Tuesday, February 10, 2009

For Style Seeking Dog Lovers



The "baby" in my house is a four legged furry one. He loves to play, cuddle, and be everywhere that people are... including the sofa, chairs, and beds! I was a sucker when he was a tiny puppy and allowed him to be on the furniture... yes, I was a push-over first time puppy owner! Luckily he's not a big dog, but maybe he will utilize his dog beds more if they look as good as these do....



You can tell Michael S. Smith is a dog lover- his have a place at the end of his bed. It's so pretty to see an elegant fabric coordinating with the rest of the decor.




Darryl Carter, another designer whose dog graces the pages of his book, has two dog beds shown underneath a fabulous antique Kitchen Island. Like Michael Smith's, the soft pattern on these beds makes them effortlessly chic.





It's very easy to have a custom pillow cover made- select your fabric, purchase the right quantity and head off to the upholsterer's. For a simply styled pillow cover, your tailor may even do this, or if you've got the ambition, dust off the sewing machine! I've always thought this Kravet fabric would make a fun bed for a modern home.


On the other hand, there's plenty of fabulous ready-mades available...

Classic Checks.



Ticking.

Can't you see these in an industrial style Kitchen?




Toile (for the four legged Francophile).




Striped hemp ... perfect for the beach inspired house.



Flowers and ruffles. How sweet would this be for a little cottage?



Plush, and not actually a dog bed! I originally bought a little sheepskin for my decor, but somebody else soon found another use for it and has had one ever since! He loves them and it's a rather funny sight, since he blends right in!


If all else fails, a laundry pile will suffice (a one sided opinion of course!). This picture was taken in my husband's bachelor pad bedroom (hence lack of a bed frame) while cleaning out his closet to make room for moi! I think I may have blogger's regret over posting such a mess of a picture... but look at that smile!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Bliss

{ Photograph by Rodney Smith}


Thursday, February 5, 2009

Shabby News

Within three clicks I was here, here, and here... and sadly learned Shabby Chic has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Let's hope Rachel and her talented team can endure.

Some pretty pictures of their current goods...


I love SC's trademark white slipcovers, but this worn and patinaed sofa is so completely sumptuous. And it looks amazing when contrasted with weathered white.

My sister has always been a Shabby gal in love with the flowers and ruffles of classic Shabby Chic... I on the other hand love the mix of industrial that has recently joined the collections...



This shelf is very cool, as are the vintage wire baskets... I'll be implementing them on my own "new" bookshelves one of these days...



Draping a vintage textile over a dresser is a pretty way to enjoy it...


The tailoring on the skirted chairs is so beautiful (also see the more tailored skirt a few photos up).




A little less frilly sure looks good too.





Classic white bedding and mounds of down is absolutely divine.



So elegant.

This is from Shabby Chic's line at Target ... is anyone else swooning for the scallops and rusching?




Shabby Chic feature some gorgeous lighting fixtures. I could put a crystal chandelier in every room.





Any of these more industrial metal fixtures could go in every room too!




They've got many pretty rugs online and some unbelievably beautiful vintage rugs in the stores.
Timeless.


Fleur de Lys linen napkins and a Crown Doormat offer a healthy dose of welcome to any home.


While wishing Shabby Chic a long healthy future, the picture below speaks 1000 words....

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Lemon Verbena Love

Sometimes I clean just for the scent of this stuff... love it love it love it. Even on a night like this where I've worked a long day, make that a long week, I can't help but give everything a little spritz.

It's a fabulous green cleaner that doesn't leave that nauseating smell of chemicals, kill your brain cells, or toxify your air... If you couldn't tell already, I'm a total and unashamed Mrs. Meyers
snob- and you will be do if you try it even once.

I have always used the All Purpose Cleaner in the Lemon Verbena scent (olfactory perfection), which mixes with water and makes 16 gallons worth of cleaner for only $7.99! Little bottle for lots of cleaning.

Also made the switch from Bleach to Borax, and I use baking soda like its the answer to all of life's problems! I love the idea of going green for household products... it makes everything so much fresher and its amazing how many things you probably have in your cupboard that will do the trick. Besides being green for the environment, you will be amazed how much green stays in your wallet too!

I'd love to hear some green cleaning ideas you may have... do tell!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

FLORed



I'm a huge fan of FLOR , a carpet tile company that encompasses chic, modern, hip, classic, and functional all in one little square. Ok, maybe a few squares. FLOR is the more residential/retail branch of a commercial carpet company that specializes in carpet tiles. Tiles are a genius idea for homes since they can be easily replaced/cleaned/moved around. Until FLOR, the tiles available were not quite home-worthy.


I've had this "area rug" of tiles from FLOR for several years and it has certainly seen it's share of dog disasters, spills, and even a baby mess or two. They are so easy to clean- soap and water in a regular kitchen or utility sink and out to air dry. This rug has followed me to my new house, all I had to do was un-stick'em, stack 'em and go.

In the past few years FLOR has really branched out with their styles, patterns, and textures. They fit beautifully into a classical style or a mod one.

They now feature 100% wool tiles.



And sisal-y Coir tiles.


You know you've made it when the maven Martha has her own line... yes, Martha Stewart has brought a "good thing" of elegance to the brand in more muted tones and classic textures.





They suggest using these for wall to wall, and more interestingly for making an area rug of tiles from one style or more. Many of their colors from style to style coordinate for just this purpose.






Besides color and texture, there's also an array of patterns to choose between. This platinum area rug brings some pizazz to this very sophisticated interior.





For every Betsey Johnson lover out there.





Another area rug, with a contrasting color border. Notice how this border is not made of squares but of rectangles... these tiles are easy to cut and trim down and many can come pre-cut. FLOR sells the tools to do this yourself, though a good utility knife will do the trick.




Here's another fun way to create a "rug". See how well these transition from classic to contemporary?




Cozy...



I'll take the runner and the rest of this room too please! I'm not sure if anything could look bad in combination with large steel casement windows, dark walnut floors, and Louis style chairs, but this chocolate runner does look especially delicious!



While I don't love this particular tile rug, I do love the antique farm Kitchen it's located in. It's these more vintage and antique details that have so caught my eye in their catalogs lately.



Works with vintage prints...



And gorgeous Belgian styled linen sofas...




And vintage French Deco desks...






Yes, I'd say their "getting it" by styling in a La Cornue range. Besides it's obvious gloriousness, the cabinetry in this kitchen is so pretty with its combination of white and dark woods. If that is a zinc countertop on the island, then I will take this room too.





These are a great way to add a splash of color to a room without spending a fortune. A few tiles, and this Kitchen has been completely energized.





Several of their styles are more wear-and-tear geared... great for adding some excitement to the Laundry Room or Basement that you can do yourself, and that can be easily
changed or cleaned.


Why stop there? FLOR your bathroom too. It's a great idea when you want a rug in you bath, but not one that you have to fret over. I'm eyeing the fabulous mix of mirrors they've used in this bathroom too...



Again not sure what could look less than pretty in a room with a clawfoot tub, vintage inspired tile work, plush linens and Bouvet door levers...





If I ever have a spectacularly amazing greenhouse with vintage piece scattered about , I'll try to order some tiles for it too.






A very customer-friendly company, FLOR has design consultants to assist you with their infinite choices. You can also order 6" x 6" samples (3 for $5) ... happy FLORing!

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