Design Trend - Embrace Nature, It May Not Be Here in 2018

When it comes to interior design, nature is never out of style but, in 2017 expect to see it take the spotlight. Maybe it is because we tend to embrace that which is endangered - think of ivory and zebra skins. Or maybe we are looking to take some of the materialism out of our lives. Whatever the reason, you know Mother Nature is likely the bell of the ball when Pantone's Color of the year is ...

Beyond painting walls green, other ways to bring the zen of nature indoors,

 incorporate plants...

Use organic shapes...

Nature inspired wallpaper...

Natural elements as art...

Add wood elements...

Natural element vignettes...

Timeless Patterned Tile Floors

Patterned tile is all the rage this year. However, all patterned tile floors are not created equal. While I love the concrete and painted tiles that are so popular, I can envision that they may look quite dated in 15 years. But, don't despair! Patterned hexagon floors have never gone out of style - while their popularity may wax and wane, they never look dated!

The key to creating timeless patterned floors is to choose tiles that are neutral (this can be white, black, gray, terracotta, and bone or cream)

                                                 NO                                                     YES

Color is not the only key to a timeless tile floor. When working with hexagon tile, make sure the hexagon tile you choose is flat in both shape and finish. Avoid rounded and glossy hexagon tile!

Unfortunately, the rounded, glossy hexagon tile is what is commonly found at Home Depot, Lowes, and the majority of standard tile shops - it is cheaper than the "real deal" as well. The only exception to this are the marble hexagon tiles that are commonly found right now at big box stores.

Best source for historic hexagon tile!  Subway Tile Biz!! Made of porcelain, it is durable, timeless, and easy to clean.

Once you choose the right color and shape, design a pattern! The patterns are actually created on site. So you and your tile person will need to create the design.

If you use marble hexagon tiles, consider a marble tile border like the picture above.

Borders add interest to patterned tile floors but are not always necessary to create the desired effect. Do consider, the more complex the pattern, the more expensive the tile will be to lay.

Hiding a TV - Sometimes You Just Don't Want to See It!

Some people think hiding a TV is a decorating trick of the '80's. However, no matter how much more attractive flat screens are than the big boxes of the past, sometimes you just don't want a 

TV being the focal point of a room.

Stylishly hide a flat screen behind salvaged doors. Great for adding a bit of industrial 

flair to any room. 

All you need are two salvaged pocket doors, a barn sliding door kit, and one or two salvaged pieces of wood to mount the barn sliders to. The nice thing about pocket doors is that they have casters on the bottom. This insures a smooth slide.

Turn a closet into a "media cabinet" with doors made of salvaged wood and barn sliders.

An old pull down school map is an excellent solution for hiding the Tele - great, quick, relatively cheap solution

An elegant frame often elevates even the most mundane.

Nice juxtaposition - an antique cabinet to house a flat screen.

Pictures on sliders above a fireplace - very cool and modern!

A more traditional solution - a tapestry or Suzani on a drawstring.

Favorite Etsy Shops for Holiday Gifts -2016

Oh how I love Etsy! It is like going to a huge art show but you can do it while sitting in your PJ's eating ice cream - the perfect way to purchase holiday gifts. And, let's face it in our mass produced society, it is nice to give a gift that is handmade and/or unique. So after many hours of sorting through the good, the bad, the ugly, and the amazing.

Here are a few of my favorite shops...

Gifts for Under the Tree

Vintage Child

Amazing bags and backpacks from Great Britian. I have purchased several of these. Both the quality and designs far exceed the prices - $16.00 - $155.00. Go ahead, make someone feel special.

Helkat Designs

If you have someone in your life that loves throw pillows the way I do, please check out Helkat Designs. Their quality is amazing. I have ordered two of their designs and couldn't be happier.

Luva Huva

Continuing with the British shops, Luva Huva has wonderful Pajamas and lingerie - soft, well-made beautiful designs. My daughter LOVES her nightgown from this shop.

White Owl Ceramic Studio

Looking for something really special, under $40.00?? Look no further! This delightful little shop out of Canada has very special ceramics. Ask my daughter, Whitley - she drinks her coffee out of her "Magpie Mug" every morning.

My Soul Design

This Australian artist makes extraordinary fiber arts out of vintage fabrics. While I have not purchased any of her pieces, I am thinking Santa may need to add one to his sleigh this year.

Richard Makins

Another fun artist is Richard Makins - his automated birds are unique and would make a wonderful gift for any bird or folk art lover.

Inbalmisham

Truly unusual and inspirational jewelry can be found at this Israeli shop. The pieces look far more expensive than they are.

Julia Bo Shoes

Wrap up a pair of shoes from this British shop and you are sure to make someone very happy this holiday season!

MaaP Studio

Need a modern but unique gift for that special someone in your life? Check out the

 creations at MaaP Studio.

Echo of Nature

While there are many wonderful potters on Etsy,  Echo of Nature, has stunning gift choices

that are truly works of art.

Play TeePee

Every child I know would be happy to have a glam teepee on Santa's sleigh this Christmas.

Olesya Gergel Teddy Bear

Handmade in Russia, these tiny creatures are sure to enchant - 

they have a magical quality that you rarely see in children's toys.

Bug Under Glass

No good Etsy gift list would be complete without 'Bugs Under Glass'. Reminiscent of the Renwick Gallery's recent exhibition, these taxidermy bugs are breathtaking. 

Moaning Minnie

Capes, hats, scarves, and bow ties with sharp British styling - priced between $15.00 - $70.00

Pedro Meala

A very special gift indeed! These modern German cuckoo clocks are statement pieces. 

With several designs and colors to choose from, this just may be the perfect gift for 

that someone in your life that has everything.

Sankto Leono Jewlery

Made in Greece, these designs are bold, modern and distinctive.

The Coffee Registry

Stocking Stuffers & Hostess Gifts

Laima Shop

Crochet Errthang

Love Lane

Fits in most stockings - promise.

Dariami

Barruntando

 

 

Brand and Iron

Zeal Illustrations

Richwood Creations

Lulu and Luca

Adele Po

Teals Prairie