Decorex and stuff

I have gone into super over-drive this week.  The reason being I decided last week to do Decorex in JHB and this has led to a mad flurry of activity.  Of course I decided this would be the perfect time to get all those designs I have been thinking about for the past year out into the world... so it's been a mad rush.

Think bunny and zebra popup greeting cards in gorgeous bright colours!  I am very excited to finally see these in print.

I've also finally got round to printing cards (business card size) with some of my typical sayings on them.  The idea is that you can just hand them out when you feel the need :-)  Bit cheeky, always inspiring and affordable.  There are 5 different sayings.   Chantal you would be proud!

And yes I did go rob a bank basically to get this all done and made. So with heart in my mouth I am hoping the good people of Jo'burg love my stuff and buy it all...

The Creative Entrepreneurs Session last week has also just kept rocking and rolling.  All sorts of people have been getting in touch.  I am planning the next one for the end of September so if you aren't on the mailing list do go join it - if you came to the first talk you are on the mailing list already.

I've been fiddling around with display ideas for Decorex and am excited about doing something a bit more slick and showing my new work that's been up in the Fringe Arts for the past month. I am painting my whole stand with a Charcoal Paint (Plascon Colour Black Beard) and investing in some of the really posh Country Road frames to show off the prints.  These combined with the rolled book artworks and the new work I think will really stand out.  One wall is going to be dedicated to some interesting jewellery I have been working on - rather loud, bright necklaces made from a mix of materials and found objects.

greige in the simple bath

 

This is so simple and yet so fun!  I love it.. I have found lately that my taste is varied, I am having a hard time putting a finger on my personal style, because I like a little of everything it seems..  

Possibly over exposure I think..

image via

 

DWELL WELL: SOHO'S LATEST DESIGN DESTINATION

Photos courtesy of Dwell Studio

Soho's 77 Wooster Street gets another cool design destination. For the first time in NYC, Dwell Studio has launched a full on lifestyle store.

A chic dark grey facade greets you with killer brass hardware on the massive doors. What's inside will inspire and make you desire.

Founder Christiane Lemieux in a quiet moment before the store opening.

Arranged vignettes mix vintage finds with Dwell Studio's mid century modern tinged furniture line.

but let's not forget the fun patterned bedding that put Dwell Studio on the map just several or so years ago. It is featured prominently on the bookcase covered walls, fitted with brass accents and library ladders for easy access.

Cool finds have just the right vibe for the mix of old and new.

Need design and gorgeous coffee table books? Yeah, they've got that. Notice one of my favorites-- Deborah Needleman's latest home tome.

The built ins and storage are so good looking, more Tribeca loft than retail, which is a secret to great merchandising, I think.

Grab and go pillows behind a loungey divan from their furniture line.

With clean lines and tailored polish, pieces are styled for the way people actually live, or Dwell, rather.

In detail..

 

Good morning!  After a little blogging/technology break yesterday I am feeling so refreshed and ready to get the week going!  This image is amazing in so many ways.. well the most obvious is the detail in the doorways.. then the clean simplicity is pretty fantastic.  

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I have so much to share I am hoping to get to it all this week!  

image via pinterest 

interior design by Katrin Cargill

 

Bar Interior Design Ideas

If you live in a city where the nightlife is a highlight, investing in a bar or lounge can prove to be a wise investment. It is important to remember that the location of the lounge is part of what makes a bar successful, but the bar interior design, as well as the exterior is really what will keep your patrons returning time and time again. How you design and decorate your bar certainly depends

Bar Design

When given much attention, your basement can become one of the favorite rooms in your house. Basements make great recreational and entertainment spaces. If this is what you have been planning for your basement, this article is for you.
You might want to start with a basement bar design that is most appropriate for your basement. There are so many you could find. Below is a list of bar

Happy weekend..

 

This is how my brain feels today!  Over packed. bursting at the seams. but always ready for another challenge.  I have gotten to the point were my mind is going one way and my mouth is going another, I have started saying things out of order...  Hello!  See how I am rambling now- so bad.  

Okay now that you know I have hit max capacity, I am heading off to the LA show today to soak up some more design and order pieces for my current projects!!  Yey!  

Have a wonderful weekend my friends, and may your mind find a bit of peace...

image via

 

Bar Stools

If you own a bar and are planning to renovate it and you already have thought about the theme or concept of the place, then first thing you have to think is about the furniture (bar stool, tables), color, flooring that you are going to use. When a person walks in to a bar or pub the first thing one would do is, check for a comfortable place to sit. So, if you are looking for a comfortable seating

Stamp collecting (seriously)

Yup
I have found something else to collect - used stamps
Crikey - there are so many and they are so gorgeous

Design Travler: {San Juan Puerto Rico}

Mostly because I am pretty sure that this has been one of the longest weeks of my life and because I know that there is just more to come, I am dreaming of our relaxing days on vacation.  I fell for Old San Juan in Puerto Rico when we visited.  The buildings were colorful and the sea was beautiful there.  We visited the Fort and walked through the old town for a few hours in the steaming heat!  I do recommend an afternoon there if you are planning a visit.

I will finish up this "series" of posts on Puerto Rico in the next few weeks with a post about the Island of Vieques and a little more detail on the fabulous design of the hotel we stayed at.  (Sorry that most of the pictures are instagram, even though I love it, I left without the battery for my good camera so I had to improvise.)

Wishing you a weekend filled with long beach days and warm evenings!

 

OFF TO MARKET, VEGAS MARKET

 No, I am not planning on getting into Hangover-style high jinks escapades. Just going to look at some home stuff.

I am going to the land of sequins and feathers. But I am not there to gamble, I am there for furniture and flourishes. I head to Las Vegas soon to join my old friend, stylist and contributing editor to O, The Oprah Magazine, Liezel Munez on a panel and to attend the Las Vegas Market. Wearing two hats, I will be running around to showrooms scouting new products and trends for Traditional Home’s Blogger Treasure Hunt, as well as a doing video segment with Editor at Large Editor TV. The panel topic, The Impact of Trends in the Marketplace will be a discussion of overall marketplace trends for holiday and spring 2012.  What is the best way to incorporate trends, beautifully merchandise and maximize sales? We will be speaking about that and more. If you are in Vegas join us at 3pm on Monday, July 30th.

There is a really good lineup this year of speakers and bloggers,  and I always look forward to Ahead of the Curve.  Moderated by Today Show contributor and author Susanna Salk, designers Philip Gorrivan, Darren Henault, and Betsy Burnham are onboard for the design roundtable at 9am On August 1st. 

 More from market soon, and follow @stylebeat  #LVMKT for instant updates. 

Simple Coffee Table

The coffee table is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture that you can have in your home. Most people normally place their coffee tables in the living room; however, there is no written rule that you have to have yours in the living room as well. You can get a table for the kitchen, dining room and the patio. There are different designs of these tables. You can get simple, yet elegant

Grey Trim..

How fun is this bedroom with the grey trim and the crown?  Love this.  I have been considering doing the interior doors of the house in a color like this but keeping my white trim for contrast... 

image via ?

 

RIGHT SIZED: THE BEST STYLISH UPHOLSTERY FOR CITY LIVING

After years of attending High Point Furniture Market, trade shows and visiting showrooms galore, I have had plenty of time to hone my eye for upholstery. I find my tastes have changed over the years, and currently I am really liking tight-backed sofas and chairs, and pieces with a cleaner silhouette. I am in the process of an apartment overhaul and carefully considering everything I choose. As I think about what I would like to live with, I have taken a deep dive into the subject.  Examining proportion, pitch, length and depth in small, right-sized sofas and upholstered chairs, I seek pieces to complement city apartment living. Tight back, loose back, the reverse, tufting or not, roll arm or straight, exposed leg or skirt? Here is what I have come up with, and as you can see, there is no shortage of great pieces that fit the bill. I hope it will help you when making decisions for clients and your home. Being that the sofa is often the star of the living room, it is an important, considered purchase.

The only hard part is choosing! 

TIGHT BACK SOFAS:

 Photo courtesy of Century Furniture

The Berry Sofa from Century Furniture has a chalk white leg and long seat cushion that I love. Pared down chic.

Photo courtesy of Wesley Hall
If you prefer two cushions, here you go. Wesley Hall does a loose seat tight back version, 1742-77 with deep sink-into cushions.

  Photo courtesy of Lee Industries

The 1009-2 Loveseat from Lee Industries is adorably right-sized.

 Photo courtesy of Cisco Brothers

The Geranium Sofa by John Derian for Cisco Brothers with a high arm and minimal decorative accents is reminiscent of an early American design.

 Photo courtesy of Century Furniture

The Oscar de la Renta designed Dutch Sofa for Century Furniture. I sat in it today at NYDC 200 Lex and I love it.

 Photo courtesy of Lee Industries

A nice thick, long cushion to sink into for naps on Lee Industries 3278-11 sofa makes it a contender.

 Photo courtesy of Cisco Brothers

The Meadow Sofa from John Derian for Cisco Brothers can take lots of pillows.

 Photo courtesy of Kravet

Kravet's Tulane Sofa with nice turned leg and roll arm with tight back and seat for perching is perfect for one stop shopping- get your fabric and upholstery all in one showroom.

Photo courtesy of Drexel Heritage

Drexel Heritage's Tisbury Sofa with a roll arm and two pillows is another great option.

 Photo courtesy of Century Furniture

Century Furniture's Oldfield Sofa with a cross stretcher base and casters comes with two bolster pillows.

Photo courtesy of Wesley Hall
Ooh more bolsters! High sides and a tight back on the 1840-72 settee from Wesley Hall for those that want a piece with an historically-evocative silhouette.

  Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair

Hickory Chair's Monroe Sofa by Suzanne Kasler has a loose seat, tight back, exposed leg and curved arm.

 Photo courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Howard

Sherrill Furniture's new Mr. and Mrs. Howard line is easy to love, as is this pared down chic two seater sofa with clean roll arm and light wood base with turned legs.

EXPOSED WOOD LEG SOFAS:

 Photo courtesy of Lee Industries

A straight arm and loose seat and back on a Lee Industries Apartment sofa mean movie watching comfort. If skirts are not your thing, this has enough interest going on at the base.

Sink into a three seater, The Pelham, with loose seat and back from Kravet. A Lawson sofa is always a good way to go for a more masculine look.

 Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler
The Templeton Apartment sofa by Jonathan Adler for some mid-century flair.

LOVESEATS:

 Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair

A classic two seater, the Colefax Sofa from Hickory Chair.

The addition of the tape trim at the bottom adds that extra special detail.

 Photo courtesy of Lee Industries

 A nice two seater with straight arm from Lee

 Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair

Mariette Himes Gomez designed this girly Boudoir Loveseat for Hickory Chair with a sweet pleat

   Sometimes a small kidney loveseat is just the thing. Oomph's new Tini Loveseat would work at the end of a bed as well as in a second seating layout in a larger room.

Currey and Company has this nice Lancaster Swedish Settee for tete a tete's.

 Photo courtesy of Century Furniture

The Elkins Tufted Settee from Century Furniture is tailored and old world.

 Photo courtesy of Kravet

The La Salle armless sofa from Kravet is great for the foot of the bed. Cushiony cozy too.

Photo courtesy of Wesley Hall
A tight seat and tight high back on Wesley Hall's 700-54 settee makes it a good piece for a hallway. The curved apron is a nice touch.

TUFTED SOFAS:

 Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair

 Hickory Chair's Marler Tufted Apartment Sofa is a classic and refined for a sitting area or a nice add on in a bedroom seating arrangement.

Photo courtesy of Wesley Hall
Another classic tufted choice, Wesley Hall's 1740-77 sofa.

 Photo courtesy of Lee Industries

Tufted with a tight seat this sofa 1331-03 by Lee Industries is gracious and the tailored skirt gives it polish.

SITTING PRETTY:

 

Photo courtesy of Dwell Studio
Dwell Studio's Mallory Chair has a touch of mid-century modness with tapered leg and cut out back.

Photo courtesy of Jayson Home
Milo Baughman-inspired, The Clarke Chair from Jayson Home rocks.

 Photo courtesy of Lee Industries

I like the mid- century- meets- arts- and- crafts lines of this Lee Industries 1290-01 chair.

TUFTED BACK CHAIRS:

 Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair

Cozy for reading, Hickory's Holly Chair designed by Mariette Himes Gomez is like a tufted marshmallow. I mean that in the best way--

 Photo courtesy of Century Furniture

The Hawk's Ridge Chair from Century Furniture upholstered in a great color velvet is a good fireside chair.

 Photo courtesy of Beeline Home

Cozy time with a throw and a book in Beeline's T42 tufted reading chair has me dreaming.

 Photo courtesy of Lexington Home Brands

Lexington Home Brands take on a classic bridgewater chair, The Augustine.

 Photo courtesy of Mr. Brown

Mr. Brown's Lounge Chair has a nice deep seat and a few tufts for good measure. The curved back and slim arm are very appealing.

 Photo courtesy of Drexel Heritage

The Julian Chair from Drexel Heritage with tufted square back and loose seat is long on English charm and a workhorse.

SLIPPER CHAIRS:

 Photo courtesy of Drexel Heritage

Diminutive charm with the Elkins Chair from Century Furniture.

 This little darling, The Mini Chair from Oomph is the perfect pull up chair. Piping trim adds a little more oomph.

Photo courtesy of Century Furniture
Beyond. The new Charleston Slipper Chair from Charlotte Moss is part of the Century Icons program in specific showrooms around the country.

 Photo courtesy of Drexel Heritage

With casters, the Cabot Chair from Drexel Heritage will fill in nicely when guests arrive.

TIGHT BACK CHAIRS:

Photo courtesy of Century Furniture

Century Furniture Emma Chair is like mini wing chair.

Photo courtesy of Wesley Hall
Perhaps you prefer an English-inspired armchair on turned leg with turned arms. Wesley Hall's 783 Chair has you covered.

Elite Leather has a version too, The Flores, created by Nathan Turner for them.

 The Pierre Chair from Beeline Home has a splayed arm and curvy back that adds some movement and personality in an upholstered piece. This one had me from hello.

 Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair

I am just so taken with the cut corners on the Boyd Chair and it's upholstered leg from from Hickory Chair.

 Mr. and Mrs. Howard for Sherrill Furniture had a slightly deco rounded arm that worked well with a turned wooden leg and base.

 Beeline Home's Azure Chair is polished with a tight back and exposed chalk white leg. I like that it is really upright. Does that mean it will make my back feel better? Gosh, I hope so.

 Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair

This go anywhere Virginia Chair from Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair with a small roll arm and tight back is good for the tall folk, i.e.,  not me!

 Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair

Hickory Chair's March Lounge Chair from the Gomez Collection is the epitome of refinement.

 Photo courtesy of Cisco Brothers

 Cisco's Tulip Chair by John Derian has just the right amount of curvy detailing at the top of the back and always grabs my attention when I see it.

 Photo courtesy of Lee Industries

A curved back and loose seat on 1846-01 for a bit of polish from Lee Industries.

 Photo courtesy of Julian Chichester

The Virginia Chair from Julian Chichester has a nice profile and fit arms.