Colourful Carla

playing house: mad men style

2015-05-18T07:57:00.001-07:00

I know I'm not alone when I say, "If I ever got a chance travel back in time to any era, it would no doubt be the 1950/60's". There is something awe inspiring about that period. Most often I refer to the a-line, clinched waist garments the females used to wear or the dapper suits, the gents used to don morning, noon and night. I could go on forever talking about the drool worthy era but today, I am referring to the fashion that we live in everyday, the haven we call home. This era in the home is having a huge comeback but with a modern flair.

As AMC's Mad Men series is about to come to a close, I thought it would be the perfect time to share ‘How to get your very own Mad Men inspired rooms with a 21st century twist!’

IMAGE SOURCE : GQ MAGAZINE

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Headboards have been a tasteful addition to the bedroom boudoir since forever, so there is nothing new here, but when it comes to drawing inspiration from the 50/60's, the bolder the headboard the better. These days, we don't need to pair a bold headboard with outrageous wallpaper like they did back then. Just a few complimentary accent pillows & contrasting throw pillows will do the trick. Checkout this amazing bedroom by Shelter Interior Design.

GET THE LOOK

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Bar carts have been all the rage these past 8 years. Maybe we owe that to the series or maybe don't. Either way I'm definitely not complaining! Not only are they stunning to look at, they are incredibly practical. No more sifting through your liquor cabinets to see if you have all the ingredients for your favorite cocktail. Put your bottles out on display & you will always be prepared!

The recipe for the perfect bar cart requires only a few ingredients:

SIMPLE IS BEST - Don't put the entire liquor store on your bar cart. Just keep the ingredients for a few of your favorite cocktails & at least one non-alcoholic cocktail for those friends who need to drive. Remember to keep your liquor bottles on the smaller side too. That big 2XL whisky bottle will drown the cart if you leave it there.
DECOR ACCENTS ARE KEY - Whether it is beautifully designed straws or an arrangement of coffee table books. Make your cart stand out with a few touches of you.
BRING NATURE TO YOUR COCKTAIL - This is my rule (so it doesn't apply to all), but there is nothing like a touch of nature to add life into your cart. It could be a single rose bud in a small vase or a succulent. Either way some sort of plant (or fake plant) always compliments a bart cart in my mind.

GET THE LOOK

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Wood-paneling... Yes I said it!
Back in the day there was nothing more classy than the wood on wood look. However, now we prefer to keep the walls light & airy, with wood accents in the furniture. This doesn't have to be the case. Keep the wood paneling I tell you... (I know for some of you that means your eyes rolled back into you head!). Trust me you can make it work!

When it comes to wood paneling my technique is simple. Keep your color palate to a minimum, 3 or 4 colors is key (wood being one of these) & only use the wood paneling as a feature wall. You can pair the paneling with some mid-century modern furniture & accents to create your Mad Men inspired room.

GET THE LOOK

I hope this inspires you to bring a little Mad Men interior design in to your home. Be sure to check out Charish; an exclusive, curator approved, online marketplace for vintage and used furniture. I found most of the mid-century modern furniture I used in this post there. I know my good friend Mr. Bosch will be very excited for this store, not so much Mrs Bosch!

Now Mr Colorful can bring us a round of cocktails in style ;-)

Xo Carla

E-Design Mood Boards - Krista

2013-11-09T07:26:00.004-08:00

My wonderful friend Krista recently moved from east-coast to be with he lover in the south.

Krista asked for some help on how to decorate her new apartment & I was so honored, I thought I would make her my first e-design customer.

If your not familiar with the term e-design. It's basically interior designing through the internet, but instead of going shopping with your client, you send them a link on where to buy the furniture. Since I'm the queen of DIY, some of my furniture links are to DIY tutorials online. So Krista can save $$$ and create the look herself!

Krista design requests where: 1) use existing furniture 2) add color to the built in bookcase 3) She can't paint the walls.

So here goes.... my first e-design boards. I hope you like them:

DIY Pallet Art | Side Table | Couch (Existing) | Ottoman

Chevron Rug | Red Pillow | Blue & Green Pillow

Lamp Base | Lamp Shade | TV Stand | DIY Art

DIY Dining Table Refinish | Dining Chairs Paint Project | DIY Book case backing

Pillow one, two, three & four (make your own using similar fabrics)

Side-table one | Lamp one (similar) | Couch (Existing)

Side-table two | Lamp two (similar) | Area Rug | Basket | Tv Stand/Dresser

Chairs | Bookcase DIY

DIY Bed | Ikat Blue Pillows (Make your own) | Sequin pillow

Lamps (pre-owned) | Side-tables (preowned /Painted) | Bedspread (Pre owned)

Area Rug | Mirror | Curtains | DIY Dresser

DIY Bed | Blue greek pillows | Ikat pillow

excuse our mess we are tiding up...

2013-05-15T09:47:00.001-07:00

Another online mag to L O V E

2012-09-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

I love online magazines!

Thanks to the lovely ladies at Adore Home magazine, we have a new one in the bag.

Introducing: Lovely, an online wedding magazine. The first of it's kind!

Congratulations Loni Parker & the gang! What a great job!

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Enjoy reading friends! I hope you love it as much as me!

IMAGE: Lovely Wedding Magazine

Seeing Spots

2012-09-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Just the other day I was browsing the web for some inspiration for an event I'm styling & this stunning polka-dot peplum dress popped up in my image search..... So I bought it!

I can't wait to wear it to the office! Heck...I can wear it almost every where it's so versatile! ____________

I created a few styling boards for my newest wardrobe sensation - Miss Polka Dot.

Isn't it funny how the internet can take you to the strangest places!

SHOP IT

PEPLUM JACKET | POLKA-DOT DRESS (similar) | YSL CLUTCH | TIGHTS

BLACK PUMPS | MAC LIPPY

SHOP IT

PLEASE NOTE: My stunning dress is no-longer available at RIVER ISAND, please find a similar version HERE

minty yum yum!

2012-07-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

So those of you who know me, I love making cake/cupcakes & anything sweet!

My Grandma Joy & I used to make a dessert every Sunday. Oh boy do I miss those days!

She used to say I could be a pastry chef, because my cake designs were so unique.

Thanks GG, you made me feel pretty special!

So this post is dedicated to you Grandma Joy, I will always think of you when I bake!

Enjoy this Mint-White Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe from Heather at sprinklebakes.com

You can get the recipe by clicking HERE.

Make sure you check out Heathers book:

"SprinkleBakes: Dessert Recipes to Inspire Your Inner Artist"

I know it's on my to-buy list!

IMAGE: sprinklebakes.com

spirit sticks....diy

2012-07-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I was browsing the internet for some design inspiration,

when I stumbled across these colourful painted sticks made by: bonjour frenchie.

I'm going to call them Spirit Sticks!

(Not the kind that bring you bad luck. These colourful sticks could only bring good luck!)

I'm thinking of painting some sticks for my place... they are just beautiful!

If you not much of a DIY person, head to bonjour frenchie's ETSY page.

She has stunning handmade items that are sure to make your home colourful!

IMAGE: bonjourfrenchie

ice-cream baby shower

2012-07-06T08:51:00.001-07:00

This weekend is my best friends baby shower!

Although I cannot attend, I'm helping her sis with a few idea's for the shower.

I thought an ice-cream themed shower would be the perfect way to celebrate mamma & future babe!

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What do you think?

Majority of these amazing idea's were sourced from Eat Drink Chic & One Charming Party.

These gals have a flare for styling a party. Be sure to check out their blogs.

IMAGE SOURCES

[1] DIY Ice-cream Party Invites

[2] DIY Ice-cream Party Favors

[3] Popsicle Poster

[4] Ice-cream Cake

[5] DIY ice-cream Baby Mobile

[6] Ice-cream Gift Tags - Free Printable

[7] DIY Soda Labels

[8] Ice-cream Candy Mold

Bring on the Vacation!

2012-06-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I have been run off my feet this year.

Naturally, I cannot wait for vacation! And it turns out it will be happening pretty soon.

Mamma & Papa Colourful are coming to visit me in the USA!

Hip Hip Hooray!

Wishing you all happy Summer or Winter, depending which hemisphere you are in!

XOXO

IMAGE: Unkown | DESIGN: Ink'd Designs

5 hot spring trends

2012-03-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

As I was catching up on my many magazine & blog subscriptions this past month,
& I fell in love with the Spring 2012 fashions!

Are you in love too?

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It's snowing like crazy where I am at the moment..

I'm hoping Spring will come a little earlier this year!

Here's to hoping...

IMAGE: High Collars | Bright Trousers | Peplum Skirts | Loafers | Bouncy Bobs

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Happy Australia Day!

2012-01-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a Happy Australia Day!

I spent my Jan 26th, day dreaming I was back on OZ with my mates (friends), soaking up the sun at the beach & throwing a prawn (shrimp) on the barbie (BBQ)!

Now don't start feeling sorry for me.... I will have my own Australia Day here in the US very soon.

Mr Colorful & I plan to have a belated Australia Day house-warming party in February!

I can't wait!

I'm going to show my US buddies what being Australian is all about.

And as usuall I'm scouring the web for some inspiration. I found some great images.

Check them out!

And don't worry, I will be posting images of our party once it's over!

IMAGE SOURCES: Meat Pie | Australia Day Party Decor | Beach | Lamington

New Year - New Me

2012-01-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

I love to make new years resolutions! I love a little challenge!

Last year I only had one resolution. To start my blog. {completed!}

Well this year I took on a few more challenges.

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Did you make any resolutions?

IMAGE SOURCE: colourfulcarla.com

Happy New Year

2012-01-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

Image Source: colourfulcarla.com

Wishing you all a Happy New 2012!

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Yes, I'm slightly belated, but I've been super busy!

How about you?

I started 2012 in bed sleeping.
Yes, I didn't stay up until 12pm, like the rest of you party animals!

My body needed some extra hours of shut eye before the new year arrived!
Why you ask? Well it knew that I wouldn't be getting enough over the coming months!
So hopefully those extra hour helped.
2012 here I come!

a very merry shopping guide

2011-12-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

Looking for last minutes gifts. My Merry Gift guide is available online & if you shop now, you can have it shipped just in time for Xmas!

FOR THE HOME

Deer // Alarm Clock // Lamp // Pillows

FOR HER

Bike // Necklace // Print // Nail Polish

For HIM

iwrench // PingPong Set // Sweater // Bearded Hat // Apple Tv

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

2011-12-08T13:43:00.001-08:00

This year I got on the Christmas bandwagon pretty early.

I blame it on the snow storm that happened Halloween weekend. Thanks mother earth!

So when December 1st rolled around, I had my lights & wreaths ready to go.
I don't know if I'll ever be so prompt on decorating again, but here's to hoping!

Since this year was my first year decorating properly for Christmas, I decided to do some research over at Pinterest, before I decorated my place to the T!

Well you betcha, I found another inspiring post for Colourful Carla.

This weeks inspiring post comes from the Sitting Tree & Joielala Photography

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I'm feeling the Christmas, aren't you!

Photography: Joielala Photography / Styling, Florals + Location: Sitting in a Tree Events / Videography: Austin Hendrix Productions / Hair & Makeup: Belli Belli Salon / Models: Jennelle & Stefan Reisch (owners of Belli Belli Salon) / Dresses: Alice and Olivia & French Connection

Sorry I've been mia

2011-12-04T19:01:00.001-08:00

Sorry I have been missing in action lately. It was a combination of work deadlines, traveling for Thanksgiving holidays & lets find a new apartment ASAP.

Well good news, deadlines are over & we found a new place! Hooray!

I can't wait to share what I've been up too over the past couple of weeks &

share some new inspirations for Christmas.

See you soon Kiddos!

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Designer Love - Kate Spade

2011-11-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

IMAGES - Kate Spade's New York

Today I wanted to feature one of my most favorite fashion designers in the USA - Kate Spade.

Kate Spade has a flair for the colourful, with a vintage twist!

Kate's range extends from fashion to housewares, stationery & much more.

Miss Spade is also known for her fantastic advertising campaigns where she adds colour to normal everyday things. I hope you love her as much as I do!

Checkout Kate Spade's newest range here.

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Do you own anything Kate Spade?
... if so I'm Jealous!

designer love - anna spiro

2011-11-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to finally feature one of my biggest interior design hero's - Anna Spiro!

Anna is an incredibility talented designer based out of Brisbane, Australia. Her designs mix colour & pattern in ways I have never seen before. She really is amazing!

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If you are just as inspired as I am by Anna's stunning designs, you can find her:
at her blog: absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com

or her online store: absolutelybeautifulthings.com.au

or drop by her store Black & Spiro in New Farm, Brisbane.

IMAGES VIA absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com

Halloween Week - Easy Costumes

2011-10-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

There is something about Dressing up that everyone loves...

Not sure what it is, but these awesome Halloween costumes may

help you be inspired to dress up this year!

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What are you wearing this Halloween?

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Halloween Week - spooky recipes

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hunting for some spook-licious recipes for Halloween.

Here are few scary ones...

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Check in tomorrow for some easy terrifying costume ideas.

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Halloween Week - 2 decorate or not?

2011-10-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what you are up to this week, but I know what you should be doing:-

.....getting ready for Halloween!

If your not ready for the big day, don't worry!

Here are a few inspiring images that will help you "get your spook on!"
Enjoy!

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Check back tomorrow for some inspirational Halloween recipes.

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i heart diy - p.s. i made this..

2011-10-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard about the blog:-

P.S.- I made this..

The creator, Erica Domesek, has an amazing talent, turning iconic fashion looks and runway trends, into user-friendly DIY projects. I can't wait, to try these out!

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What's your favorite DIY?

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e-reads

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just in-case you have been living under a rock lately,
I wanted to share with you the latest trend in magazines... E-reads.

Basically it's reading a magazine online, or on your ipad.
What is that I hear you say...You can't afford another subscription.
Well your in luck. These magazines are FREE!
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To checkout these mags see my links page.

whats your style?

2011-10-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

For the past couple years I have been trying to turn my &
Mr Colourful's apartment into a home.

The only problem is that I love so many styles. How do I choose?

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Well after much deliberation... Mr Colourful & I decided to go with the:
Colourful Carla Style.

It took us 3 years to decide, but it was well worth it.

Here's why we chose the Colourful Carla Mood Board:-

We both love Blue.
We wanted our place to be an expression of ourselves; hip, fun-loving, happy people.
We love wearing bright colours & always admired when other people decorated in bright hues.
We wanted to try something different. Now's the time to experiment with colour; whilst we live in an apartment & only need to decorate a small amount of space.

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Are you Inspired? Check out my mood boards on Pinterest HERE

Happy Weekend!

2011-10-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

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Hello my friends!

Sorry I haven't been around this week.
I was sick most of last week & spent all of this week catching up. :-(

Please check back next week, I will have lots of inspiring posts share!
Have an awesome weekend!

XOX Carla