Be your own designer

One of the most common questions I get asked as a designer is how I create my mood boards, and what software program I use to put them together.  There are definitely a lot of programs to choose from, many of which can be pricey and more than a little complicated to figure out- that is until now.  Are you ready to have your world rocked?  Now you can become your own designer with the help of....

What is Olioboard you ask?  It is an easy to use design application that allows everyday people to create and share their own digital mood boards, get inspiration, and share feedback.  All you need to do is create an account, and you're ready to start building your own design concepts.  There are literally thousands of products to choose from, and with retailers such as West Elm, Layla Grace, Lumens, CB2, and Zinc Door (just to name a few), the possibilities really are endless.  Here is a quick office design that I put together to illustrate just how simple it is.  It's nothing special, but you get the point.

Simply click the "create" button at the top

Next, choose a category or retailer from the right, and drag the item onto your board.  Use the handy tools to edit, rotate, and re-size your item.

 You can also add images from your computer or online by using their handy browser clipper tool.

Rearrange items to achieve your desired look, save it, and you're done!

Olioboard also provides a "get this look" list of all of the products used in each mood board design.  So convenient!

And, don't forget to enter the Zinc Door spring colors design challenge to win up to $450 worth of Zinc Door merchandise!

Happy designing!

Lovely specimens

Artist Gary Schneider's striking collection of magnified biological specimens has me completely mesmerized.  Some are reminiscent of dreamy constellation charts from the 1940's.  They clearly show Gary's visual artistry, and in turn, show us all the beauty of things unseen by the naked eye.  They're simple, yet complex, and organically beautiful.  Indeed, science is art.

Botanical specimen #5

Botanical specimen #7

Botanical specimen #4

Botanical specimen #6

Designer Lauren Gold used his botanical specimen #5 print in this room for a dramatic statement piece.

Thomas O'brien chose a collection of his biological and botanical prints that hang in his den.  They definitely make for some interesting conversation pieces.

So, what do you think?  Aren't they stunning? 

*image 1
image 2 scanned by me from Thomas O'brien's book, American Modern

Mantelscape Monday

It's Monday, which means it's time for more mantel inspiration, this time in the contemporary category.

Contemporary design is all about clean lines, form, function, and simplicity.

These mantles are just that.  Clean, simple, and straight to the point.  No muss, no fuss.

*images via

In the pink

A little Valentine inspired home decor that is sure to tickle you pink

 

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.

Design crush: Sara Gilbane

Interior designer Sarah Gilbane has been on my design crush radar for years.  I love her classic meets modern approach to design.  Her rooms are layered with exotic pieces and antiques, and plenty of pattern.  And for a pattern girl like me, that is heaven.

 

  She loves mixing old and new, high and low, creating spaces that have a very collected, sophisticated look, but without being too fussy.

This modern and elegant living room is right up my alley, from the geometric rug to the tufted velvet sofa.

Sara is one that pays close attention to all of the tiniest details.  Just look at those window treatments trimmed out in a greek key pattern. Yum.

The metallic artwork and horizontal stripes add to the visual interest and depth in this large scale living room.

This velvet tufted chesterfield is the ultimate in cozy sophistication.  The brass nailhead detail adds a nice classic, and feminine touch to balance out the more masculine blue upholstery.

The dining room lotus pendants add some glam, while the more playful silhouette artwork keeps it from becoming too uptight.

Adding a wall of mirrors opens up even the smallest of spaces.

I love this girly upholstered headboard trimmed in navy.  It's the perfect contrast up against that gorgeous greige grasscloth.  Pattern + texture = true love.

I love adding pattern to a room, and this wallpaper is perfect.  Adding pattern in a calming, subtle palette helps keep the room from becoming to busy and loud.  The monochromatic backdrop allows the room to hold more saturated pieces like the vintage fuchsia bench, and turquoise chineese garden stools. It's traditional and chic.

This room speaks preppy all-american antique to me.  From the poppy print, to the vintage furnishings, it's a home run. 

Boy would I love to get my hands on that little antique leather chair.

This bedroom is luxurious and lovely.  The greek key bedding plays well with the pattern on the walls, and the classic furniture pieces in the room.

You can never go wrong with a classic stripe.

The furniture in this nursery is simply sublime.  I love the classic white with gray, and the regency-style crib from The New Traditionalists.

I'm a huge window seat enthusiast, and I absolutlely love this space.   It's perfectly styled and balanced, and pluck full of pattern.

 

This is a perfect example of how to mix pattern.  The large scale Suzani upholstered sofa is paired with throw pillows in coordinating colors and pattern in a smaller scale.  It's a perfect combination. 

I love Sara's eclectic dressing space with the lucite table and ceiling tin-style mirror.

Here Sara's gives us a few of her helpful design tips in creating your own stylish space

Isn't Sara darling?  Do you have a crush yet?

*images via sara gilbane interiors, lonny, and tradhome