decorology

More from my European summer 2010 trip..Regensburg, Germany, and Salzburg, Austria

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:53:00 +0000

Yikes! It's been a long time since I've posted images from my Summer 2010 trip around Europe, and I still have a lot to go! Today I'm sharing some pics from Regensburg, Germany, and Salzburg, Austria. Unfortunately it was raining most of the time we were in both cities, so our pictures aren't that great. Regensburg is located in the region of Bavaria. Saying that it's a charming medieval city is an understatement. The city has seen it's fair share of history, in fact the first settlements found in the city date back to the Stone Age. Radasbona, the Celtic name, was the oldest name given to a settlement near the present city. In 1135–1146 a bridge across the Danube, the Steinerne Brücke, was built. This stone bridge opened major international trade routes between Northern Europe and Venice, and this started Regensburg's golden age as a city of wealthy trading families. Regensburg became the cultural centre of southern Germany and was celebrated for its gold work and fabrics. (via Wikipedia)

An amazing Baroque church we happended to stumble into. The exterior was very unassuming.

Talk about a window seat. How beautiful is that?

The stain glass windows in the gothic Dom Cathedral were gorgeous

Salzburg is probably best known these days for the setting in "The Sound of Music." However it was also the hometown of Mozart, boasts amazing Baroque architecture, and is framed by the amazing Alps.

We probably got the worst weather of our whole trip in Salzburg. It more or less was a steady hard rain throughout the whole day.

The three above view are from the hike up to Hohensalzburg Castle

Views from inside the Salzburg Cathedral (you can see it's green domes in the above city view images)
I thought the capital detail was really unique.

Mirabell palace

Amazing gardens abound

Possibly one of the world's most elegant McDonalds

Closer to the cathedral

St. Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs is a really special site. You can see the catacombs built into the rock face.

A few of the Cathedral from within the catacombs.

St. Peter's, the Cemetery, and the Cathedral as seen from the catacombs.

Artist spotlight: Michael Begenyi's color rich, geometric paintings

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:44:00 +0000

I'm really going to try and feature more artists this year. As a RISD illustration major painting and drawing are in my blood, and artwork can make a huge impact in your home! The artist I'm featuring today is Michael Begenyi, I think his work really lends itself to interiors and interior design, because of his focus on color combinations and geometry and line.

Here is his artist's statement: Michael C. Begenyi teaches middle school art in Western Pennsylvania and actively exhibits his work. His acrylic paintings reflect his interests in the geometric representation of the natural world and explorations in color theory. The relationship between math, science and art is part of what Michael has been exploring with his current work. Technical precision is important to Michael but it does not overwhelm the organic and creative inspiration for each painting.

This one (full:above), (detail:below), is my favorite. It is titled koi pond. I think it does a fantastic job of capturing what a koi pond would look like broken down into geometric shapes. The colors are really stunning as well.

The paintings also remind me a lot of oragami, and even have titles like "Hummingbird," "Frog," and "Crane"

The photo above gives you a better perspective of the size of some of the paintings

To see all of Michael's works, purchase, or read more, go to his shop on Zatista.

House tour: A vintage, reclaimed, and chic beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:07:00 +0000

One day I will have a gorgeous old leather chair...

I'd say those french windows were worth it. They add so much to the space.

What do you think of this home?

via Heart Home Magazine

Away with the gloomy, in with the beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:22:00 +0000

It could not be drearier here outside DC. Misty, foggy, and cold isn't really great for keeping up a cheery disposition. Hoping these gorgeous bouquets will help perk me up a bit - and you too!

Hello beautiful.....
Is there anything more luxurious than peonies?

Fuchsia and navy...classic and striking

via Style Me Pretty

A unique online boutique and a generous coupon code for Decorology readers!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:07:00 +0000

Today I'm introducing a great little online boutique, Lafayette and Rushford, which has graciously offered an amazing 30% discount for all Decorology readers! Just enter DECOR30 at checkout.

They were also awesome enough to send me a sample product and share my findings with you. I got to try out the Caldrea Countertop Cleanser in Sea Salt Neroli. The only other Caldrea product I've used before is there Lavender Pine Hand Lotion, which I really liked (it really lasted a long time too - a little went a long way). I had high expectations for the countertop cleaner going in and it didn't disappoint. I actually ended up using the cleaner for everything from cleaning my counters and cabinets to wiping out drawers around my house because the sent was so lovely and the product did such a good job. The scent also lasts a surprisingly long time. I could walk in the room where I used the cleaner and still smell neroli up to two days later. Like the lavender pine hand lotion, a little seems to go a really long way. Another secret, nothing has gotten my oven temperature knobs as clean as this stuff. I was surprised, so I looked into the ingredients (which are all natural), and saw the ingredient "birch bark extract, nature's best degreaser." In summary, the Caldrea Countertop Cleanser in Sea Salt Neroli has a luxurious, therapeutic scent, is derived from plant-derived, natural cleaning ingredients, and best of all, works.

The pretty package design is a nice bonus too!

Here are other Lafayette and Rushford products I have my eye on...

It would be impossible not to notice these beautiful, sculptural flower vases...

Or this driftwood candelabra...

I've had my eye on similar chargers, but they offer these water hyacinth charges in more colors!

Aren't these little flower blossoms the cutest?

If any of these strike your fancy, head over to Lafayette and Rushford to see more, and don't forget to use DECOR30 at checkout if you decide to treat yourself!

*disclosure: this post is sponsored by Lafayette and Rushford, and I received Caldrea Countertop Cleanser as a sample

Dining room love with a casual style

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:41:00 +0000

My dining room, er, nook in my living room, is really in a sorry state so I'm hoping some of these images get my butt in gear and give me some ideas for sprucing up the space!

Gorgeous table - and right by a cozy fire!

3 above via Maison Interior

So pretty. I'm considering a round table for our space. Even though round tables aren't the best use of space (ie: not great for tight spaces), I feel like they are more intimate.

via Anthology

Love the modern pendant hanging from the medallion.
via Bolig Magasinet

via Heart Home Magazine

via Me and Alice

The beautiful and interesting portfolio of Amsterdamn design firm Uxus

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:29:00 +0000

Can you believe that this artistic white dining room is in a 1930's hunting lodge in Connecticut?
The chairs are a nod to the residence's past.

The bedroom is also modern and white.

A beautiful, artsy loft in Amsterdam. Notice the bedroom behind the curtains? You can see a larger view by clicking the image.

The painted headboard is such a pretty substitution for a headboard.

The two above are from a Spanish farmhouse. The dining chairs are actually all different, but being the same color unifies them.

I really like the pairing here of fancy wallpaper and clean-lined, rustic furniture.

The concept for the images of the townhouse (3 images above) was "Victorian Jetsons." The home is Victorian, but the couple had an extensive modern art and furniture collection. I think Uxus did a great job at fusing the two styles. I especially like the use of wallpaper throughout the rooms.

Like what you see? Go to Uxus to see/read more.

A small and recently renovated starter home with loads of chic

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:34:00 +0000

Keeping the walls monochrome adds airiness to the home, therefore making the space feel larger.

I love the mix of pattern between the rug and the curtains.

If you look carefully in the picture above, behind the mirror there is a bump in the wall that they couldn't alter during the renovation. So to distract from it they covered it with an interesting mirror and light fixture.

Two task lights substitute for an oven hood light. I haven't decided how I feel about this yet. You?

I think I've shown this bedroom before. But I absolutely love it! The yellow coverlet with the gray walls is unexpected but still elegant.

Since the bathroom is small, the owners weren't afraid to go bold and cheery with a lemon yellow wall paint.

via BHG

The lucky winner of Magnetic Grain "Snap Hang" giveaway is...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:25:00 +0000

Sally! There are two Sallys in the drawing, so I want to clarify that the Sally who won is the Sally who commented "I'm liking them on Facebook and I would love to enter this giveaway!!" on January 6th. Sally, please email me at ashley [at] decorologyblog [dot] com with your shipping address so I can get you your Snap Hangs as soon as possible. Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who entered!

*Winner chosen at random by Random.org

Last chance to enter the Snap Hang giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:43:00 +0000

The Snap Hang giveaway has been one of my most popular ones, and I don't want anyone to miss out on their chance of winning! Snap hang is a very beautiful and unique way to display and frequently update art. (See pick below). To enter the drawing, click here and follow the directions. I've pushed back the entry closing time to 12 AM Pacific time, Sat. Jan 14th. Winner will be announced Monday. Good luck!

In the spirit of displaying art, I've featured some great ideas below:

Your frames needn't all match for a successful salon style wall arrangement.

2 above via BHG

Casual and easy to update look, try running some line and attaching your latest works of art with clothes pins.
via Bolig Magasinet

Another casual look, which would look good in a home office of young person's room, is to pin art to the wall in a nice arrangement
via Domino

I think one of my favorite looks might be one large dramatic piece.
Encore Decor

A cluster of small drawings is very cute and indie
via Covet Garden

Simply leaning frames against a wall keeps things from looking too precious.
via Sweet Paul

Beautiful and small: spaces to inspire small-space dwellers

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:39:00 +0000

This kitchen is too cute! Lots of cabinetry, and a space-saving pegboard add storage space. Checkout out the kitchen pegboard organizer I made.

I've always loved this idea: Install a shelf in a window (preferably glass, to let the light through), and you can grow some herbs, or have extra display space.
2 above via Small Space Style

This kitchen is small, but functional and pretty.

If you live small, you've got to think vertically when it comes to storage. No room for nightstands doesn't mean you have to go without the convenience of a place to put a lamp a clock, and some accessories. This shelf does the trick just fine. Check out my small space solution to nightstands in my former Brooklyn apartment.

Clear and glass furniture don't take up a lot of visual space since you can see through them.

Mirrors are an old and good trick for making a space seem larger. I always place mirrors across from the main light source in a room, usually the window, so they reflect the light and also make the space brighter.

6 images above via BHG

A great book for all my girly girls out there

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:15:00 +0000

The aptly titled "Hers," by Jacqueline deMontravel is a treasure trove of inspiration and ideas to feminize your space, no matter what your style. The book starts off with the "queen" of all feminine rooms, the bedroom. The bedroom section was definitely may favorite, and helps you narrow down colors, details, fabrics, and layering.

I love this bedroom, and the balance between masculine and feminine. I'm also crazy about the delicate lace trimmed sheet paired with the chocolate brown coverlet. Perfect.

Like I said before, this book isn't just about glitzy glam rooms. It doesn't matter what your style, you can still apply the suggested methods.

The bedroom section was my favorite, but the book also covers other rooms in other chapters, like home offices, outside spaces, creating your own personal space, accommodating guests, and accessorizing.

If this book sounds like just the motivation you've been needing for your home, you can buy it online here.

An eclectic house tour filled with treasures from travels

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:25:00 +0000

This UK home is brimming with personality. Most of the work, painting, etc., was done by the home owners, and most of the decor has special meaning.

It looks like all of their books, even the ones in the dining room, are arranged by spine color.

Her home office is probably my favorite. Simple, but pretty.

Love the mantle!

via Heart Home Mag

Back to basics: Tips for room layout and choosing furniture and acessories

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:05:00 +0000

Furnishing and organizing your home in the most appropriate way is challenging, but the reward is that it can be a great expression of yourself. Some people don't think interior design and architecture are such a big deal, until they see for themselves the impact that successful room decor, furnishings, and layouts can have on a house.

Serene and clean but not too sparse.

When it comes to furniture, it's easy to fall back on what you see in the popular magazines, but take time to research and stake out pieces that really speak to you and are of good quality. Don't just buy furniture because you want to fill a room. Taking your time to choose furniture will also ensure that you pick the best sizes and styles for the space you're furnishing.

This kitchen is modern and minimal in style, but not sterile.

For many people, decor and accessories are an afterthought, or they fill it with gifts from others that aren't really their style, or generic bits and bobs just to fill space. However, if you completely forget about adding decor and accessories, your home runs the risk of looking to institutional. Just like your furnishings, take time to collect a collection of accessories that have meaning to you, whether they be travel souvenirs, a vase that reminds you of one that your grandmother had, etc.

Functional and attractive

Two important aspects of design that are not addressed as often as the ones above are the use of positive and negative space. Some people do not leave enough open/empty space in a room. Too much furniture, or furnishing too large for the room make a space feel tight and cluttered. Leave enough open space - imaging the room being able to "breath" a bit. If a space looks crammed, remove items one by one, step back and look at the space, and when it looks less cluttered, you know you're on the right path. Also consider the flow of the room. There should be clear paths around or to furnishings, and the purpose of the room should be apparent, whether the purpose be conversing, working, or watching TV.

Luxe in style with a successful bedroom layout.

Another set of people have the opposite problem. They leave too much empty or "dead" space in their home. If you're nervous about making a mistake, start by collecting inspiration. Rip out pages from magazines or bookmark images of rooms that you like. Once you've collected a decent amount of images, review them and pick out any recurring furniture styles, accessories, colors, etc. that you see. This will help you dictate your style. Once you've narrowed down your aesthetic, try buying just one piece at a time, that way you won't feel like you're committing so quickly and definitely.

Stylized but realistic

Do you have any tips for a well-balanced room?

*disclosure: This post is sponsored by Minimalisti.com

Happy Friday and a fabulous and unique giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:07:00 +0000

I have a super exciting giveaway for you guys today! This awesome, unique, reclaimed way to display art, inspiration, photos, kids' drawings, notes - you name it - from Magnetic Grain.

Such a great and easy way to display artwork if you like to frequently update your walls.

The winner will receive 2 pairs of 12" Snap Hangs, and can choose from black, walnut or alder (light natural wood).

A little bit about Magnetic Grain: "Magnetic Grain is a designer and manufacturer of inventive products for the home. We focus on all things wood - sustainable & salvaged, magnetic & modular, fun & functional. All Magnetic Grain products are designed by Trevor Elliott, the founder & creator behind Magnetic Grain and the finished pieces are truly handmade, small craft production. Our products are manufactured in our local wood shop in Ventura, Ca. and finished by a local artisan. In this way, we can ensure the quality and integrity of each piece in our product"

You can read more about Magnetic Grain and see their product range on their website. Here are a few more of their beautiful products:

Magnetic tile art.

I really like their re|Surface table. You can rearrange and flip around the magnetic slats.

Grow frame

Stac modular cubes.

Pretty cool, right?

To enter the giveaway for Snap Hang, you must Like Magnetic Grain on Facebook. Click here to like them. Then, come back to this post and leave a comment that you'd like to enter the drawing. To comment on this post (scroll to the bottom of this post and right above "Labels" you will see a number followed by the word "comments." Click on the word "Comments." Or, you will see a link, "Post a Comment," which you click on to comment. Or, you can email me at ashley [at] decorologyblog [dot] com confirming that you liked Magnetic Grain on Facebook, and that you'd like to be entered for the giveaway.

The contest closes next Friday, Jan. 13th at 6 PM EST. I will announce the lucky winner, chosen by random draw, the following Monday. Good luck and have a great weekend!

A charming Edwardian-vintage

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:36:00 +0000

This South London home is challenging the idea of quintessential British design by mixing eclectic, modern, classic, and vintage furnishings and finds.

This might just be my favorite room so far this year. So beautiful.

I'm always drawn to simple white bathrooms

check out the bins built in to the back of the chairs...

via Heart Home Magazine

Home Office Furniture – A worthwhile investment

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:07:00 +0000

A doubled edged sword, working from home has both advantages and disadvantages; some people are able to manage it, whilst others find it difficult to get into a work mentality what with all the distractions and temptations that come with having all the home comforts just a door away. Of course, for some people there may not be a choice due to disability or family obligation and working from home is the only option.

If do you happen to be working from home the furniture that you have in there is going to have an effect on many aspects of your productivity, morale and attitude. By having functional, attractive and good quality furniture you can make sure that your work output is not affected by disorganisation or by being uncomfortable.

I personally like my home office furniture in white. It keeps the space looking clean and bright.

One of the most important things to consider with your home office furniture is comfort and back support, especially if you are sitting in front of a computer for prolonged periods of time; a low quality chair will do nothing but leave you with back pain, and over time may affect your overall posture. Investing in an ergonomic and quality chair when putting together a home workspace should be a top priority.

I think open "cubby" shelving such as this are great for storing office files, binders, and magazines in an easily accessible way. I plan on getting a similar piece in white and placing it horizontally, so it acts as a table surface, and storage.

The second most important thing to keep in the back of your mind is how you can augment and improve your productivity levels; your computer desks and workstations should not be there just to prop up your computer and your files, it is the centrepiece of your work and needs to allow you to reach all of your important tools, peripherals and documents within easy and convenient reach. Having to scoot around in your office on a chair can get tiresome and often lead to breaking concentration and affecting those all-important productivity levels. A cleverly designed desk can go a long way, giving you the nooks and crannies in which to store the things you need.

This desk is great if you don't have a separate room for your home office, because at the end of the day you can close the cabinets and drawers and be left with a pretty piece of furniture, without having to look at your office tools.

Comfort and productivity aside, aesthetics are the final element in this holy trifecta; having attractive office furniture can have a positive psychological effect and can go a long way into improving the quality of your work. Attractive, modern furniture can really give a room a professional atmosphere. Additionally, ensure that there is a window in your home office; natural light can have a wonderful effect on how you work, and also gives you something to glance at, other than a computer screen which can alleviate eyestrain.

Below are a few more examples of the impact that furniture can have on your home office:

A pretty file cabinet in white wood is much more inspiring than a traditional metal one.
2 above via Ballard

A mix of different style furnishings keep the space functional but also personal.
via High Gloss

via Lifework

Different people have different needs to be at their most efficient. Even if you're a minimalist - lighting and a desk with enough space for your materials is a must.

*disclosure: This post is sponsored by Wooden Furniture Store.co.uk

No time like the beginning of a new year for a fresh start!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:34:00 +0000

First off, I hope everyone had an amazing holiday, and happy New Year! Usually, I don't get caught up in the New Year's traditions like setting resolutions. This year however, I am determined to get really, really, organized. I'm usually an organized person, but the last half of 2011 I started to really fall behind on a lot of my filing, exercise routine, and many other things. So, it sort of seemed like fate when, just a couple of weeks before New Years, I received three books from organizing guru Jennifer Ford Berry. The books are "Organize Now!," "Organize Now! Your Money, Business, & Career," and "Organize Now! 12 Month Home & Activity Planner."

There's nothing quite as inspiring and exciting as a new organizing book that really speaks to you, and I think these definitely will. The "Organize Now!" and "Organize Now! Your Money, Business, & Career" books literally break down the year into weeks, and assigns you tasks for each week that ultimately get your entire space in order. I also like that, not only does she focus on the tangible things - like organizing your cupboards, entryway, social profiles, and email contact, but she also goes into a lot of depth and care to express the importance of taking time out for yourself, and streamlining your lifestyle to increase efficiency (therefore creating more time for yourself).

Table of contents in "Organize Now!"

I've already started the "Organize Now!" book. The beginning is dedicated to the psychology of clutter, how it impacts us mentally and physically, and all the rewards one can reap by eradicating clutter. Weeks 1- 4 are titled "Organize Yourself," with week 1 being broken down further to "Organize your Mind & Life Vision. Each week has a checklist of weekly goals (which helps keeps the ultimate goal of complete organization from being overwhelming), and a "Stay Organized" checklist that gives you tips to maintain your newly achieved organization goal of the week. The "Stay Organized" checklist is broken down into what you should do once a month, every 3-6 months, and once a year.

Several pages are dedicated to the psychology of clutter.

Week 1's "This Week's Goal's" checklist

I've also already filled out my first week of the "Organize Now! 12 Month Home & Activity Planner." It give ample room to jot down to-dos for each day. The beginning of each month features a list for holidays, bill due dates, and monthly events. Each month also starts out with a monthly "focus," tips, and a space to list goals for the month.

The beginning of each month starts out with space to list the month's events, due dates, and holidays.

Lots of space for jotting your to-do's!

I haven't started the "Organize Now! Your Money, Business, & Career," book yet, but I hope to dive into it a bit tonight, as it undoubtedly covers the aspects of my life that need the most organizing.

"Organize Now! Your Money, Business, & Career" table of contents

The books can all be purchased on Amazon.
Organize Now!
Organize Now! Your Money, Business, and Career
Organize Now! 12 Month Home and Activity Planner
You can check out Jennifer Ford Berry's website and blog here
Do you usually feel inspired to start new projects or regimens on New Years? What are your goals and wishes for 2012? Can't wait to hear about them!

*disclosure: I received Organize Now!, Organize Now! Your Money, Business, and Career, and Organize Now! 12 Month Home and Activity Planner as a sample

Happy Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:49:00 +0000

I'm heading over to my parents' farm for the holidays tomorrow, so I'll talk to you guys next week. I wish everyone a wonderful, wonderful holiday - filled with loved ones and yummy treats!

via Country Living Mag

A fresh spin on Christmas decor...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:24:00 +0000

I was so excited when I saw photos of this home for the first time. It's so fresh and coastal, but somehow still manages to be festive and feels like Christmas. The home is a barefoot style cottage in Florida.

The chair was a flea market find, now reupholstered in a modern coral print.

I didn't know there were fireplaces in Florida...

Okay - I love this banquette. It's custom made in faux-ostrich vinyl that's super kid-friendly

Woolen stockings didn't scream beach cottage, so the kids used buckets in lieu of stockings

If you can, use accents from your own backyard. They don't look like everyone else's decorations, and they're free. This owner took cuttings of pine from her own property. Don't have property? Take a walk in a park and see if there are any fallen pine cones you can gather.

I adore how she did up her stairs with mercury glass candle holders and jumbo pine cones.

The bedroom color palette is so serene.

Does this home still feel holiday spirited to you?

via Southern Living December 2011

Beautify your home with Smart Decorating Ideas! -and win a House Beautiful subscription!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:55:00 +0000

Whether you’re a big city girl with a small cramped apartment or you’ve got more square footage than you know what to do with, Smart Decorating Ideas is here to help you beautify your home.

Photo Via: Fresh Home

Our experts will keep you in the know of the latest styles and trends in interior decorating, suited for every need and budget.

We’ve combed the World Wide Web, and have been inspired by the greats of the blog sphere *Decorology* and interior decorating world, to bring our readers the most up to date décor trends. We strive to provide content that is realistically achievable, but never ordinary.

Photo Via: Optische_taeuschung

Our hope is that at the end of the day, our big city girl will have a cozy and stylish urban pad to return home to, and that all that extra square footage will be converted into an ultra-fab walk in closet!

Photo Via: urbaneapts

To help the urban and suburban dwellers of the world, we would like to extend our contest of the month to the lovely readers of Decorology. You could win a 12 month subscription to House Beautiful Magazine simply by signing up for our FREE bi-weekly newsletter with the latest decorating tips delivered straight to your inbox. Click below to sign up!

*disclosure: this post is sponsored by smartdecoratingideas.com

Love art? Like art? Think it's just okay? No matter what your stance - you will be amazed by this...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:40:00 +0000

I sure am. I don't feature that much fine art. I studied sculpture for two years in college and especially loved working in wood. This series leaves me speechless. The creation of Bonsoir Paris, the "Duramen"(heartwood) series was "Born of a simple impulse, the one to break with conventional ways of exhibiting, BONSOIR PARIS and its team have imagined a series of frames so strongly mistreated that they have become unrecognizable. Their wish is to break the properties of the compound, a form of compromise as minimal and it is efficient."

This piece is my favorite. The contrast of the chocolate-like wood and the white gallery wall is particularly striking. It's hand-carved Glossy Wenge wood.

The piece below is polished oak and sanded fir

A front and side sketch of the carving above, which is constructed of polished linden on hammered pear

Detail

A look at the making of.

Read/See more on Behance Visit the artist's official site at Bonsoir Paris

What do you think?

Functional and pretty home offices

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:45:00 +0000

Depending on your work style, a simple workspace can help you stay focused

via Love Nordic

Good light is a must - and there's no better light than the natural light in this space
via Pinterest

For me, having inspiration pinned up near my desk helps me feel motivated to push myself as a designer
via Pinterest

Love this space. For me a large desk is a MUST.
via Pinterest

via Richard Powers

This home office is more like a luxurious boudoir than a setting for the daily grind!

2 above via Lonny Mag

A clutter-free and warm home of a Toronto artist

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:21:00 +0000

It's often a bit hard to find a home that is minimal and clean but not cold or sterile. This cozy home is a carefully edited space of meaningful objects.

The artist, Cylene

She keeps a rotating art wall, and displays collections, such as the cameras you see here, but the space still feels airy.

The kitchen is so cute.

The artist also let the folks over at Covet Garden tour her studio. I always love seeing a studio because I majored in ilustration and spent many years among other artists in their studios.

Her beautiful, whimsical paper art

via Covet Garden

Finding holiday refuge - perfectly peaceful bathrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:14:00 +0000

I really do enjoy getting to see most of my relatives over the holidays, especially my three sister, as we're spread over the east coast. However, ever since I was a child, a room or house full of people can start to leave me feeling a bit suffocated after awhile. Whether or not you're like me in this characteristic, it's still important to take a little time for yourself to recharge. My personal favorite is a hot bath with some candles, because it's so comforting and peaceful.

love this quaint, vintage bathroom.

I don't know if I'd ever pick such bright colors for my own bathroom, but I still think it's really striking.

I've never seen a bathtub at an angle like this! I love "real" furniture in the bathroom, like the upholstered seat you see here.

*Love* this tile and the chocolate

Okay, so I'm not sure if I actually like this bathroom or not. The color palette is interesting - maybe it's all just a bit too country for me. What do you think? Do you like this palette? Like the style?

so luxurious! I could spend a long time in here.

Which bathroom is your favorite? Do you use the bathroom as a personal sanctuary?

via BHG