FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: EXOTIC BOHEMIAN

Although it's still a bit early for backyard barbecues and poolside soirées, I'm craving a dose of brilliant color to break out of the winter entertaining doldrums. Camille Styles here, and today's fantasy takes a cue from the rich textures and dappled sunlight of exotic locales...

A rich palette of tangerine, cerulean & terra cotta recalls the spice markets of Marrakech, perfect inspiration for an early-spring get-together with a few good friends. Keep the bohemian vibe going by scattering poufs around low coffee tables that invite guests to stay and lounge awhile.

Continue the boho-luxe theme by incorporating a curation of interesting objets among brilliantly-colored flowers. Garlands of gerbera daisies draped offhandedly over chairs is an unexpected artistic touch.

The key to styling flowers for such a gathering is to keep it relaxed and nonchalant. Orchids cut to a shorter-than-usual length tones down any fussiness, and appear especially lush when bunched in distinctive handmade pottery.

Such a fête calls for exotic flavors that hint of warm-weather months ahead. This Greek-inspired saganaki combines grilled wedges of cheese with arugula and sweet plum. Hop over to Camille Styles to get the recipes for the rest of the exotic bohemian menu (including roasted beet salad with mint & tangerine-fennel pot de crème!)

*images: {row 1} the urban hippie, piaulin, jules bianchi, moroccan pottery {row 2} hostess with the mostess, karen mordechai, better homes & gardens, helen rawlinson's etsy {row 3} moroccan door, graham & green, karen mordechai, tulu. party images scanned from domino magazine & food and wine magazine.

NOUVEAU NOMAD

With the brisk morning air we've had in Seattle the last few days, I'm getting ready for a serious wardrobe change, and this editorial has me inspired...

The crazy mix of layers in muted prints and patterns, accessorized with eccentricity (are those garden gloves i spy?) is such a fun way to cozy into the fall.

How to get the look yourself without going overboard? Layer on patterned pieces in classic prints and keep the palette simple. Top it off with burgundy lips and nails for a real mood-changer.

This look might be my favorite and is certainly serving as some serious holiday inspiration as well!

Maybe even a touch of fur??

*lachlan bailey for vogue china via fashion gone rogue

ROOM OF THE WEEK 5.6

Hold on to your seats darlings, because this week's room is an entire house full of glamour and bohemian drama...

This is a rock star pad if I've ever seen one. And it's quite possible that it belongs to one since the designer, Madame Sera, is known for working with the likes of Kate Moss, Courtney Love and Lara Stone and Daisy Lowe.

A peek through the heavy Moroccan curtains reveals that the house is not all dark... in fact the rest of it feels quite light with whitewashed wood and high ceilings...

I love how every room emphasizes luxury with curtains and fabrics dripping from the ceilings and inviting seating. A blend of midcentury and old century...

Complete with disco ball of course! Which space is your favorite?


*images via marie claire maison italia

LAYERS OF BOHEMIA

I don't think I need to tell you all how much I'm constantly influenced by fashion when it comes to creating new interior designs, but sometimes a piece of inspiration hits me over the head with its gorgeousness so hard that I immediately want to transform a space taking a cue from its style...

This bohemian luxe look could go so many ways. For a totally saturated room you could do an all-over color and print, with a few injections of black+white stripe and neutrals, or (if you're like me), you could use the neutrals as a base and add the florals as accents to be switched out later whenever the mood strikes you. I'd start with this classic Ikea striped rug and add the texture of this faux fur pillow, then layer on the florals with textiles like these napkins.

Ahn Duong's living room (one of my favorites!) is a perfect example of how to put together this scheme. A black+white rug with pops of color, but a fairly neutral backdrop. Imagine the ottoman in a fantastic bohemian floral, and it's right there. This room is more along the lines of my style. Simple lines help the bright colored couch seem a bit less intense, and the rug and art provide all the pattern. All that's missing is a striped pillow on the sofa!
Taking it one step further, this room is a perfect example of using an inspirational piece to create something all your own. You can see how the colors and style relate to the photo, but it's taken in a whole new direction with a more contrasting rug and wallpaper. Which would be your preference??

*rooms via elle decor, the city sage, and >house beautiful; inspiration photo by paolo roversi

Room of the Week 6.11

I stumbled across this room last week sometime and completely fell for the insanely wonderful mix of styles, textures, colors, patterns... everything!
Lucite tray table? Swoon. (I so want one now!) Woven leather chair? Awesome throwback piece to lend to the bohemia vibe of the oversized bench piled with pillows and fur. But the real finishing touch is the wall covering! It completely transforms the space into something a bit more kitchy - and I like it when a room doesn't have to take itself too seriously. I feel inspired and relaxed by the design all at once!

I also wanted to pick an indoor/outdoor room for today because the next style (e)scapes series will be coming the week of June 22-26th, and it will be all about outdoor spaces + entertaining! I will have an incredible giveaway contest to share with you next Monday as a part of the week, but in the meantime, I thought this room could get us all in the mood for sharing ideas for the next theme. SO, if you have a gorgeous patio, deck, porch or sunroom - please please please send it along! Or, if you've got a space you just don't know what to do with, we're up for the challenge. Just be sure to send it asap!

*Update: Many of you have asked about the lucite table - I'm not sure where it's from, but here are a few resources... The Paris Apartment, 1st Dibs, John Salibello, and probably the best one, Aaron Thomas, where the acrylic ottoman has a very similar shape to the table.

*room by fiona barratt, via the goods

Patrina Tinslay

Stumbled across these yesterday and had to share...





Beautiful imagery from Patrina Tinslay

The Bohemian Vibe Goes Dark

Even though the ethnic prints have been worn to death in the past year (thank you Madeline Weinrib)... there must be something about the transition from summer to fall and the bohemian California sunshine that's making me love them all over again... but like this:

I'm over the mod/trad look with a dash of print... I'm way more into dark wood, layers of pattern, and a touch of glamour like this room belonging to Anh Duong, featured in Elle Decor. (I'll take the dress too!)

Ahn's home was featured in 2004... which goes to show that these Ikat, Suzani and African patterns really are timeless, despite the trends. And the look isn't as complicated as it may seem.

All it would really take is one or two statement pieces like these (via Vintage And Modern), and a fabulous pattern like this one from Brunschwig & Fils.

This room, via Elle Decor, has always been one of my favorites. It incorporates the dark and intricate with the light and elegant perfectly. While a bit more clean, it's certainly not modern ~ every single piece here fits the theme.

In order to provide a little balance to a darker space, pieces like these help keep things from getting too heavy. Brass dresser and rattan sofa from Graham and Green. Vintage Italian table from Mecox Gardens, and antique applique pillow from B.Viz Designs.

What do you think? Are you over the ethnic and bohemian? Or ready for more of the sumptuous layers with a darker and more traditional twist?