, while the
yellow reminds us that summer is bright and fun. The center pieces definitely have a summer feel
with the lemons and yellow flowers. Still formal but fun. The pom pom plants are great
favor that will give the quests memories to last a long time.



 I personally love the idea of plants as wedding favors, especially for a summer wedding. It represents the couples caring love for a sustainable life. I also suggest to people, before you even start, have an idea of what look you're going for. Do you want something festive and fun? Or do you want elegance and royalty? Or, do you want it to be personal and a representation of your relationship? In the end, this will help with cake design, table setting, center pieces, etc. What ever your style is, this is the time to let it shine and show everyone who you are.

Megan and Josh, Happy decorating!