DIY Challenge

I found these books today in a design showroom and I instantly loved them until I found out the price.

Then I was thinking that this would be a great DIY until I realized that there is no time in my life for DIY projects.  I can't even manage to DIY dinner....sad but true!

So, I have a DIY challenge.  If any of my creative readers out there feel like giving this a try PLEASE email me the pictures and I'll post them for us all to learn how to do this!

Some thick novels, solid white/off white fabric, a large photo, a little mod podge....presto!  OK, maybe not that easy and I'm sure very time consuming but if I told you the price you might be motivated to try!

Photos taken from an old book or personal photos...

I think the possibilities are endless and maybe someday I'll give it a try!  

Accessory Styling

I have been working on a project in Huntington Beach that is almost complete.  The feel of the home is very clean, traditional with a few coastal elements.  I recently installed accessories into their family room media built-in.  I purchased everything from Homegoods and ordered the books from the book dealer I work with.  

We added a couple bursts of turquoise to pull in the color scheme which is 

linen, white, coral, green and turquoise 

I love the simplicity of neatly stacked books.  

I wanted to make sure the overall finished look was balanced, unified and clean.  The books, vases and turquoise to silver accessories are all working together on alternating shelves and sections.  It's like working a giant puzzle.  

GREAT RUG

I just got a PB Teen catalog and I loved this rug so much I thought I would do a quick post about it!

The modern colors of this Kilim style rug are so striking I can see this in a funky home office, a girls (of any age) room, playroom or even a family room.  

via


also comes in this color way....





$269.00 for a 5x8 is a steal!

JUST BECAUSE..

I was out visiting some local showrooms yesterday looking for fabric and various other furnishings for some current projects.  I snapped a couple pictures of some things I love and thought I would share. 

I am loving Kelly Green accents.

I love the mix of this delicate metal chair with the heavy hide seat. 

Plus, orange and zebra are a perfect match.

Lots of pretty things.

GIVEAWAY ON DISPLAY

Check out my last Giveaway in action.........

The novels look great on this mirrored side table!  Kaitlin posted these shots on her blog, you should click over there to read more ;)

I hope you all have a GREAT holiday weekend!!  

A FRESH TAKE ON FLORALS

I recently stumbled across this INCREDIBLE product and am in love with these objects!

These permanent botanical sculptures are from Krislyn Design in Los Angeles.

I love their unique alternative to house plants and floral arrangements.  Most of their products are made of dried and preserved natural materials which require no maintenance.  They also do custom events, weddings and fresh floral arrangements.

My next trip up to LA will definitely include a trip to their design boutique!!  

I would love just about all of these on a large Cocktail Table!!

 Love the tall dried grass!

 A great centerpiece idea!

I LOVE this unique wedding floral idea!

CHIC MEDIA ROOM

For this project I turned what was a big playroom into a family media room-a great spot for Movie Night! 

 I found the stripe pillows at Homegoods and created the room around them.  The large sectional (I love sectionals) is in a charcoal polyester velvet so it is incredibly soft and durable!  There is space behind the sofa (under the window) to hide the toys. I wanted to use the faux leather ottoman in white to contrast the charcoal. 

 I designed this custom built-in to accommodate a 60" TV, plenty of storage for toys and two desks for the kids.  The desk chairs are from Homegoods and the polished nickel hardware is from Restoration.

Notice the tray? :)

 I love to coordinate accessories with the fabrics and "color scheme."  I found all of the accessories at Z Gallerie and Homegoods.  I also added silk ivy plants to give this built-in texture.  I have a book dealer in LA that sells gently used Encyclopedia's and books to Set Designer's (TV and Movie) and Model Home Designer's.  Encyclopedia's are a great accessory to use to fill in large built-ins like this.  Plus, it's retro to even own encyclopedia's now! :) 

photos by Ashlee Raubach for BDG

LIGHTING: Table Lamps

Lamps are one of the most important accessories in a room and size definitely matters!

One of the first design tips I learned while working in the Model Home Industry is that it all comes down to size!   The pace in which Model Homes are designed is incredibly fast.  Selecting the lamps was such a small aspect of the total design process yet if the wrong lamps were selected it was painfully obvious with the finished product. 

Lighting Tip:

 I like lamps to be at least 28-31" high (30" being the ideal height)

                                    

These lamps from Jamie Young are 30" high

Since these lamps are on its kinda hard to see but this room definitely needed a much taller lamp.

These Lamps are from Global Views and about 31" high.  With the location of these lamps and the size of this room the added height really makes a difference!

For Retail lighting I like to use Lamps Plus online because you can search by height.  You will find it is very hard to find lamps that are tall enough.  Especially that are affordable!

Homegoods often has great lighting to choose from as well.  However when they are up on the shelves they often times look taller than they are.  If you don't have a tape measure with you ask a sales person (they have them hanging throughout the store)

More lighting tips to come!

A Few Lamps I love......

Z Gallerie
Berlin Table Lamp
$159.00
31"high

Z Gallerie
Mariposa Table Lamp
$139.00
29" high

Lamps Plus
Vienna Full Spectrum Crystal Lamp
$149.00
30 1/2" high

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