Speaking of the Natural Trend

Check out this great post from Decor8 on the Naturalist trend that has been emerging in decor.

West Elm Goes Pastel

I'm not sure how I feel about West Elm's new Spring pastels. After seeing these at the store, I did some searching on the Web to see what the experts are predicting in color for 2007. I saw a lot about neutrals, back-to-nature colors like green, blue, and brown, and stark contrasts like black and white.

I suppose these fit in with the back-to-nature theme, but I'm really not sure I like this. It just seems like an abrupt change from the burnt orange, crimson and charcoal colors that seem to have dominated for the last few years.

Patchwork Mirrors - DIY Modern?

I saw this post about the patchwork mirrors at NYC's Balthazar on ApartmentTherapy. Balthazar is a sort of European restaurant which is a popular SoHo brunch destination. We actually ate there on our trip a few weekends ago and the waffles with hazelnut cream were excellent.

I wasn't seated facing the bar, so I didn't get a good look at this, but wouldn't this be a cool modern update on the traditional framed mirror?

I think it might be even better with out a frame and using mirrors of different dimensions (squares and rectangles of varying sizes) to form a large rectangular mirror.

I saw an unframed version like this in magazine, but the mirrors were on a backboard and some had been propped up at a 45 degree angle. The effect was really cool. Unfortunately, I can't find a photo on the Web.

Sale at Design Gallerie

Design Gallerie off of Knox is having 20-50% off select merchandise this weekend. I checked the site, but there is no mention of what is on sale and the prices are not listed online (frustrating).

The store specializes in innovative, modern furnishings. I've stopped by once before and found the furniture and art to be of very good quality. Things were a little more than I could afford, but not unreasonable.


3003 Knox Street, #100 Dallas, TX 75205 (at the SW corner of Knox Street & Central Expressway) Tel: 214.219.1919

Rooms

A review of Rooms, a book celebrating luxurious and bold interiors from around the world, piqued my interest. The Amazon.com description notes "sumptuous photography" by Derry Moore. Unfortunately, there is no way to see inside the book for a sample.

I did find Derry Moore's Web site which has some spectacular images of homes as well as portraits and images of India.

I will definitely check for this in the bookstore the next time I am out.

The Edited Collection

Here's a little before and after on the editing of my collection of stuff. Unfortunately, in the haze of emotion (I didn't get through this process without a few tears), I neglected to take any real before photos of the living room shelves. Let's just say they were quite cluttered, as was the room. We have a small house and yet we have a sofa, recliner, and a round love seat in the living room. We also have a TV stand, two coffee tables and two end tables.

I took the two end tables, which were solid wood and painted gold, out and separated our lighter-feeling Thomas O'Brien nesting tables (which I was using together as a coffee table) to use as end tables. The result is a room that is much lighter feeling, though still not really what I want.

I've realized that I am going to have to make some changes to my accent furniture to achieve a more minimal feel. That's going to have to wait a little while.

I would like to replace my current coffee and end tables with modern, white pieces. The great thing is that stores like Target, West Elm and Ikea are making decor almost as disposable as fashion. When I say disposable, I don't mean to imply being wasteful. I will donate or store anything I am no longer using.

The important thing is that I put together a plan before I start over on the living room. I'll be pulling images from magazines and doing some research over the next few weeks. I'm hoping to decide on a new design and roll it out in phases as my budget allows.

Living room shelf before the edit and with Christmas cards.

Dining room sideboard before the edit.

Coffee table before.

Living room after (please try to ignore the bike trainer).

More of the living room after.

Dining room sideboard after.

Sleepy Hollow Rug from CB2

Kind of creepy but really pretty, the Sleepy Hollow rug is available at CB2 for $499.

Making Modern Your Own

Eric at Modern Self has just posted a great story about incorporating an unusual family heirloom in to a lovely, modern, minimal design.

He took a cross-section of a tree trunk that belonged to his grandfather and created a piece that works beautifully with his existing decor while lending personality and history to the space.

KitchenAid 10-Pc. Hard Anodized Cookware $124.95

Amazon.com is selling this 10-piece set of Anodized KitchenAid cookware for $124.95. The regular price is $149.95. It's not a huge discount, but that's a lot of cookware for 125 bucks!

Via the Bargainist.

Normal Room

If you are in the midst of rethinking your decor, or if you are starting to have unrealistic expectations of your home after reading too many decorating magazines, check out Normal Room, a site featuring photos of real rooms from around the world. This is a fridge from NY.

Use the "random image" feature at the top of the page to browse real rooms for inspiration and encouragement.

Via Apartment Therapy.