Estilo Home

A Long Time Ago...

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:29:00 +0000

More like two and a half years ago, I started this blog as a way to share my passion of interior design with the world. It became a place to connect with others who share my obsession, and a true outlet for my creative juices that had been flowing with nowhere to go. During this time, I took many classes on the subject and ended up with a certificate in interior design, which helped me feel like my life was going in the direction it was always meant to go. I was so happy to share this journey with you all.

Emersonmade

While I had hoped to start my own design business, I ended up accepting a job as a designer with a national furniture store. Aside from some stress and tough hours, I have been loving the experience. One unfortunate outcome, however, has been the lack of inspiration to keep up with this blog. I am already exercising my design muscles all day, making me feel like when I get home, I am ready to focus on something else. Don't get me wrong, I still love reading blogs and design books and magazines, but just feel less motivated to post my own ideas. It doesn't help that I am not allowed to share my projects at work (I so wish I could!) and the fact that I took a big pay cut to follow my dreams - which means my home projects have nearly come to a halt.

coco+kelley

I realize this post is sounding as though I am giving up on the blog. Truth is, the thought of that makes me sad, and I am not ready to let it go. What it does mean, however, is that maybe it is time to expand my topics to other subjects I have been interested in lately, such as cooking and fashion. I will still post mostly on design, but just not feel limited to it, which I hope will motivate me again. How does that sound? Posting will probably continue to be a bit sporadic until I really figure out the direction I want to go in, but I hope you will enjoy following me in this progression in my life.

Alternative Wife

I so appreciate all of you who have been reading and commenting for the last couple of years. You always brighten my day. Happy 2012 everyone!!

Thankful...

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope you have a wondeful day with loved ones and lots of delicious food!

It was almost exactly a year ago that I accepted my current interior design job, and the experience I have gained there so far is one of the things I am most thankful for this year.

I also wanted to take this moment to say thank you to all my dear readers, who have continued to read my blog despite my decrease in appearance here over the last year... I really appreciate it! I have been thinking about some new ideas to freshen up the blog, so I hope you will stay tuned.

Have a great day!!

From the Inspiration Folder

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:35:00 +0000

Hope you all had a great weekend! I was working as usual, but still managed to squeeze in some fun and relaxation. The perfect fall weather really helped to make the weekend especially nice.

Anyway, I recently came across this image on Decor8, and something about it spoke to me. I love the warm gray tone of the walls accented by some fun patterns on the chair and pillows. The branch chandelier also helps to warm up the space and really makes a statement. As always, I love a small space. It feels so cozy and inviting.

What do you think about this room? Have a great week!

Inspired by Alice Lane

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:12:00 +0000

Every time I see an image of an interior designed by Alice Lane, I fall in love. Their style is exactly what I love...sophisticated palettes, interesting contemporary pieces, loads of texture, and just the right amount of modern patterns.

Recently on their blog, they posted pictures of the owner Jessica's home. It is absolutely stunning!! I am so into these smoky "mushroom-y" tones lately, and wish I could magically move every single piece into my home this very minute.

What do you think? Here are a few other inspiring images from their portfolio:

Do you have a favorite from the above? I'd love to hear what you think. Have a great week!

All images from Alice Lane Home Blog

Guest Post ~ Chic Color Duos

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I thought it would be fun to mix things up around here and start doing a few guest posts! Inspired by my color series, Susi from Design Shuffle is here today to show you some unique color combinations. I love the pictures she selected, and I hope they inspire you too!

~~~~~~

Susi here, from Design Shuffle, the social media site that promotes interior designers and their work from around the world. One of the things I find inspiring is visiting great design blogs like Estilo Home. When I was asked to guest blog here about the chicest color duos I turned to fashion for inspiration. Interior design is closely tied with fashion trends. What we see on the runway, we'll probably see in our homes. Hope you feel inspired by these chic color duos. Enjoy!

Red is a fantastic color for interiors. I love it paired with robin's egg blue or aqua for a chic color duo. A very classic color combination.

Love the aqua and smoky purple paired together in this dining room. Moody and atmospheric, these two colors make a very chic color duo.

Robin's egg blue and mustardy yellow are another chic color duo. Both colors have a lot of gray in them so they work together as complementary colors without having too much contrast.

Teals and yellow are another great color combination that is oh so chic in interiors. These carpet squares so the range of teals and yellows that work together.

As illustrated by this stylish bedroom design, yellow and gray is a gorgeous color combination. This chic color duo is a balance between calm and energetic, bright and subdued.

Creamy white and camel or tan is a chic color combination for fall fashion that translates into a chic color duo for home dÈcor. Natural woods paired with pearl whites and creams make a lovely tonal palette.

Navy and gold are a classic chic duo in fashion and interior designs. Love this nearly black navy paired with the gold tones of brass accents. So chic!

Brown and warm metallics, like brass or bronze, is another fashion inspired color duo. It looks chic in home decor with brown furniture and brass or bronze accents, or lighting.

You can find even more great color duos on Design Shuffle, an interior design social media site where talented designers including Los Angeles interior designers and New York interior designers showcase their work and inspire others.

Image Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Mood Board - Rustic Reading Nook

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 01:18:00 +0000

Here's to another week! I've had a busy couple of weeks so I am hoping this one will actually allow me to catch up on some things around here. How about you, how was your weekend?

After a random heat wave, the weather is finally starting to feel like fall again. It inspired me to create a comfortable reading area where you can curl up with a good book. As I worked on this mood board, it started to take on a pretty rustic look, which is not usually a style I gravitate towards, but I ended up really liking it!

I debated over adding a more modern artwork, seen below, which could work just as well but break up some of the masculine feel of this space. Which way do you like best?

Linda Monfont

Have a great week! Stay tuned later this week for my first-ever guest post!

Mood board sources:
chair: West Elm
lamp: Lightopia
cowhide rug: image here
shelf: Enhancing Your Habitat
side table: Wisteria
pouf: Amazon
artwork: Lindadonohue on Etsy

Cozy Interiors

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 01:58:00 +0000

Fall is here! While I am a warm weather girl all the way, there is something about the feeling of Fall that I just love. After a busy summer, it's so nice to have those cool days where you feel like you want nothing more than to curl up under blankets and read a good book...or stay home and cook a wonderful meal...or put on your boots and cozy sweater to go for a walk...

Now is the time to cozy up your home with lots of candles, blankets and soft materials. Here is some inspiration for you:

source

unknown

source

unknown

What do you most look forward to this season?

Mood Board ~ Breakfast at Tiffany's

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:52:00 +0000

The other day our cable TV went out, which was a great opportunity to watch a movie. I decided to watch an old favorite, Breakfast at Tiffany's. Like most people, I love to watch it in part for the fashion, but also find myself drawn to Holly Golightly's quirky but glam home every time.

I was inspired to create a version of her living room:

source

Here is my interpretation of her room:

Her bathtub sofa is now a much more realistic tufted settee. Behind it is a fretwork screen reminiscent of one of the major design features of her room - that fretwork column by her kitchen. The pillows speak to her pink and purple color scheme. We still have a fun zebra rug to add that glam factor, as well as a gold chandelier that pulls from the gold fixtures on her "bathtub." A couple of vintage suitcases could work as a coffee table, or as Holly did, to store the phone...

What do you think? Anything else you would add to the board?

All other items, vintage, images found on Google images

End of Summer Balcony Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:48:00 +0000

This post is going to feel a bit out of season, when everyone is looking ahead to Fall. But, thanks to end-of-season sales, my outdoor balcony - which I have worked on in pieces all summer - finally feels complete.

I love spending time our balcony, which is always nicely shaded and very private. But, the design wasn't exactly inviting. In the beginning of the summer, it looked like this:

One by one, I started buying some accessories and spray-painted the tired table and chairs a fresh white. What I kept waiting for in order to pull the whole space together, was a rug. Patience paid off, though, as last week I found an awesome Greek key rug in the right size for only $25! Finally, this is how the space looks:

The bench, which we bought last year, came with the green cushion, so that set the color scheme. I already had the chair cushions, which are green and blue, so those were staying as well. I needed something brighter though, so I was excited when I found the long pillow at Home Goods, which brought all of the colors together.

Next, I spray-painted the table and chairs, which also helped to brighten up the space.

Bring in a couple of accessories and the rug, and I am finally really excited to spend time out here!

Talk about delayed gratification, huh? Luckily the weather will still feel warm for a few more weeks, so I can definitely enjoy the space for a little while longer. Plus, for less than $50 for the whole makeover, I am way ahead of the game for next spring :)

From the Inspiration Folder

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:38:00 +0000

Another couple of weeks have passed...and what eventful weeks these have been! Especially the last one, with not one but two natural disasters hitting the East Coast. Thankfully we are ok here, but it has definitely been a little crazy! I hope you are all doing fine wherever you live.

House & Home

I promise I do have some fun posts in the coming weeks, including mood boards, my kitchen renovation project, and designer features, but in the meantime, I wanted to share this beautiful bedroom from Canadian House & Home if you haven't already seen it. To start, I love the wall color! It's BM Oxford Gray. I also love all the natural elements and textures in the room. Then, of course, the La Fiorentina fabric in the chair and pillows completes the room beautifully. I like the idea of repeating the same fabric but in different colorways in one space. Would you do that?

Have a great week!

5 Tips to Love Where You Live Now

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:52:00 +0000

Lately my husband and I have been dreaming a lot about living in a bigger home. We still enjoy our cozy condo, but at times we wish we had a backyard for the dog, extra storage space, and most of all, a second or third full bedroom. Currently living in a one-bedroom with a den, that sounds like a luxury to us!

Realistically, though, thanks to our "lovely" economy this dream isn't coming true anytime soon. Our plan was to live in our place for four years at most, yet we are three years in and are nowhere near being able to move. After talking to some friends and neighbors, we see this is happening to a lot of us...

Rather than let it get us down, I started to think of what we can do to make us enjoy what we have now. Sometimes all it takes is a little tweaking, both in how we live and in our mentality, to make our current homes work for us. Below you will find some tips that I believe will help. I have already started implementing some of these tips, and can honestly say I am feeling more at peace with our situation.

Jesse Carrier

1) List the Positives

First, I would suggest making a list of the favorite things about your home. This way you can refer to the list whenever those negative thoughts creep in. Here is a peak into my list:

   - We love our peaceful, dog-friendly neighborhood
   -  A small condo allows us to feel more connected as a family
   - Less to clean! Plus, no mowing the lawn or shoveling snow
   - The pretty view of the trees outside our window
   -  A smaller place = smaller mortgage = more money in our pocket!

Decorpad

2) Declutter and Organize

It's amazing what a little decluttering can do, both for peace of mind and in terms of organization. Think about what items you really use or need. If you don't love it or use it regularly, it should go. For example, if you have a small closet, think about investing in just a few wardrobe staples, then ditch that dress that you haven't worn in three years or those pants that never did fit so great. Do the same with the kitchen cupboards, bookshelves, garage, or wherever clutter collects in your home.

My husband and I have a tendency to keep things "just in case," but lately we've started to really rethink some of our possessions. Room by room, we've been getting rid of so many unloved things. Suddenly we feel like our place is no longer bursting at the seams. The condo feels bigger and much more organized!

Decorpad

3) Home Improvement

Knowing that we'll eventually sell our place, it seems smart to think now about what small improvements could add value to our condo. I always think it's funny that people wait until they are ready to sell to go ahead and make repairs or upgrades. Why not do it now and enjoy it?

For us, this in part means our kitchen. While I'd love to upgrade our countertops to granite, given our tight budget we plan on simply adding a backsplash, door knobs, and paint. After that, we are hoping to replace our windows and add closet systems to our coat/hall closet and hopefull mine too!

New backsplash and possible paint color for our kitchen

4) Reconsider A Room's Purpose

Maybe you're dreaming about having an office but don't have an extra room. Just because the space near your living room was labeled "dining room" on your floorplan doesn't mean it needs to be one. Rethink a room's original purpose, get a little creative, and you'll be surprised at how many rooms can multitask to become exactly what you need it to.

In our case, we have a den/sunroom adjacent to our living room that currently serves as my husband's office and "music room" (he has a huge collection of CD's and a few guitars.) One of the reasons for wanting to move is to expand our family in the future. In a pinch, though, this room could get a door added, some new furniture and a fresh coat of paint to become a nursery. What will become of my husband's CD's is another story...

Amy Meier's Office in Dining Room, Better Homes & Gardens

5) Personalize It

Finally, a way to enjoy the space you live now is to simply make it your home! Our place always feels cozy when we have some music playing and a candle lit. Don't wait for your "forever home" to finally put up a gallery wall of family photos. Anything that makes you feel happy should be proudly displayed, and will only help in making your home feel like the place you are supposed to be here and now.

source unknown

Are you or anyone you know in this situation? Do you have any tips to share on how you are dealing with it?

Birthday Presents - for the Home!

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 03:24:00 +0000

Hi guys, I'm still alive! I can't believe it has been two weeks since I blogged! I swear time during the summer goes by even faster than the rest of the year...

It was actually my birthday today ;) The best part, of course, has been seeing friends and family over the weekend to celebrate. However, I can't lie and say that getting presents isn't a nice bonus when it comes to birthdays. All I wanted this year was stuff to help finish decorating the condo. Wish granted!

I'm getting a little closer to my vision becoming a reality in my living room. Well, my vision has changed a few times, but is still a variation of this (what has mostly changed is the overall color scheme, especially the rug):

One of the most important elements was the lamp, which I've been wanting for so long. I finally got it! I took a pretty bad picture of it, but here it is in the room (please ignore the old, out of scale artwork!):

By, the way, this is the room finally all painted in gray. I love the color in person! It's such a soothing color and has made a drastic difference in the space. The fabric swatch on the left will hopefully become pillows soon. I am still playing around with the final color scheme, but that Dwell fabric is definitely staying.Then finally I'll start my search for some nice artwork.

You might also remember I've been trying to find some curtains. I sadly ended up returning the ones I originally got because they were just too dark. I purchased these curtains from West Elm, and love how they look in the room! I need to take a better picture in daylight, but here it is:

Slowly but surely things are coming together... gotta love birthday presents!

It's the Little Things

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 21:11:00 +0000

I still have a long way to go to truly transform my home into the way I envision it. After recently taking a pay cut, I have had to be even more patient when decorating. Sometimes, though, it only takes some small pieces to make you happy in your space.

I have recently found some fun little pieces that make me smile when I look at them! Case in point, this adorable bunny ring holder :)

I have a small obsession with rabbits, so it was a no-brainer to purchase these little guys when I saw them (at Urban Outfitters.) They work really well on top of my dresser in the bedroom.

Next were these Anthropologie bowls. I have been coveting them since the very first time I saw them. I had been looking for the perfect accent to put on top of my pile of books, so I finally decided it was time to get them.

I couldn't decide on the color, so I bought my two favorites. I am so glad I did, because they worked out perfectly on top of each other, for just a touch of color and pattern.

Finally, I had been searching for something to sit on my somewhat new glass coffee table. I have learned that I don't like to have too much sitting on the table, especially since it is constantly getting used (it practically serves as our dining table) and cleaned, thanks to the glass.

How fun is this giraffe print tray? And it was only about 6 bucks! It serves a great dose of pattern in the living room, and is just the right size for the essentials: an orchid, coasters, a candle, and the not-so glamorous remotes that constantly sit on top of the table despite my best wishes. I have had this for about a week now and it has truly kept the table more organized. It is so easy to move everything out of the way when we need it. I'm very happy with my purchase!

Tell me, what small items around your home are currently making you happy?

From the Inspiration Folder

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:20:00 +0000

I just came across this image from the DC edition of Apartment Therapy, and fell in love. The color scheme manages to be so cheery and soothing at the same time.

Southern Living

One of my favorite features is the wallpaper covering the doors on either side of the fireplace. Isn't it such a nice touch?

Have a great week!

Dark, Moody Bedrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 03:12:00 +0000

Last week I was talking to a co-worker about paint colors. She happens to have a north-facing bedroom, just like I do. Despite having done some decorating odds and ends to my bedroom, I find it keeps falling completely flat. That's exactly what she said to her once all-white room. In a room with little sunlight it just doesn't work - it ends up looking dingy no matter what you do.

Hers is now painted a beautiful deep taupe, and she is completely in love with her room. She says it's so warm and cozy, so conducive to sleep. It got me thinking of painting my room a nice chocolate brown. Only thing is I am a bit afraid of dark paint colors! To help convince myself, I've been searching for images of dark, beautiful bedrooms.

unknown

I may go a little lighter like the last photo (above) but either way I think it will warm up the room and provide some much-needed contrast. I still have a huge to-do list for my home though, so it will be some time before I see what this room will become...or if I can actually go through with it!

Do you have a dark room in your home? How do you feel in it?

From the Inspiration Folder

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 03:40:00 +0000

This office comes from a blogger who has modern organic style down to a science. I am referring to Emma at The Marion House Book. Her style is amazing!

While I love her entire home (see a recent tour here), I keep going back to see this picture of her office space. I just love the wallpapered wall, the mix of modern pieces with organic materials, and that fuzzy throw :)

Design*Sponge

I've had offices on the brain as I'm thinking about revamping my own...I will definitely keep this image in mind as I move forward!

Modern Organic Mood Board

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:03:00 +0000

Hey guys! I've been a bad blogger...I promised you a mood board last week and never delivered. I swear I don't know where my time goes these days!

Well, here it is: my interpretation of the style I like to call Modern Organic. In this style, I envision mostly clean, modern lines mixed in with lots of natural materials and textures. The overall vibe is carefree and airy, yet stylish.

(click to enlarge)

The colors of my board were inspired by this fun artwork by Lizzy Janssen. I've had it in my inspiration folder for ages, and thought it was the perfect time to use it. From there, I brought in lots of textures and bright accents that complement the art, all in a foundation of modern pieces.

I enjoyed creating this board, as it's been far too long since I've done one! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Moodboard sources:
Sofa, coffee table, sideboard, vase, lamp, plant: Crate and Barrel
Side and dining chair: Wisteria
Rug: West Elm
Dining table: IKEA
Artwork: Lizzi Janseen

Modern Organic Interiors

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

It never fails: every year as the weather gets warmer, I become more and more drawn to spaces that have an organic, rustic feel, with something in the space that brings the outdoors in. The style I am drawn to I like to call "modern organic," as I love to mix clean lines with natural elements, like raw woods, seagrass rugs, and wicker. Think of a farmhouse table with some white panton chairs paired with it.

Here are some images I have been inspired by lately:

domino

Lincoln Barbour Photo

unknown

Next week I'll create a moodboard to show you how I'd design a modern organic room. What do you think of this style?

Have a great holiday weekend everyone!!

Path to Design ~ 5.24.11

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Tue, 24 May 2011 11:59:00 +0000

This post could also have been titled "Just Do It!" My goal with this post is to inspire anyone with a dream to go out there and work on making it happen.

You see, I have had a couple of stressful weeks at work, but instead of feeling miserable as I would have in my last job, I still feel content and fulfilled. This is because, after knowing for years and years what I truly wanted to do when I "grow up," I am finally acting on it, and it feels great. It hasn't been an easy journey getting here, but now I feel like all of the effort I've put in has been so worth it.

source

After spending seven years trying out different jobs I thought I'd enjoy, such as event planning, marketing, and public relations, I still felt unfulfilled and discouraged. While I performed fine at these jobs, deep down I didn't feel I was bringing in my all, that my heart wasn't in it. I was constantly down, and dreaded each and every work week. Something was missing - I couldn't live like this.

Throughout these years, I kept having thoughts of becoming an interior designer, but having already gone to school, then back again to study Public Relations (and thinking that was my path), switching careers yet again seemed ridiculous. I kept thinking, am I crazy to want to change careers yet again? Am I just flaky? Plus, would I actually enjoy interior design? And more so, would I even be good at it?

Lonny Mag

Visions of when I was 8 years old kept coming back to me - I'd spend so much time drafting floorplans for my and my friends' "dream homes" and loved it. One day I came across all of my drawings and showed them to my mom. She was so impressed that I realized I do have this in me. From that day forward to was dedicated to learn all I could about interior design, starting with books, a night class, then finally more formal education (more posts about my journey here.)

My job as a designer is tough (I work in a retail environment, so I have to worry about making comission, working weekends, and dealing with the occasional tough client), but whenever I get involved in a design project I feel on top of the world. This past weekend I presented a project I was very excited about, and thankfully so was my client! It was such a great feeling. In this job I've learned that for me, designing a room comes so easily, so naturally, unlike any other job I've had before. It finally feels right, as if this is what I was supposed to be doing all along.

Lonny Mag

Making this dream come true certainly took effort, one step at a time. But, what it really took was listening to myself, that voice deep down inside that knows what you truly want, what will truly make you happy. So sad that too often we let our doubts and fears take over that voice.

So that is my message to the world. I hope to encourage YOU to do something today, whether is picking up a book on your subject of interest, signing up for a class, speaking to someone in your industry, or taking a chance and applying for a job you don't think you'd ever get (you never know - trust me!) It may be a long journey, but one certainly worth taking. We all deserve to be happy!

Lonny Mag

Please share in your comments if you have a dream you hope to work towards - we can all help and motivate each other!

P.S.: I'm sorry for the lack of posts the last couple of weeks. I just needed some time away from the computer. But I feel inspired again, so thanks for checking in!

My Striped Hallway!

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Mon, 02 May 2011 02:00:00 +0000

Hello, hope you had a good weekend! What were you up to? I finally managed to get some things done around the house, including finishing up my hallway! For a couple of weeks now I mentioned that I was painting stripes in my boring hallway with leftover paint. I am happy to say it is now complete and ready to share with you all!

What was once a seriously drab space has now become a cheery, much more polished area. Check it out:

(Ok, so the "rug" is just a piece of fabric (wrinkled, no less...) standing in for a future rug that I have yet to find)

The paint is a combination of Benjamin Moore Light Pewter, which I have in my adjoining living/dining room, and one shade darker, Nimbus. I love the tone-on-tone contrast because it is not too jarring.

A big part of the project was to create a gallery wall of family photos, something we had wanted to do since moving in! I was debating between all black or all silver frames. In the end, I left them mixed and actually like it that way.

I am still trying to figure out what to put on either side of the "H." Any suggestions??

The other big part of the project was painting over all the trim and doors. My condo came with the trim in an off-white, creamy color. A coat of bright white was in order for a while. I cannot get over the change! The whole space feels so much brighter now. I plan on painting the rest of the trim throughout the house asap!

The stripes themselves ended up being the easiest part of the project! I used the new Scotch painters tape with Edge Lock, and had no problems with bleeding. I was pleasantly surprised to not have to deal with touch-ups.

The stripes have been a big hit with my friends! The hallway was a place I never really thought about decorating, but I am so glad I did. I am now considering striping another wall...either in my tiny entryway or maybe go bold and paint a wall in my living/dining area! We'll see...

Do you have any striped walls in your home? If not, would you consider it?

From the Inspiration Folder

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 03:44:00 +0000

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a good Easter (those who celebrate!) Mine was great. It is always nice to have some time with family - there is nothing like it.

During my days off, I also tried to make progress on my little hallway makeover. I thought this would be a quick and easy project, but once I started to paint out all the trim, it became a much bigger task (our condo came with the trim painted in a bad off-white, and I've been slowly painting over with a brighter white.) The hallway has four doors, and once you paint one side of it, you have another, which leads into painting another room! I ended up running out of paint and oddly enough so did my local Lowes, so I have to wait another week before they restock semi-gloss paint! Hopefully I will be able to share with you all soon though - I really like how it is turning out.

Anyway, I wanted to start the week sharing a very inspirational space I just came across. it is the dining room of Erika Brechtel of Small Shop. When I came across her blog, I became an instant follower. This room is one reason why:

Her dining room is so glam! I love the wall color, all of the gold accents, and the La Fiorentina pillows! Erika did such a great job styling it. You can see more of her home on her blog, here.

Have a great week!

DC Design House - Iantha Carley Interiors

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:34:00 +0000

Happy Good Friday! I hope you all have something fun planned for this weekend. I have Sunday off (a first in a few months!) so I am looking forward to celebrating Easter and spending some quality time with family.

Anyway, I wanted to wrap up my virtual tour of this year's DC Design House with a gorgeous bedroom and dressing room by Iantha Carley Interiors.

Iantha was inspired by the David Hicks La Fiorentina fabric (one of my all-time favorites!) in the green and white colorway, which she used to create a canopy above the bed as well as the curtains.

The result is a happy yet sophisticated master bedroom.

Iantha also decorated the walk-in dressing room. This whimsical, stylish room is any woman's dream! I love the pop of turquoise in the chandelier!

Iantha also had the opportunity to design a room in the 2009 Design House. Check it out:

And that wraps up my posts of this year's house. I hope you enjoyed it! For the locals, the Design House is still open until May 8, so you still have a chance to see it if you haven't!

Images: first three, my own. Dressing Room, Lydia Cutter. All others, Iantha Carley portfolio

DC Design House - Erin Paige Pitts

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 12:08:00 +0000

And we are off to another week! I hope you are enjoying the tour of this year's DC Design House. Up next is the pool room, designed by Erin Paige Pitts.

Another of my favorites of the house, I just loved the airiness of the space. Erin did a great job making her limited palette of whites work so well by using lots of texture.

The seats are hung from the ceiling with ropes! Such a cool idea. Below you see a touch of the sea with a wall full of sea shells.

It is hard to believe the room was full of dark paneling. It feels so bright and lively in there now. I would love to spend time in this room.

Named one of Traditional Home's "20 Designers to Watch," Erin has some wonderful projects in her portfolio. Check it out:

She has completed many design projects in coastal areas, which is why you see so many rooms in soothing blues and neutrals.

What a beautiful kitchen! And I love the outdoor space below. I wish I could be sitting there now with a refreshing drink in my hand!

What do you think of her work? Have a great week!

First four images, my own. All others, http://erinpaigepittsinteriors.com/

DC Design House - Samantha Friedman / J. Hodges & Associates

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:09:00 +0000

Happy Friday! I wanted to continue to highlight designers of this year's DC Design House. Today I am showing you the Secret Garden room, a bedroom and dressing area/bathroom that I think you'll really enjoy!

Samantha Friedman designed the kid-friendly bedroom using cheerful colors and fabrics:

I just love the dresser (above)! The window seat, however, is unlike anything I've ever seen:

What a creative, adorable idea! Any kid would be so happy to have a swing in their room!

The room has a bathroom and dressing area, designed by J. Hodges & Associates, that ended up being one of my favorite features of the entire house:

You all know I love purple! I would dream to have a place like this when I was younger (ok, I'd love to have a space like this today...just a touch more grown up!)

The bathroom is so incredibly cute. I absolutely loved it. Just look at the zebra mirror, trellis rug, and that geometric shower curtain:

What do you think? Make sure to check out more of Samantha Friedman's work here, and J. Hodges & Associates' portfolio here.

Have a great weekend everyone!

All photos, except last 3, my own. Last three, Lydia Cutter

DC Design House - Barbara Franceski

noreply@blogger.com (Flavia @ Estilo Home) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:22:00 +0000

Next on our 2011 DC Design House tour is the Family Room, designed by Barbara Franceski. I loved what she did with her room in last year's design house (see my post about it here), so I was really looking forward to seeing her room.

It did not disappoint! I absolutely loved the color scheme and overall sophisticated vibe. I was especially enamored with the colorful silhouette artwork (from local artist Dave Peterson) that at first would seem out of place, but in fact makes the room. So fun!

The mix of chairs in the office/seating area adds a lot of interest to the space. She paid a lot of attention to detail with her accessories as well - they really elevate the room.

Originally, this room walls were entirely wood paneling. A coat of white paint transformed the room, though Barbara made a great decision to keep the crown molding as well as the area behind the bar (below) in its original wood tone.

I will try to post more photos if I can, as the ones I took don't do the room justice! To see more of Barbara's work, check out her website, here.

P.S.: Have you checked out the new Trad Home magazine? There is so much inspiration in there! Read it here.

All photos, my own.