Showing posts with label ethnic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ethnic. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

THE MAR A MAR COLLECTION

I am a huge fan of the bold, worldly patterned rugs at Decorative Carpets, and am loving their latest collection - Mar a Mar...
decorative+carpets ethnic print coco+kelley
Such a variety of influences here, I don't know which would be my first pick! Aqua zig zags? Blue deco fans? Red medallions? If you've never browsed through their site, I recommend it - if nothing else some major pattern and color inspiration awaits!

Monday, April 19, 2010

KUBA COOL

For years now, this has been one of my favorite rooms for a variety of reasons...
The apricot chairs. The silvery blue bench. The distressed wood coffee table. The fresh white sofa. And the little pop of pattern from those fabulous pillows. Well, if I can't have it all, at least I can have these...

I love that there has been a resurgence in the use of traditional textiles from around the world, and this  simple, but beautiful pattern, named for the Kuba people of Zaire (now the Republic of the Congo) is no exception. Sick of ikats and suzanis? Try this one on for something a little different. Pillows or lamp. It's your choice.


*pillow available at wistera, lamp byarteriors

Thursday, April 1, 2010

ROOM OF THE WEEK 4.1

I thought about putting up the most hideous room I could possibly find as an April Fools joke today... but that's just not very nice, nor inspiring, is it?? Instead, I give you this...
What might be my favorite room from the latest issue of Lonny. There are a few pieces in here that I wouldn't necessarily be attracted to on their own, but together, they create such an amazing, relaxed space! I love the element of comfort mixed with high end style, the variety of textures, and those big windows! Speaking of which...
How cool is that stencil around the whole area? (I never ever thought I'd say that about a stencil.) The pops of color mixed with materials like bamboo and carved wood bring a great exotic feel while the classical lamps and mirrors add sophistication. Together, they are absolutely timeless. On top of all of that, my favorite piece might be that funky little bar! Love, love love.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Room of the Week 2.26

When I woke up this morning, I knew this had to be the Room of the Week today...
ngong house via alkemie
I stumbled on this room via Alkemie in the middle of the winter, and knew I would save it for brightening my mood when I needed a little dose of sunshine. With more snow on the ground this morning, it's definitely time!! I can't wait to have wide open windows and a warm summer breeze blowing through....

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Room of the Week 2.12

I love this room, photographed by Richard Powers for two big reasons. 1: I have always wanted to have a cool retro modern fireplace like that in my house (with ceilings tall enough to make it work!) and 2: those pillows.

What a great way to take a plain sofa and add tons of character. The mismatched stripes and patterns bring an eclectic and comfortable look to a room that would otherwise be fairly plain, white and cold.

Ok, I'll throw in a the fact that floating staircases are visually awesome. But I think I would end up killing myself on it if I actually had one - I'm way too clumsy!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Room of the Week 8.28

I'm a little late on today's Room of the Week. I almost forgot about it!

I think I'm seeing a theme here...


Funny how our tastes evolve isn't it? I think my pendulum has swung from Hollywood Regency to ... what do you call this? Designers? I hate the term 'ethnic'... it's more like worldly chic. A bit of a moorish influence, but done lightly. Well, whatever it is, it's calling to my senses. Tapestry cushions on the couch. Amazing tiles (they almost look Greek to me?). Love the pair of chairs too. And the lamps? They almost look craftsman to me (strange). I think what I like most of all is the sunshine pouring through what I imagine to be a huge window or french doors. I'm ready to curl up and take a nap on that sofa right now.


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Glossy Finds: Bohemian Leaf Chair

Because I know you've all been coveting the chair on the current issue of Domino...


Now you can imitate the colorful and ecelectic style of fashion designer Matthew Williamson with your own rattan leaf chair from Wisteria. I actually think it's a very cool piece in his dining room. It mixes it up perfectly with the mid-mod chairs and flocked wallpaper, and draws in the color of the doors. (Dunno if I could live with it however!)

Actually, I found one of these chairs in an antiques store a few weeks back and wondered what on earth I would do with it if I bought it...

Creating a little sitting nook in the dining room looks like a fun option! Especially since I wouldn't really want anyone sitting in it. Hmmmmm...


Tuesday, August 5, 2008

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?