Rugs with Subtle Patterns We know there’s nothing subtle about a white rug boasting colorful bold lines. We use the term “subtle” very loosely here… But in a small way, there IS something subtle about this first trio of rugs. Maybe it’s their neutral background shade, or in some cases, the fact that the pattern doesn’t cover every square inch of the rug. We begin with the Steven Alan Aliye Wool Dhurrie from West Elm, created in collaboration with designer Steven Alan and handcrafted in India. Look closely, and you’ll notice that this piece consists of two panels stitched together for a variegated look. The colors of the rug are powerful, but the cream background tone is clearly the hue in charge here: One of IKEA’s new designs is LILLERÖD, a thick, soft rug that happens to be great for dampening sound. It’s hard not to love the soft pattern of lines that together create rounded forms. A great way to add a pattern that doesn’t knock you over… The Beni Rug from CB2 showcases Moroccan style on its super-soft handwoven New Zealand wool surface. Designed by Aelfie Oudghiri, this piece features a zigzag pattern in red, blue, green and grey. It’s chic without being stuffy. It’s earthy while remaining modern. I predict that it’s going to be a big seller… Rugs Featuring Slanted Lines Lately I’ve been seeing more and more design photos featuring slanted wood paneling on the walls. Retailers are even incorporating this slanted-line motif into their new furniture offerings. And let’s not forget about the rugs… This Canted Wool Rug in Igloo from West Elm was inspired by an abstract painting with an over-sized chevron pattern. It’s time the oft-used chevron got an update, don’t you think?! Sometimes the slanted lines are big and bold. I’ve been a bit obsessed with diagonals lately! Which is why I can’t help but be drawn to the With Honors Rug from CB2, featuring shades of yellow, off-white and grey. Throw in it’s plush blend of Indian and European wools, and you have a piece that’s as comfy as it is stylish… Here’s another chevron pattern update… The Assembly Home Chevron Flip Rug from Urban Outfitters shakes up the traditional 2-color chevron print by breaking up the design. The key–make the pattern bigger, and make each piece a different color. From Assembly Home, this rug features shades of grey, black, white and light blue. Diamond-Pattern Rugs Another rug trend to be on the lookout for this season? Diamonds! As Hollywood Regency motifs are giving way to more eclectic patterns, the diamond has stolen the spotlight. This Marque Chindi Rug from CB2 is handwoven on vertical punja looms, making each piece unique. Geometric diamonds and free-form bands incorporate shades of blue, red, yellow, brown and more on this powerful rug’s surface: An abstract pattern is the star of the Cauble Neutral Rug from Crate & Barrel. Large diamonds. Small diamonds. Overlapping diamonds. There’s a lot going on, but a neutral palette keeps the design in check. And we can’t forget about the allure of lush, plush New Zealand and Moroccan wool… Bucato Coral Rug from Crate & Barrel is a tribal take on the lattice pattern. Designed by Josi Severson, this piece is perfect for a space in need of a bold statement! It’s hard to resist an imprecise geometric pattern on a fluffy neutral surface. Which is why this Beni Ourain Mini Diamonds Vintage Moroccan Rug from Jonathan Adler is such a stellar find! While the rug showcases a lattice pattern featuring loads of diamonds, this piece is hardly typical. In fact, each rug is unique with one-of-a-kind details.
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Budget-Friendly Furniture Can I share one of my first design highlights of 2014? It happened when I was checking out theCB2 website and saw these words at the top of the page: “just arrived: more than 500 new items for spring.” I had to do a little happy dance in my living room! One affordable item that caught my eye: the metal Go-Cart Aqua Desk, complete with two locking wheels and an aqua powdercoat finish. I could be productive in the new year with a work surface like that! Another retailer that’s currently offering some amazing budget-friendly finds? Crate & Barrel! There’s a fabulous sale going on as we speak, and I was delighted to discover this Pilsen Graphite 52″ Media Console on sale. Designed by Mark Daniel, this “easy on the eyes” glass and steel piece currently has 1/3 of the original price knocked off, making it easy on the pocketbook! Already irresistible with its rich color, slim angled legs and antique bronze knobs, the piece is even more desirable with its sale price tag in place! Priced Rugs Anyone looking for a new rug? Since I moved this past summer, I’ve been making due with years-old rugs that don’t quite fit my new space. Perhaps 2014 is the time to take things up a notch with an eye-catching selection to brighten up my floor. This Chempi Aqua Rug from CB2 is crafted of recycled cotton in shades of aqua and green. The design manages to be lively without taking over the room. Perfect for adding a dash of color to your modern space! Affordable decor Let’s now turn our attention to the smaller pieces that make your home a place of personality and style. Like throw pillows! I’ve had my eye on these Marble Print Silk Pillow Covers from West Elm for a long while. Screen printed on pure silk, the design epitomizes modern elegance with a banded pattern that evokes the mystique of minerals. With a sale price of $19.99, the pillow covers are even harder to resist in these early days of 2014… How hip is this Tryst 16″ Pillow from CB2?! An affordable new arrival, the item features a design of gold screen-printed triangles on natural linen. And for one great price, you get both the pillow cover and the insert!
Showcasing Amazing Design Here at Decoist, we love showcasing the best in modern design. This may involve rounding up our favorite design ideas, sharing design tips, or gathering gorgeous photos to inspire you in your latest project. This year, we showcased more amazing design ideas than ever before… 1. Amazing Bars at HomeLet’s start with the beauty of an impeccably designed modern space. For a dramatic interior statement, be sure to check out 40 Inspirational Home Bar Design Ideas For A Stylish Modern Home, a post that proves you can enjoy a restaurant-quality bar from the comfort of home: 2. Decorating with Color PairsAre you looking to add a little color to your interior? Sometimes two hues are better than one. Don’t miss our vibrant post on How To Decorate Your Home With Color Pairs… 3. Landscape Ideas with Japanese FlavorAt Decoist, not only do we focus on interior style, we also show you ways to celebrate excellent design in your yard! If you’re looking for landscape ideas that bring tranquility home, our post on 28 Japanese Garden Design Ideas To Style Up Your Backyard will provide you with plenty of inspiration. Below we see a Manhattan Japanese garden by New Eco: Urban Landscape Design… 4. Kitchens with Cool BarsCitrus tones converge in the kitchen below, which features a healthy dose of taxicab yellow. When it comes to your culinary space, don’t forget about the power of a well-designed kitchen bar. In fact, earlier this year we rounded up 12 Unforgettable Kitchen Bar Designs, including the modern bar area below from Beckwith Interiors: 5. Ceilings!At Decoist, we take pride in spotlighting areas of design you may not have considered…such as ceiling design! Why stop at the walls and the floor when you can use your creativity to reach the ceiling?! This past February we shined the spotlight on 33 Stunning Ceiling Design Ideas To Spice Up Your Home, including the recessed lighting and green hue of the ceiling in the futuristic bedroom below. This was one of our most popular posts from 2013: 6. Style Additions: Fish TanksThere’s just something about a fish tank that soothes the soul. One of our favorite posts from this last year: 28 Modern Fish Tanks That Inspire Relaxation! In fact, we think scanning the tropical images that fill this post just might lower your blood pressure… 7. Hanging Beds Are So CoolIn March, we shared a slew of hanging bed ideas with our readers, including this teardrop-shaped number in a space designed by Fabio Galeazzo. For more suspended fun, check out 29 Hanging Bed Design Ideas To Swing In The Good Times! 8. Loft Beds can Be Cool, Even for AdultsSometimes our favorite design ideas speak to our inner child… And let’s face it–loft beds are like bunk beds for adults! Especially when privacy curtains and window treatments are involved! Don’t miss our post on Adult Loft Beds For The Modern Home. [by Diane Bergeron Interiors via Houzz] 9. Design that Makes an Impact: Stunning Garages!We end this section with a bang! Don’t the images below take your breath away?! In case you missed it the first time around, 11 Stunning Parking Garage Designs With Contemporary Flair was our most popular post from 2013. When you look at the image below, can’t you see why?! It’s the Santa Monica Civic Center Parking Garage designed by Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners… 10. Intoxicating Wine CellarsAt Decoist, we also take pride in rounding up the most stunning images we can find. It’s hard to take our eyes off of the acrylic wine cellar below featuring blue LED lighting. It’s part of our April 2013 post titled Intoxicating Design: 29 Wine Cellar And Storage Ideas For The Contemporary Home. [from Beckwith Interiors] Spotlighting Fabulous DIY ProjectsThis past year, we also expanded our DIY section, offering a slew of new DIY posts that highlighted the most innovative ideas we could find… 11. DIY Coffee TablesOne post that made a big impact on Decoist readers: 12 Gorgeous DIY Coffee Tables. If the industrial side tables from Lowes shown below are any indication of the amazing projects in this post (and they are), you’ll want to see what other coffee tables are featured… 12. Make Your Own Platform BedAnother insanely popular Decoist post from this past year: Easy To Build DIY Platform Bed Designs. One look at this photo of the AC Apartment in Bucharest by SquareOne, and we were hooked. Let’s hear it for recessed lighting! [from Contemporist] 13. How to Design Your PatioIf you’re looking to take your DIY energy outdoors, check out our post on 12 DIY Inspiring Patio Design Ideas, one of our February favorites. Below we see the power of concrete slabs and gravel… 14. How to Make Your Own Party DecorationsWe at Decoist love entertaining. In 2013, we featured more entertaining-themed posts than ever! Not only did we fill them with gorgeous images of beautifully designed food, we made sure you knew just how to decorate for your next festive gathering. Our February post on DIY Party Decorations You’ll Love shows you just how to bring a celebratory vibe to your interior! 15. DIY Walls that Will Bring Life to Your InteriorsLiving walls. They’re one of today’s top design trends. Our DIY writers continually bring you the latest in creativity and innovation, and our September post on Cool DIY Green Living Wall Projects For Your Home did just that. Especially when we featured this living wall made of palettes: 16. DIY Projects that You can Make on WeekendsSome of our featured DIY projects involve a hefty dose of patience. Others can be completed in a day or less. Or even a few hours! Just last month, we brought you 9 Easy Weekend Home Improvement Projects, including this fan-folding magazine wall art from Meet Me in Paradise… Highlighting Dream Homes And Unusual Properties 17. Living in a Shipping Container can Be Quite ChicLet’s not forget Decoist’s love for highlighting unforgettable homes! And we’ve got an eye for the unusual. When we featured 25 Shipping Container Homes & Structures Designed With An Urban Touch back in January, we couldn’t help but mention Crossbox House, designed by CG Architects. In this truly unique home, four shipping container units create an eye-catching outline: 18. Four Wheels and a RoofA house on wheels?! Try four! You can see them all when you check out Houses On Wheels That Will Make Your Jaw Drop, a post featuring Rolling Huts from Olson Kundig Architects, as shown below: 19. In Love with Swedish InteriorsSometimes when we feature an unforgettable home, we have to relish each interior space. This Stylish Stockholm Loft With Classic Scandinavian Interior Design And Modern Overtones features white walls and a vibrant use of color: 20. Farmhouse Makeover that will Make You DroolEveryone loves a good makeover! And our Rustic Farmhouse In Belgium Gets A Glassy Contemporary Makeover post is quick to show the transformation of an 8th-century house and stables into a modern home. Say hello to the Farmhouse project from the architects of Studio Farris…
Styling your interior does not mean overcrowding every nook and cranny with decorations and furnishings. Instead, it is about finding the right balance between function and form. Often times, we are stuck in the mindset that bigger is always better. But as we gravitate towards Zen-inspired designs and minimalist-themed lifestyles, that notion of “more, more, more” begins to tarnish and becomes less appealing in our eyes. Lamps are some of the most common items in the home that we knowingly splurge on. Whether they are on the bedside night stand or on the living room side table, lamps dictate a good amount of space within the home. And with so many options to choose from, the lamp style of your choice should be one that encompasses both aesthetics and practicality. Wall lamps are installations every home designer should pick up on, because they allow people to flex their creativity and space-saving techniques. Below are some lighting designs that might win your heart and inspire you to play around with a style you are not so familiar with – have a look! Wall-Mount Lamps for the Modern BedroomIn addition to their apparent simplicity and smart design, wall-mount lamps are an ideal choice to incorporate into any home that boasts elegance and daring beauty. Unlike free-standing lamps, wall-mount selections (or other kinds of hanging light installations) can be viewed as part of the home’s overall design, in uniformity with the charisma of the living space. With the usage of wall-mount lamps, the amount of decorative pieces and ornaments needed to enhance the room’s atmosphere is dramatically reduced, making for a more sincere and natural interior design. Can’t Go Wrong With Less
Due to the constraints of your busy schedule, finding time to tidy up your home may seem like an impossible task. But if you decide to turn a blind eye to the growing clutter in your living room, the home you worked so hard to build might take a plunge in aesthetics. A good way around the problem is to downsize. Take out furnishings you don’t need, leave seasonal decorations in the tool shed, and most definitely, say good-bye to the monolithic stand-alone lights. Once you bid farewell to your home’s worldly possessions, not only will you find a more appealing aura in your interior, you will also understand what simplicity feels like. Asian-style interiors instantly evoke an image of serenity and tranquil calm. With most of us engrossed in a fast-paced urban lifestyle, it helps immensely when we can come back home to a peaceful abode that allows us to escape this never-ending rush. Asian-themed interiors accomplish this goal in inimitable style by ushering in harmony and balance. But creating an Asian-inspired room is much more than just adding a few distinct decorations. It takes care, precision and a clear thought process that allows you to do away with the unwanted additions. At its core, Asian design is a fusion of several different styles that range from the Japanese and the Chinese to exotic Indian themes. Yet, for most, it is often dominated by oriental influencesthat have originated in the Far East several centuries ago. Here is how you can incorporate some of these mesmerizing elements into your own home design while keeping the fresh, contemporary vibe intact – 1. The Perfect BackdropAsian designs and themes are largely inspired by the colors of nature, and often decorations mimic scenic landscapes and reinterpret natural colors to suit the interior. Hence, it is best to keep the backdrop as neutral as possible. That does not mean white is your only option. Gentle cream, understated light blues and even an elegant grey work just fine. Remember that you are going for a soothing backdrop that offers a relaxed and laid-back ambiance. 2. A Hint of Vivacious ColorOne popular misconception is that Asian styles are bereft of any vivid and rich hues, while in reality the truth is exactly the opposite! An Asian-themed interior is truly complete only with vibrant accent hues that stand out when placed in a calm, neutral setting. The lovely pinks of cherry blossoms, ravishing reds and luxurious purples are all an integral part of the Oriental style. If you are opting for a Chinese-inspired decorating style, these colors become an absolute must. For those who love a hint of mystic charm, carefully placed subtle black hues are the ideal choice. Another visually spellbinding option is to combine the soft neutral backdrop with exquisite golden tones to create a majestic living room. With gold being touted as one of the hottest colors this winter, it makes a trendy, fashionable statement as well. 3. Visual and Textural BalanceWhile trying to plan for Asian-style interiors, the word ‘balance’ is something that you will come across time and time again. And we simply cannot overstate the importance of this singular aspect of oriental design. Balance is often the key defining aspect of an Asian theme. You need the right harmony of not just the colors but also different textures and elements that surround you. If your home is just one big block of concrete, think about adding glass partitions, natural stone decorations, wooden floors, bamboo blinds and a few organic textures in a poised fashion. 4. A Cool Water FeatureSpeaking of creating an atmosphere of equilibrium, water is another wonderful way of ushering in Asian style with ease and simplicity. The sound of flowing water is considered both harmonious and positive according to Feng Shui, and a small water feature in the entrance room, living area, or even in the backyard is a welcome addition. Reflecting pools make for amazing additions and have a calming influence that is undeniable. For those looking to add a water feature that is lively and effervescent, a beautiful koi pond is the way to go. Water features not only bring an element of fluidity, they can also double as stunning sculptural installations that become the focal point of the room. 5. A Fusion of StylesWe did talk earlier about how popular Asian themes are in reality a fusion of several different styles. It is important to know each style and its distinct elements before you make a choice regarding which one suits your home the best. The Japanese design style is innately simple, minimalist, and one that is closest to nature and its many hues. If you are a looking to add the essence of Zen to your residence, this is the theme for you. Traditional Chinese decor is far more opulent, expansive and grand with regal reds, lavish gold, captivating jade and plush purple tones. The typical Indian style is a colorful, unabashed celebration of life showcasing traditional Indian motifs and cultural icons. In case you are trying to create a fusion of Asian styles, it is best to stick to Japanese interior influences in the public spaces and opt for indulgent Chinese designs and colors in the bedroom. Add a few art pieces and rich textiles from an Indian backdrop and you have a truly Asian style! 6. Sculptural Lighting and Paper LanternsLighting can make or break the look of your interior, regardless of the theme you have going. But in the case of Asian style, it adds to the entire visual and elegantly accentuates the theme. Stylish hanging paper lanterns, sculptural lighting installations and a few carefully placed candles go a long way in creating a home inspired by the Far East! For those looking to add a timeless decor addition that bridges the gap between the East and the West with a more modern silhouette, we suggest dipping into the stunning Akari Light Sculpture Collection from Isamu Noguchi. 7.Organic and Sustainable DesignThis is one aspect of Asian design that is simply irresistible and should appeal to the eco-conscious homeowners out there. Smooth polished stones such as river rocks, sustainable bamboo blinds that replace the traditional drapes, intricately woven tatami mats, and potted plants and shrubs that bring in nature’s goodness tend to come together to paint that picture-perfect look. It’s the little details that tend to make a big difference to the ambiance of the room. Make sure you keep the accessories and furnishings as sustainable and organic as possible to induce a truly Asian vibe. 8. Fragrance of NatureThink beyond the decor itself to fashion a more authentic Asian-themed interior. Sandalwood incense, scented candles and beautiful wind chimes elevate the Oriental feel to a whole new level. Add to this a few potted plants and shrubs that bring in nature’s goodness and you will instantly notice the transformation of the modern home into a comforting and serene hub. Bothsound and aroma play a critical part in shaping our perception of various settings and in making the room a far more pleasant space. They also do not demand any repainting of the walls or renovation of your home and redefine the aesthetics in a cost-effective manner. 9. Sleek MinimalismClean and well-defined straight lines, minimalist decorations and sleek symmetry are all a natural part of Asian design influenced by a Japanese style. These elements allow you to effortlessly incorporate the theme into a contemporary setting with a few simple furniture and color changes.Borrowing from Feng Shui values that have been tried and tested for centuries now, clutter is an absolute no-no, and Asian themes encourage you to surround yourself with only the things that you absolutely love! 10. Inimitable Oriental DecorNot too sure if your residence is cut out for an Asian theme? If you have a home that is already clad in cool neutral tones, then all you will need is a subtle decor change to test the waters out before committing to the theme. Small statues of laughing Buddha, decorative fans, Asian scroll paintings, a few jade statues, some oriental parasols, a shoji room divider or two, and throw pillow covers with Asian motifs should get the job done without forcing you to make permanent changes. Whether dramatic or understated, calming or classy, Asian themes offer an amazing way to give your home an impeccable and exclusive appeal. Keep an eye out for some oriental decor pieces next time you visit the thrift shop or the flea market so that you can redecorate on a budget. Get it right and you are guaranteed a tranquil getaway right at home!
Christmas is all around! To create a right mood we decided to show you this great collection of Christmas Cookies and spread our joy. From sugar cookies to gingerbread, from Christmas tree to snowman, let’s celebrate the holiday with these Gorgeous and Delicious Christmas Cookies.
Anyone else notice how Christmas flew by this year? With Thanksgiving being so late in the season, the holiday quickly passed, and it was just a few short weeks before Christmas was in full effect. And many of us played catch-up during much of that time! With that said, I hope each and every one of you savored at least one special moment over the last few days. Whether it was celebrating family traditions with your nearest and dearest, enjoying a holiday coffee with a friend, or engaging in some much-needed down time, rejuvenation (with a dose of togetherness) is always a good idea! Get Organized I’ll start with the obvious–organization. But it doesn’t have to be tedious! Which areas of your home need a little organizational help? Your garage? Your make-up drawer? Your kitchen pantry? Just because it’s time to make things tidy doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun in the process. Once you’ve cleaned out unwanted items, take pride in arranging what’s left. You just might enjoy it a little… Sometimes the most effective forms of organization are the small ones. Don’t think that you have to gut your entire closet or clean out your storage shed to make a big impact. If you’re short on time, start with something basic, such as your jewelry. Purchase a helpful organizational tool such as a jewelry tree (pictured below). Donate any items that are no longer in use. I have a pile of tangled necklaces in my top bathroom drawer. That should keep me busy for awhile… Welcome New Color Combinations One of my design goals for the new year is to welcome different color combinations to my home. With lots of white walls, the space is in need of some eye-catching visuals. One of my sources of inspiration: designer Rafael de Cárdenas of Architecture at Large. Bold geometry and vibrant color are two of his design staples. Below we see the living room of the designer’s apartment, which was featured in this article from Sight Unseen. An example of an unusual color scheme I’m currently crazy about: berry tones juxtaposed with yellow. It started with an image of a dining room filled with lavenders, blues and mauves–an image from one of my favorite design magazines! On the dining room table in the photo was a big bowl of lemons. The seed was planted… From that point on, I’ve been on the lookout for ways to bring this look to my home. Especially if lemons are involved! Below we see a few pieces from my ’80s Deco vase collection, along with 1980s artwork titled Rio Blue Mesa II by Scott Nellis: Express Yourself with DIY Art Projects We at Decoist love a good DIY wall art project! In fact, DIY art gives us a chance to showcase our creativity while honoring any budget. I have many blank walls in my home, and they are screaming for some colorful artwork. I think 2014 is my year! Here is an art piece I created using paper strips (see below). For a full tutorial, head on over to my retro design blog Mirror80. Make Design a Part of Your Entertaining Style Do you plan on doing your share of entertaining in 2014? If you love good design and you appreciate the value of a well-prepared meal, why not combine the two and create beautifully presented dishes of delicious food? It never hurts to embellish your favorite edibles with eye-catching elements, such as a rim of confetti sugar around the bowl of a dessert snack… Select fruits and veggies based on their healthy glow. Display them with flair. At the same time, make sure guests know that while your party trays might be pretty, they are definitely to be eaten and enjoyed! Create a Statement with Plants Today’s final design tip: Don’t forget about the role of plants when it comes to design in the new year! You don’t have to be an avid gardener to enjoy beautiful greenery. A slew of low-maintenance options awaits you, including air plants, which require little care. While many think air plants do fine without water, note that these tropical selections do benefit from hydration. Check with your local nursery for care tips specific to your air plant of choice. You can also enjoy arranging air plants in vases and glass containers. They will stylishly sit in the receptacle of your choice… One of my biggest design projects for 2014 is the landscaping of my side yard. It’s the one space we had to ignore when we moved to our new place. We definitely filled our front yard and back yard with plants. And this spring, we will have a good idea about which of our selections survived the winter. Our plan is to pick the sturdiest of the bunch and use them to landscape our side yard space. I hope to share the results on Decoist!
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June 2017
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