March 16th, 2012
It’s another record setting beautiful weather day in Minnesota, and it’s Friday, so needless to say I’d rather not be sitting in front of a computer. (76 degrees in March? It’s beyond fabulous!) So I’ll keep this short and sweet for everyone’s sake.
I just finished reading “Organizing” from the Best of Martha Stewart Living collection, and I found it really inspirational. So if this warm weather makes you want to fling the windows open, dust off those blinds, and do a little spring cleaning/ organizing, this is a great new resource for you.
This slim reference book covers the key spaces in homes most in need of organization: Entryways, Kitchens, Bedrooms, Closets, Bathrooms, Kids’ Rooms, Home Offices and Utility Rooms.
The kitchen section has great examples from past featured kitchens as well as Martha’s many kitchens. But it also combines some top tips from over the years. I’ve been using the “Spice Jar Reminder” idea for years, and I remember the first time I saw the “Helping Hands” tip. Now that I have large drawers like that in my kitchen and a kiddo on the way, I’ve already started looking at how I can rearrange my kitchen cabinets to accommodate a drawer like this for the kid’s plates, bowls, bottles, etc.
Toy storage is always a challenge (with kids of all ages), so I appreciate all the detailed thought that went into this toy chest. Having “parking spots” for the cars could help interest a kid in actually putting his cars back in the proper place.
There are plenty of other creative and less complicated ideas for kids’ rooms as well.
Finally, I’ll leave you with editor Kevin Sharkey’s utility room/ closet. Compared to the entire building Martha has at one of her properties for cleaning supplies (see this past post), Kevin lives in a NYC apartment where storage is at a premium. He cleverly transformed a coat closet into a very functional and organized laundry room with a place for everything.
Here you can see the right side of that closet (the end of the dryer is in the corner of the top left picture above). I love the grid of cleaning tools hung on the inside of the door. All the different types of hooks and baskets he utilized allow each item to hang properly without having to be wrangled into place. Now don’t we all want that? Who likes to fight a broom back onto a hook after sweeping?
Be sure to pick up a copy now since it is for sale at local bookstores and drugstores (most places you buy magazines) until April 30th, or they run out. At only $9.95 it’s a steal.
Now go out and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. And maybe organize a drawer or shelf while you’re at it.
Tags: kids, Kitchen, laundry room, Martha Stewart Living, organization, toys
Posted in Reading List | No Comments »
March 9th, 2012
If last week was all about brights, then let’s get minimal this week.
Just because this room has a neutrals color palette, does NOT make it boring. Oh no. Look at the gorgeous texture on the stump coffee table! See the subtle shine on the stainless steel accent tables. Feel the cowhide rug under your feet with all that natural color variation. The glass or acrylic staircase and wall opens up the space and brings a futuristic element that a painted drywall wall could never achieve. Add in a dash of pattern with the pillows and striped throw and you have just enough to keep the eye entertained but not overstimulated.
Then there is Moby’s bedroom. This is a story of white, cream and rich wood tones, and great lines. Check out the legs on the armchair and coffee table. Open, light, sculptural. The duvet looks like the softest puddle of parachute fabric that’s always ready for you to jump in for a nap. Art is minimal. Lighting is minimal. It’s the natural light and calming finishes that make this a peaceful room that one could easily chill out in for days on end playing the guitar.
This kitchen has a very similar palette of materials and an equally open and restful vibe. I love the beautiful grain on the cabinet doors and the collection of white ceramics on the lone floating shelf. For a splash of color they could add bright throw pillows on the built in banquette. But for now the bowl of peppers is the only indication this is a kitchen.
You can be minimal and still inject color. Of course I love the Womb Chair in the corner (my favorite!), and the chunky knit poofs repeat the wall color without being matchy-matchy. I love the texture on the arc floor lamp. I can’t tell what the exact materials are, but it looks like a paper shade inside a woven metal polygon. Without artwork the lamp helps add height and break up the large expanse of wall by serving as a large piece of sculpture. I wish the red throw pillow were on the other end of the sectional for balance, but it’s not a big deal. I’d want more pillows overall anyway. One thing to note: think how a rug would change the way this space looks. The warm glow of those floors is beautiful. Not too dark.
For a really extreme looking example of minimal meets funky, see designer Alexander Wang’s living room. Think how different this room would feel if the sofa and fuzzy chair were in other colors. But the stark black and white palette really focuses your eyes on the details of the forms. The sculptural pieces on the end tables (I can’t remember if they are lights) stand out against the dark and light finishes.
Minimal doesn’t have to be contemporary in style. The owners of this living room in South Africa embraced the natural light that pours in by painting their floors and using white upholstery on the furniture. The furniture selections fall into the transitional category with a global flair, thanks to the coffee table with the great carved legs. An eclectic mix of throw pillows keeps it relaxed. And you can have art on the walls in a minimal space. Here the white frames disappear into the wall and allow the art (none of which is very colorful) to stand on its own.
Finally, I will leave you with this marble bathroom that makes me think of roman baths for some reason. Nothing extraneous, just a singular focus on the art of bathing (and really beautiful marble). Calming. A single bench to lay your clothes across. A pane of glass to catch shower spray. A nook in the wall for bath essentials. Thanks to the floor to (almost) ceiling marble utilized throughout, the little details stand out and therefore must be done just right to not jar the eye. The fixtures look like Dornbracht, but I can’t tell for sure.
Do you prefer the quiet simplicity of a minimal room well detailed, or a colorful room with layers and layers of color and pattern?
Photo credits:
LR – DDC NY furniture company ad
BR – Moby’s House featured in NY Times 4-28-11
Kitchen – by Conway via Remodelista
LR – by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design via Design Sponge 12-21-09
LR – Designer Alexander Wang via NY Times
LR – South African house in Living Etc via InteriorDivine
Bathroom – by Fernlund Logan
Posted in Color Pulse, Inspiration Boards | No Comments »
March 2nd, 2012
I saw a fabric with brilliant turquoise and raspberry colors in it the other day (wish I could remember where!), and it popped up in my brain again last night and I suddenly thought, “Blog Post!”
So here are some fun rooms that incorporate these two bold colors, whether in a large splash or a subtle mix of accessories.
1. A bold wall color choice for a hallway is balanced by the large black and white photo, an occasional chair with a subtle pattern, and a floral carpet with a blue background and raspberry flowers.
2. Fabrics on a throw pillow and seat cushion and a Rothko style painting bring drama without overpowering the small multi-purpose room.
3. See how well those turquoise throw pillows work with the raspberry throw tucked into the sofa? The hanging pendant repeats the blue.
4. This banquette is retro with a modern flair. Throw pillows and curtains tie the color palette together.
1. A kid’s bedroom is a great place to embrace bold color, especially on walls which can be easily repainted if they tire of it. Throw pillows and a bench cushion repeat the color.
2. I showed you this bold office not too long ago, and I couldn’t resist adding it here. Saturation is a beautiful thing, when done well.
3. A dining room with an oriental wallcovering and mirror get a modern twist with the turquoise benches and accessories.
4. This nursery with a great mix of artwork shows how easily this bold color could transition from nursery to an older child’s room (like in image 1)
5. Don’t think living rooms can’t handle these bold colors. A bright sofa, upholstered bench, and colorful curtains make for a vibrant room for lively conversations.
1. Raspberry seems to be embraced for bedrooms for all ages. Here is a young girl’s bedroom with a playful Tord Boonjte paper chandelier.
2. This bedroom for the daughter of a former Domino editor mixes classic design pieces (Eames chair, Knoll Saarinen table) with modern bedding for an eclectic look that can transition into young adulthood. Those pieces could easily work in her home the rest of her life.
3. Why should bathrooms always be in calming spa colors?
4. Check out this bold living room: the drama is provided by the wallpaper and window treatments, while the furniture is done in quieter tones to allow the walls to shine. Notice the trim has all been painted a red-pink to disappear by complementing the walls.
5. A grown up bedroom where the bedding, chairs and fresh flowers provide punch against the soft walls and gorgeous views outside.
photo credits:
Collage 1:
1. From Children’s Spaces by Wilson
2. Dining Room by Sarah Tuttle via sweetiepie blog
3. Unknown. Perhaps from decor8 blog years ago
4. Unknown.
Collage 2:
1. Kid’s Bedroom- inspired by The Incredible Book Eating Boy, from Cookie magazine
2. Office from Elle Decor 9-2011
3. Dining Room from Living Etc.
4. Nursery – Ashley Rose photography via Dwell blog 4-18-11
5. Living Room from Living Etc.
Collage 3:
1. Bedroom from Cookie magazine
2. Unknown source. Domino editor’s home.
3. Bathroom from Ideal Home
4. Living Room by Katie Ridder via Elle Decor
5. Bedroom by Angie Hranowsky via Charleston Home magazine
Tags: banquette, bedroom, color palette, dining room, kids, living room, nursery, raspberry, turquoise, wallpaper
Posted in Color Pulse | No Comments »
February 24th, 2012
This bright bedroom caught my eye when I was flipping through my files, and it made me wonder what other bold, colorful bedrooms I had to inspire this winter afternoon with the snow swirling outside my window.
I love the crisp, classic color palette in this room with plenty of white to break up the large expanses of color, such as the bench at the foot of the bed. The inlay design on the nightstands works well with the pattern on the bedskirt. The red detail on the roman shades echos the red border on the sheets. And did you notice they framed the red bench with blue twill tape under the nailheads? Nice detail.
This is an old example from Domino magazine, but I love that they embraced the raspberry and lime palette in a way that could easily be updated down the line. The headboard is faux – a nice detailing using a lighter shade of the wall color. And the bed linens could easily be swapped out for a neutral linen duvet (like this one by Room and Board) to allow the walls to shine. Or a bold green and blue pattern like this duvet from Serena & Lily would emphasize the wall color while introducing a new accent color.
This purple and pale pink room is an odd mix with the bold large scale pattern on the rug and a medium scale more traditional floral print on the upholstered screen acting as a headboard. The pink trim is unexpected, but help to tie in the lighter tones in the floral print. I couldn’t rest in this room, but to each their own.
I love the mood of this bedroom. The Chaing Mai dragon wallpaper from Schumacher is one of my favorite crazy prints, and the almost chartreuse headboard is bold on it’s own, but also serves to break up this bold print. The vintage looking bedside lamp has great personality, and really adds to the room’s style. I wish the nightstand was a bit larger so the lamp didn’t take up the majority of the surface so there was room for a glass of water, a clock and book.
Finally, we have this palm beach vibe bedroom by Celerie Kemble. To me it looks crisp and fresh, just like the first bedroom above. You can see there is pattern introduced both in the headboard (what a task to get those leaves to line up across the creases!) and the wallpaper by the vanity (upper left). Again, simple bed linens with an accent border color were utilized to balance all the green on the window treatments and side chair. I’m guessing this room is typically flooded with light and can handle all this brightness.
So the question is: do you prefer a bright, bold bedroom or a calm softer color palette to ease you into sleep? Or does a balance of the two suit you best?
Photo credits:
1. House Beautiful 2-12 by Lindsey Coral Harper.
2. Domino
3. Living Etc. 3-09
4. Schumacher, Design by Christopher Kennedy.
5. Celerie Kemble, “To Your Taste”
Tags: bedroom, Blue, color palette, green, headboard, interior design, purple, Red, twin cities, wallpaper, white
Posted in Color Pulse, Inspiration Boards | 1 Comment »
February 14th, 2012
Out and about last week running errands at the Galleria in Edina my eyes kept being drawn to the window displays. It seems retailers are embracing the color of the year, Tangerine Tango.
First up, Epitome Papers. Their bright display featuring tangerine, peacock turquoise and crisp white stationery and accessories on a white Parsons table caught my eye and brought a smile to my face. I’m shameless in moments like this and don’t worry what people think when I’m taking a photo with my phone. Inspiration is everywhere after all!
Down the hall at BCBG Max Azria orange and hot pink dresses and separates demand your attention against a bright backdrop. (Notice how they used blue for the backdrop, the complementary color to orange on the color wheel?) I don’t really have any need for an orange bustier top and skin tight skirt with 4″ high heels, but I can still applaud the fearless application of color.
Just down the hall, Crate & Barrel has embraced the trend in multiple home categories. First, see the obvious tie in between an orange juicer and juice glasses with oranges above. I don’t squeeze fresh juice except for homemade lemon bars, but that juicer in the perfect shade of orange almost convinced me I needed one.
Meanwhile, upstairs in the home furnishings section they went all out with an orange and chocolate brown bedroom display. Most people would be afraid to buy a chair in orange, but I think it’s a great way to add impact to a space. Go neutral with your sofa, but why not add a punch of color beyond the throw pillows?
If the chair is too much, start with a lamp like the one above. It will help carry the color palette around the room. Or for the commitment phobic, bedding is a great solution. I tend to want a new duvet cover every 2-3 years to add to the mix, especially since my cats LIVE on our bed, thus shortening the lifespan of every duvet. So selecting a neutral chocolate brown bed and swapping out colorful bedding periodically you can embrace a trend but move on easily when you get tired of the look.
Finally, across from BCBG, Oh Baby! shows how neutral foundation pieces, like the rocker and crib in soft gray, can be brought to life with bold accents. Check out that kelly green bedding in the crib, love it! And of course you know the orange Moroccan pouf in the center is what drew me in. They have lots of other color options, see them all here.
Does this take away some of the fear of how to incorporate Tangerine Tango into your life? Maybe it’s a bright new scarf to brighten your face in your favorite black on black outfit. Just do what makes you smile. And if you hate orange (mom, I’m thinking of you), then be true to yourself and ignore the trend all together. The key is to have fun and embrace what you love and make sure you reflect that in what you wear and how you fill your home.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
All photos by Fox Interiors
Tags: BCBG, bedroom, chair, Crate & Barrel, Epitome Papers, Galleria, juicer, lamp, Oh Baby!, orange, pouf, stationery, turquoise
Posted in Color Pulse, Spotted | 1 Comment »
February 2nd, 2012
Usually it’s the September decorating issue that seduces me into buying a copy of Martha Stewart Living at the news stand (or the grocery store since we don’t really have NY style news stands here). But a cover like this with such a bright cheerful kitchen and the promise of more great kitchens inside? I give in.
But this issue isn’t just about great kitchens. In fact, my husband stole it before I could even sit down! He declared it a great purchase because there are also articles on sandwiches (his favorite food group), and topless terrariums (my new dining room table is quickly being taken over by his growing plant collection).
You know my love of organizing runs deep, and Martha’s does too.
Not only does she have great tips in her classic “Good Things” column, but she also has a multi-page article on creating a room just for her cleaning and organizing supplies! (see below) Holy moly!
I have nice 36″ wide drawers that are perfect for storing pots and baking dishes, but if I had to organize them in a traditional cupboard I like this solution above.
Hanging the cleaning bottles on a tension rod under a sink is brilliant. It looks so tidy plus you get bonus space underneath them if the bar is set high enough.
I won’t make you green with envy by showing the photos of the giant room she has for her “homekeeping” supplies, but I like these detail shots showing how she groups supplies by function. I don’t think I need to stockpile 3 bottles of each of her cleaning line for Home Depot, but the bins work well for grouping smaller collections of similar cleaning supplies. Imagine all your different wood polishing creams and tools in one convenient place for the Saturday you decide it’s time to oil the teak and polish the walnut? Ahh, the joys of organization geeks are endless.
I’m not a knitter, but these knit stool slipcovers are brilliant! I have a pair of plain Bosse bar stools from IKEA from our previous home that I was planning on hacking into counter height stools until I can pick the perfect stools (which of course means I have to decide on chairs for the dining room since they are right next to each other, so this will take a while. See my previous post on the issue for the full story.)
Here’s the Bosse stool. Now look at the examples above. I think I could shorten the legs, paint the ends an accent color and add a nubby knit topper and have a completely reinvented stool for a tiny amount of cash! Too bad I don’t knit. Any volunteers?
As for another kitchen? Well, here’s another sneak peak to entice you…
Isn’t the pop of bright green wallpaper on the back of the open kitchen shelves wonderful? Not only do the colorful dishes stand out against it, but so do their white bowls. The rest of the finishes are classic neutrals, allowing the bright accents to shine. Making a commitment to color this way doesn’t have to be scary. This could easily be updated with another wallpaper or fabric covered panels down the line when you want a new look.
Thank you to the Martha Stewart Living team for another inspiring issue!
Tags: cleaning, color, green, Kitchen, knit, Martha Stewart Living, organization, sandwiches, stool, wallpaper
Posted in Hot off the Press | 1 Comment »
Colleen Fox Slack | email: colleen@colleenfoxinteriors.com | phone: 612.868.0348
Copyright © Fox Interiors. All Rights Reserved.
Proudly powered by WordPress | Designed and implemented by Inizio Creative.