Oana Singa - Interior Design and Personal Style Blog

My Style - Giving a bohemian twist to a classic wrap dress

2013-06-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

All kind of troubles with my computer for the past few days - I didn't get a chance to write a post for an entire week ...

... I am back ...

... with an outfit that I wore for Father's Day on Sunday.

Giving a bohemian twist to a classic dot pattern wrap dress:
- I layered a gold lace vest on top of the navy-blue and white dot pattern dress;
- I layered three long necklaces - a metal gold multi chain necklace, a metal gold and fresh water pearls necklace, and a blue large size bead necklace.
The blue beaded necklace is my own design.
- A blue-green-gold geometric pattern scarf tied about my neck, a pearl bracelet, a small green bag, black leather and bamboo heel sandals, silver nail polish for my toes, and my hair done in loose curls finished my outfit and my look.

By the way, this dress came with short sleeves, which I didn't like.
So, I took the sleeves off.
I take my clothes for alterations quite often - the alterations are sometimes strictly about fitting, and sometimes, like in this case, are about modifying a bit the original design of the piece.

My own necklace design

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My Style - Combining pink and orange, breezy and sport pieces

2013-06-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

For this outfit that I wore during the weekend I combined two breezy, light-pink pieces - the blouse and the skirt, with a cream sport jacket, and a pair of light-pink shoes.

- A narrow gold head scarf,
- An orange-grey-green necklace,
- A combination of three different styles bracelets worn together on the same wrist - a pearl bracelet, a white-and-gold Indian bracelet, a black-white-gold metal bracelet,
and
- An orange-purple-yellow rose print cross-body purse with a black and gold chain strap are the accessories that complete my outfit and my look.

The necklace is my own design.

My own necklace design

***

Things that caught my attention ...

2013-06-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

A random selection of things, objects, designs that caught my attention.

Happy Weekend!

Angled panels and colorful strings envelop the walls and ceiling of Patka Restaurant in Barcelona. Designed by El Equipo Creativo

Patka Restaurant, Barcelona; El Equipo Creativo. Photo via Dezeen

Patka Resturant, Barcelona; El Equipo Creativo. Photo via Dezeen

'Kaari' Table, inspired by the architecture of bridges, Juhani Horelli

Kaari Table, Juhabi Horelli. Photo via Design Milk

Brilliant blue crystal and brass light fixture, 1968, Fontana Arte

Crystal and brass light fixture; Fontana Arte. Photo via 1stdibs

'Ike' hallway table, Nucharin Wangphongsawasd

Hallway Table, Nucharin Wangphongsawasd. Photo via Mocoloco

Vintage haute couture tulip Gown, cca 1972, Pierre Cardin

Vintage tulip Gown, Pierre Cardin. Photo via 1stdibs

Sideboard with black marble top and faceted mirrors, cca 1912, Art Nouveau Style, Josef Hoffmann School

Sideboard Art Nouveau Style; Josef Hoffmann School. Photo via 1stdibs

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Our Own House - The Dining Room, as work in progress (I)

2013-06-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

The first images with our dining room, the way it looks at the moment - as work in progress.

The dining room in our own house as work in progress.

Do I have to say that I love animal prints?

And do you remember the rug?

If you have a look at the past photos of our living room you'll notice that initially I placed the rug in the living room.

I later found a better position for the rug in here, in the dining room.

The dining room in our own house as work in progress.

This room is actually part of a very large, long space.

The wall of curtains that you notice is part of a space division that I created.

And it really took me a while to come up with the right solution for this space: the wall of curtains is 17 ft wide (5,2 meters) and the ceiling is 108" tall (2,74 meters).

Behind that wall of curtains is my studio, a place where once in a while I immerse myself in creating my necklace design (I will show some photos of my creative area in a future post).

The dining room in our own house as work in progress.

As I said, this room is actually part of a very large, long space.

Here you can see the other side of the room where behind the other wall of curtains that I created is the kitchen area.

The dining room in our own house as work in progress.

Here, you can notice that there are no less than three niches on a wall.

These niches create a lot of interest - instead of a box-like room this space has these architectural details.

But these niches also create some challenges: they create a separation within the space, plus they all have different dimensions.

I suppose it will take me a while to find the appropriate pieces for each of these niches, that will create a balanced result - pieces that each have their own personality yet they work together too.

The dining room in our own house as work in progress.

A niche detail that I created for now.

The dining room in our own house as work in progress.

Here, on the opposite wall you can notice another niche with a built-in buffet, and at right you can see a French door - the space opens on this side to the courtyard.

As I said above, I suppose it will take me a while to find the appropriate pieces for each of these many niches, and to balance empty niches with built-in pieces, ...

The dining room in our own house as work in progress.

A niche detail that I created for now, a mix of decorative objects above the built-in buffet.

***

My Style

2013-06-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

For this outfit that I wore on Sunday I combined a black fitted sleeveless top with a small black-and-white checkered pattern and large lace border paneled skirt, and a pair of black suede rounded toe shoes.

A large animal print fringe silk scarf worn asymmetrical on one shoulder, a silver-grey flower brooch pinned on my shoulder, shoulder length silver earrings, a big purple stone ring, a big watch, and a small black-and-white hairy leather bag are the accessories that complete my outfit and my look.

***

Things that caught my attention ...

2013-05-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

A random selection of things, objects, designs that caught my attention.

Happy Weekend!

Jade and diamond Earrings by Noor Fares

Photo via Moda Operandi

'Arc en ciel' Seven-drawer Console by Elisabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, 1988, limited edition of 15 pieces

Photo via 1stdibs

Glass, timber, and naturally growing plants for the EP7 Restaurant in Paris by Stephane Malka

Status of the project: competition

Photo via Design Boom

Gummi bear chandelier by Kevin Champeny

(However, as yummy as this lighting fixture might look the bears are not real, they are acrylic.)

Photo via Design Milk

Lighting installation reminiscent of a rice field slowly swaying in the wind by Hideki Yoshimoto and Yoshinaka Ono

Photos via Dezeen

Multi-strand choker necklace, 1998, Chanel

Photo via 1stdibs

'Johnny Depp, Madame Simon Residence, France, 2003' Photo by Mark Seliger

Photo via Chris Beetles Gallery

***

Our Own House - The Library / Tea room, as work in progress (V)

2013-05-29T12:09:00.001-07:00

This is our Library/Tea room, the way it looks at the moment - as work in progress.

The Library/Tea room in our own house as work in progress.

I did a few changes since my previous post:

- I replaced the big white table with a smaller / in appropriate scale tea table, and I covered the table with layers of white fabric topped with a blue-and-gold fringed throw;

- I brought in a new (brown-and-gold) accent table for the sofa;

- I moved the white console table (and all the decorative pieces and accent lighting on top) from behind the sofa back to its original position - on the wall niche at left;
- I moved the two palms back to their original position - towards the hallway.

The large painting at left is still on the floor leaning on the wall. A picture hanging system is on my list, I hope I will find time to finalize this installation soon.

The Library/Tea room in our own house as work in progress.

The space opens with French doors towards the courtyard.

***

My Style - Mixing classic pencil skirt and casual motorcycle jacket

2013-05-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Wearing / combining a classic below knee cream linen pencil skirt with a gold lace jacket in a casual motorcycle style, and a sleeveless fitted black top that has lace on the upper part.

A pair of cream platform sandals, a large white-and-cream necklace, and a small black-and-brown patent lather bag finish my outfit.

***

Things that caught my attention ...

2013-05-24T11:04:00.001-07:00

A random selection of things, objects, designs that caught my attention.

Happy Weekend!

Heracleum II led Chandelier. Bertjan Pot design for Moooi

Photo via Moooi

Steel rings Chandelier by Studio Markunpoika

The designer covered a wooden chandelier in a web of steel rings, and then destroyed the initial structure (the wooden chandelier) by burning it.

A new object, the steel rings chandelier, emerged resembling a fuzzy image of the original.

Photo via Dezeen

Handmade Graphic Pillow Cover by Buttercup Press

Photo via Design Milk

Cork Chair, by Margo Angelopoulos

Photo via Design Milk

Color block metal mesh Dress, 1990's, by Gianni Versace

Photo via 1stdibs

Vintage gilt metal triple chain Necklace with a turquoise art glass drop, 1950's, by Robert Goossens

Photo via 1stdibs

Fluida Lamp - a flexible led lamp to adapt to different uses of desk, by Studio Natural

Photo via Mocoloco

***

Living room in bright yellow with sunken area

2013-05-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on a living room in Fukuoka, Japan.
In other words here is what I like and what I don't like, and why.
So, let's begin:

What I like:
- I like the idea of creating different floor levels in the same room.
I like the idea of creating a cushioning feeling that comes with a step down area.

Living room; Fukuoka, Japan. Nano Architects. Interior photo via Dezeen.

- I like the idea of playing contrasts: soft versus rough, cheery versus industrial.
Soft, string panels forming the see-through partition are mixed with concrete floor in the central hollow, cheery acidic yellow covers the two panels encircling the sunken area and the ceiling while the minimalist ceiling pendants lights are connected via a grid of black visible cables and hanging from an industrial-style ceiling.

However, as much as I like the ideas that this space is trying to reflect, and as interesting as this space is visually, here is What I don't like:
- I don't like the feeling of this space, and I don't like the end result.
This space has an awkward cold confinement feeling concealed beneath the presence of a sunny color and soft, breezy elements.
This space looks like a confused project that tries to give a twist to industrial minimalism by creating unexpected combinations, merging contrasting ingredients.

Living room: Fukuoka, Japan. Nano Architects. Interior photo via Dezeen.

What do you think about this space? And Why?

***

My Style - Combining salmon pink and yellow-green

2013-05-23T10:35:00.005-07:00

Combining salmon pink and yellow-green for an evening outfit.

Layers of pearls - a pearl choker, and two pearl rope necklaces that I wear long at their entire length, and on which a pinned a large yellow-green flower brooch, a pink and yellow-green beaded clutch, silver nail polish, and nude pointed toe pumps (not seen in the photo) finish my outfit.

***

Living room with yellow walls in Manhattan

2013-05-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a living room in Manhattan, New York, USA.

What I don't like:
- I don't like this yellow color choice for such an expansive surface. This hue is very demanding, and on a large surface becomes visually aggressive, and it looks very cheap.

Living room; Manhattan, USA. Nick Olsen. Interior photo via Veranda.

- I don't like the color scheme. The yellow - brown - purple combination with yellow-brown, gold, and red accents, all in saturated hues, is very harsh, and kitsch.

Besides the yellow color that aims for shocking the subsequent decor choices are equally unappealing: the presence of leopard-print carpet, and more print and pattern in the decorative pillows create a jarring result leaning to the vulgar side.

Not to mention that more color seems to be added to this already challenging amalgam: is seems that the two chairs behind the sofa have a blue upholstery.

I don't know, the intention might have been to twist a folksy color scheme by mixing in contemporary elements - like the large artwork over the mirror, and glamorous elements - like the leopard-print carpet but the result is a failure.

And, as a detail: I have never seen so far a reading lamp placed in a reversed position, meaning having the back showing in the view - notice how the reading lamp is placed with the leg/tube in front and with the bulb/shade towards the back.

What do you think about this space? And Why?

***

My Style - Wearing gold during daytime

2013-05-20T10:59:00.003-07:00

Wearing gold in a casual way, during daytime.

I combined a gold pleated skirt and gold beaded mules with casual pieces: a straw bag (in gold) and an orange shirt.

An animal print belt and scarf, and a leather and Swarovski crystal beads bracelet finish my outfit.

If you go through my past looks and outfits you'll see me wearing the same skirt in a different combination.

***

Things that caught my attention ...

2013-05-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

A random selection of things, objects, designs that caught my attention.

Happy Weekend!

'Racket' Chair, by The Campana Brothers

Photo via Mocoloco

'Tete-a-Tete' Rocker, by Laurie Beckerman

Photo via Interior Design

Wooden Bike, by Jan Gunneweg

Photo via Design Boom

Dress, 1950's, by Mademoiselle, Nassau Bahamas

Photo via 1stdibs

Bronze sculpture, Cubism style, by Mariko

Photo via 1stdibs

'Shell' Chair, 1963, by Hans Wegner

Photo via Design Milk

'Slinky' Pendant Lamp, 1960's, by Gerald Thurston

Photo via 1stdibs

***

Free standing bed in a yellow-green bedroom

2013-05-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a yellow-green bedroom with a free standing bed.

Bedroom; USA. Interior photo via Traditional Home.

What I don't like:

The (potential) good start - the elegant wall paneling and molding, the very large windows, and what looks like a nice dark wood flooring - are completely ruined by the subsequent choices.
First,
- a free-standing bed,
then
- fussy drapes hanging above,
then
- those sticking-out-in-all-the-directions drapes holders,
and then
- the strong flower pattern on the rug - constitute a sum of gaudy choices, and a sum of visually competing elements that totally spoil the initial elegance of the space.

This looks like a girl's room (I mean, I hope) yet this is not sweet or girly but plain shoddy and ridiculous. And perhaps even dangerous - those sticking out holders can easily get in your eyes, etc.

What do you think about this space? And Why?

***

Blue Living room in Arkansas, USA

2013-05-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a living room in Arkansas, USA.

What I don't like:

- There is very little variety, and no contrast in this very blue room.

Living room; Arkansas, USA. Tobi Fairley. Interior photo via House Beautiful.

With the exception of the two throw pillows in a different, fluffy, texture and slightly different blue hue almost everything else (all the seating pieces, the walls, the rug) seem to have the same texture and color.

And although there is some pattern on the rug that brings some variety, this pattern is so subtle and has too little visible presence.

And the perfectly symmetrical furniture arrangement, and the blue artwork create and contribute more to a static, inert feeling.

Blue is or suppose to be calming but this room is actually flat, very monotonous and tiresome.

What do you think about this room? And Why?

***

Our Own House - The Courtyard, as work in progress (V)

2013-05-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is our courtyard, the way it looks at the moment - as work in progress.

The courtyard in our own house as work in progress.

Since my previous post last week I introduced some strong vertical elements: in each corner of the courtyard I placed a 7 ft tall white trellis.
The trellises are leaning against the walls.
I wanted to soften the strict geometric pattern of the trellises, and also I wanted to create dimension in the corners so I added flowing lines via white fluid sheers that I wrapped around the trellises.

The color palette has become a white-beige-brown combination with silver, black, green, and yellow-green as accents.

You can see here how the courtyard has evolved.

***

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Things that caught my attention ...

2013-05-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

A random selection of things, objects, designs, images that caught my attention.

Happy Weekend!

Swing by Patricia Urquiola

Photo via Interior Design

Coffee tables made from tires by Tavomatico

Photo via Trendir

'Capsule' sofa referencing the solar system by Deadgood

Photo via Design Milk

Antique mercury mirror console, Italy cca 1880

Photo via 1stdibs

Faux fur 'Cipria' Sofa by The Brothers Campana

Photo via 1stdibs

Trompe l'oeil pattern Dress by Alexander McQueen

Photo via 1stdibs

Nature-scape temporary installation in Milan, interpretation of a traditional Japanese Zen garden by Kengo Kuma

Photos via Dezeen

'Good morning Maddie' photo by Theron Humphrey

Photo via Yatzer

***

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Our Own House - The Courtyard, as work in progress (IV)

2013-05-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

This is our courtyard, the way it looks at the moment - as work in progress.

The courtyard in our own house as work in progress.

I did a few small changes since my previous post:
- I brought in two black-and-white pattern cushions for the swivel chairs;
- I took out the colored seat cushions from the metal chairs and replaced them with simple white ones;
- I replaced the green-and-yellow plant on the coffee table with a dramatic, white, dry branches arrangement;
- I replaced the four green-and-yellow plants in the four corners with black lanterns.

You can see here how the courtyard has evolved.

The courtyard in our own house as work in progress.

***

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Yellow-Green Treillage in a Garden room in New Orleans

2013-05-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a garden room in New Orleans, USA.

What I like:

- The trellis work is beautiful.

Garden room; New Orleans, USA. Peter Rogers, Carl Palasota. Interior photo via Architectural Digest.

- I like the 'reversed' color palette: yellow-green is used as the dominant color while the neutral black and white are used as accent colors.

The treillage together with the yellow-green color make a big statement while the black-and-white floor tiles, the white sofa, the black stair rail and the collection of black-and-white portrait photographs along the staircase, and the black lantern are very good color choices to balance out the amount of color on the walls.

What I don't like:

- Although I like the idea of using a daring color, and I also like the idea of a color choice that is related to the room's destination - a garden room, this yellow-green hue on such an expansive surface feels too much.

- Although I like animal prints a lot, in this context, next to such an attention grabbing and demanding element - the bold color on all the walls, the two animal print floor coverings (the leopard-print runner on the staircase and the zebra hide) look rather tacky.

But, on the other hand, this decor went for daring and for more is more from one end to the other, and from this point of view I have to admit that the color on the walls together with the animal print pieces are great choices that complement each other.

In other word, mixed feelings ... And perhaps, colorwise this room looks better in person.

What do you think about this interior? And Why?

***

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My Style - Mixing whimsical and business pieces

2013-05-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Wearing / mixing whimsical and business pieces - I combined a vibrant blue polka-dot silk skirt, a gold leather fringed handbag, and a structured brown velvet jacket.

A brown-and-gold wide leather belt, sling-back black-and-brown shoes, sleek hair, and a brown-and-silver necklace of my own design finish my outfit and my look.

My own necklace design - using fashion buttons & beads

***

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Vintage Folk Contemporary Blend in Southampton, USA

2013-05-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a sitting room in Southampton, USA.

What I like:

- I like the rug layering - the thick, textured, neutral, natural carpet-rug topped with a small rug with a geometric folk pattern in the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) set the tone for a relaxed decor.

Sitting room; Southampton, USA. Cynthia Frank, Timothy Haynes, Kevin Roberts. Interior photo via Elle Decor.

- I like the painting choice - the same primary colors like in the rug but in more saturated and vivid hues create a nice repetition and unity.

- I like the rug-chairs-painting - the triangle these pieces form creates a great focal point.
The variety in this very eclectic mix of ethnic (rug), vintage (chairs), and contemporary (art) is excellently united by the use/repetition of the same colors.

- I like the white sofa, white table lamps, and white walls choice.
The white color acts as a great background for the colorful pieces.
The white sofa and table lamps blend into the white walls allowing the colorful rug-chairs-painting triangle to stand out, and to become a focal point.
The wall paneling adds subtle detail, and brings refinement and elegance to the relaxed interior.

What do you think about this interior? And Why?

***

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Traditional Contemporary Bedroom in Sao Paulo, Brazil

2013-04-30T10:59:00.001-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a bedroom in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

What I like:
- I like the yellow artwork choice - the color adds a welcome invigorating touch to this brown and blue decor.

Bedroom; Sao Paulo, Brazil. Sig Bergamin. Interior photo via Architectural Digest.

- I like the artwork choices - I like the visual hierarchy the artworks create through their color, position, size, subject.

The graphic yellow silkscreen placed above the headboard captures the attention first due to the vibrant contrasting yellow color and central position.
I also like the contrast created by layering the bold graphic contemporary art on a classic wallpaper pattern.

The interesting black-and-white action shot type photo placed between the windows, although almost identical in size with the artwork above the headboard, has its secondary level of importance due to the blending-in colors and side position.

The smaller, mostly white, artworks flanking the bed come to complete and support the other artwork choices in this interior - due to their color, size, and detailed subject that requires you to get closer in order to see it they are noticed as details.
Also, I like the symmetry these two artworks create.

- I like the stripe sheets choice - they 'go' very well with the masculine feeling of the sofa at the foot of the bed.

- I like the variety in texture introduced by the leather sofa.

What I don't like:
- the sofa seems too big.
Although the four-poster bed has a big presence it feels that its airy design doesn't visually compensate enough for the proximity of the massive, dark sofa.
And although I like how the tiny tripod table in front of the large sofa creates size contrast and punctuates the design, the bed - sofa - accent table combination seems off-balance.

What do you think about this space? And Why?

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My Style - Wearing a Maxi skirt

2013-04-29T10:12:00.001-07:00

Wearing a maxi skirt in a small navy-blue and white pattern.

Hair done in a retro style, and layered necklaces - I combined a short silver metal necklace with a long pearl strand knotted at the front - finish my outfit and my look.

***

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Things that caught my attention ...

2013-04-26T11:17:00.001-07:00

A random selection of things, objects, designs that caught my attention.

Happy Weekend!

Blouse and Skirt by Yvonne Poei-Yie Kwok

Photo via Yatzer

'Synapse' Storage Cabinet by Alexandra Denton

Photo via Design Milk

'Scales' Patterned Pillow by Steven Womack

Photo via Design Milk

Olympic Rings Table by Phillips Collection

Photo via Interior Design

Moroccan Screen by Moroccan Prestige

Photo via Moroccan Prestige

'Padaung' Stool by Brabbu

Photo via Brabbu

Daybed by Jules Leleu, cca 1930

Photo via 1stdibs

'Liquid Gold' Cabinet by Mattia Bonetti, 1953

Photo via 1stdibs

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