Ever since the real estate market crashed a few years ago, there’s been no significant building where we live.  Good news though, a few months ago a major building project began in my town, and I’ve been watching it for some time.  The new townhouse models opened up so naturally, being the looky loo that I am, I had to go inspect.  I love me some well staged model homes, so I popped in to to see if there was anything inspiring, and yes indeedy, I spied some great ideas!

Wanna take a tour with me?  Come on along why doncha.  Warning: lots of pictures ahead, and my observations to go with ‘em.

The first of three townhomes was staged in mostly modern black and white furniture with clean lines and graphic prints.  There was a lotta lacquer and a lotta mirror.  Some of this style appeals to me, some of it does not, but there were elements I really loved. 

The first room you see off the entry is staged as a living room/den and I loved its cosmopolitan style.  The twin cream chaises, that glossy console, those tripod lamps, and the graphic striped gray curtains are all in perfect scale.  I’m also loving the lattice rug, the space feels very ‘Z Gallerie’ to me.

It would have been nice to see a pop of color somewhere with the accessories, but I love the pillows and sophisticated feel of the space, also the contrast between the black and white.  I would substitute an eclectic gallery wall in lieu of the framed bridge poster art to the left, and substitute fresh flowers or an orchid instead of the fake plant.  

Next, the main living area, combining family room, kitchen and dining in an open floor plan. 

Let’s move in a little closer, shall we?  First, the kitchen, sleek and chic in black, white and stainless steel. 

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Greetings all, I’m back today with another topic for your vote!  Last week, it was Open Shelving in Kitchens, with “Trendy” edging out “Timeless” by a 54% to 45%.   Most of you ended up in the “Like it, but too impractical for me” category (60%) with 15% not liking the look, and 24% loving it.  Thanks so much to everyone who voted and shared your opinion and personal experiences. 

So let’s get started – how do you feel about sunburst mirrors? 

Many interior designers love them, and there’s a bit of a DIY craze going on. 

We’re all making our own versions out of everything we can find. coming up with new interpretations every week.  Me? Guilty!

Sunburst mirrors date back to Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King”, and as the story goes, he used to stare into his sunburst mirror each morning to see his face in the center of the sun’s rays.  Oh, the vanity.

This decorative mirror became popular yet again in the mid twentieth century, and in the last few years, they are everywhere.

Thibaut

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Many of you know Michelle of Ten June is a monthly contributor here, and today she’s back talking about a subject that I adore, trends in modern lighting.  I am such a fan of so many of the modern fixtures we’re seeing today, some of them throwbacks that are definitely channeling a retro vibe, others showcasing natural textures in new ways, and better still, new designs in fabulous shapes that become a focal point in a space. 

Please welcome back Michelle and her fantastic insight on modern trends in lighting:

“Truly well designed rooms are always always accentuated with good lighting.  The lighting in any space holds the power to illuminate and define all of the other elements in the room, as well as set the proper mood.

While lighting is important, it doesn’t have to be taken so seriously that the fixtures are simply functional and therefore boring.  A modern trend in home decor is incorporating the use of fun, make-a-statement fixtures that bring a punch of style, whimsy, or even humor to a room.  Whether you are searching for a table lamp, a floor lamp, or a chandelier, different styles of modern lighting are that last final detail not to be forgotten, and today, our choices in fabulous fixtures are endless!

One of my favorite trends in modern lighting is the vintage, industrial chic look. Modeled from factory furnishings and rusty, exposed materials, industrial lighting reflects a bare, repurposed and utilitarian design.  Oh, and perhaps you’ve noticed, industrial lighting is all the rage!

industrial task lamps, Pottery Barn; vintage inspired industrial pendant, Thomas O’Brien; bare bulb pendant, West Elm; exposed wire table lamp, West Elm; studio floor light, Restoration Hardware

 

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Ah summer, I confess I’m getting lost in it.  I love the casual ‘kick your shoes off’ attitude of this season.  Long hours spent by the pool or simply watching the kids hop through a sprinkler.  Late night lingering over BBQ with heirloom tomatoes and berry cobbler.  The welcome evening breezes that arrive just in time to to blow away the heat of the day.  Toes in the sand and sunsets at the sea, that is quintessential summer to me.

Don’t we all love summer style at home too?  It is equally casual, filled with cotton slipcovers and toss pillows in stripes and bold textiles.  What is summer without the natural textures of rattan and driftwood, and the treasures that come from the sea.  All of these ingredients combine to fill the home with breezy effortless style. 

Naturally, I couldn’t help but become distracted by the colors of sea and sand, and particularly the classic combination of blue and white.  Today marks the beginning of a week long summer vacation for me, and what a perfect day to be feeling the blues. 

west elm collection via bright bazaar

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