friday fun find: passport pillows

Need a passport ASAP?  A passport pillow may be your answer!  Ok, so they may not get you to where you want to go, but they sure are stylish!  Found at blisslivinghome.com, you have your choice between four passport destinations.  Which would you choose?

Canada Passport

Shangri-La Passport

Iceland Passport

Florida Passport

extreme headboards

Nothing makes more of a statement in the bedroom than a large, oversized headboard.  The bed being the focal point in most bedrooms, a headboard can accent it quite nicely and carry the theme or style of the space.  Be creative with your headboard!  They can be crafted from pretty much any material of your choice - wood, fabric, paint, a found object, a great buy at a garage sale, etc.  Below are some interesting and unique ideas...

Painted moldings and a wallpaper insert were used to create this headboard...

Choose a fabric with a bold pattern!

above two images via Canadian House & Home

A beautifully carved piece of wood adds a traditional twist to this soft contemporary lavendar palette...

The black and white theme is interrupted by a striking crushed velvet headboard.  The plush texture and curvy shape are quite a contrast!

above two images via House Beautiful

The beautifully ornate, antiqued-mirrored headboard is the focal point of this vintage-chic bedroom.

image via Country Living

industrial chic

The materials in this kitchen are so striking yet minimal....the glossy white lacquered cabinets add a bit of shine, the industrial concrete countertops and floor contrast the cabinets in weight, color and texture, and the hot pink accents bring life to the otherwise monochromatic palette. 

image via Living Etc.

a+ for aquamarine

I'm loving Z Gallerie's aquamarine line of accessories....the hue is so vibrant and bold that just looking at the color makes me happy!

All in color aquamarine.....A. Bukhara Pillow, B. Casablanca Lanterns, C. Everglades Rectangular Tray, D. Suzani Collection, E. Filigree Urn, F. Lotus Flower Plaque, G. Magazine Tote & Boxes, H. Palmer Stool, I. Mimosa Reversible Bedding, J. Everglades Coasters, K. Lacquer Vase, L. Mariposa Collection

friday fun find: recycled sailcloth bags

What can be more unique than recycled sailcloth?  Handbags that are made of recycled sailcloth! 

The Ella Vickers Recycled Sailcloth Collection is a collection of bags that are made from authentic recycled / reclaimed yacht sails.  The line is green / eco friendly, urban chic, and ocean durable (water resistant, naturally!).  The extensive list of bags goes on and on:  briefcase bags, yoga bags, duffle bags, garment bags, totes, backpacks, etc., and there are also an abundance of accessories!  The design and graphics on the bags go hand in hand with the nautical them, obviously.  Inspired by her early sailing days, Ella Vickers took an ordinary material that many wouldn't even think of re-using, and recycled it into a fashionable product!  What is notable is that she also lends a hand in saving the planet while creating these stylish sacks.....the yacht sails are collected from around the world, in turn saving 20 thousand yards of sailcloth from the landfill each year!  Many props to you, Ella!!!  You go, girl!

Rope Tote Red Star

Wine Tote

Captains Briefcase

Original Duffel Set

EVSC Rope Tote

Click here to view the full line of Ella's bags and accessories!!!

the pod hotel, nyc

The Pod Hotel in New York City has got to be one of my favorite spaces.  They deem themselves as being the "hippest affordable hotel in NYC".  As for affordable, I'd have to do my research.  As for hippest, I think they're right on! 

The design is righteously original in itself...the concept plays on "airplane-inspired accommodations....looking to the mass transit's clever use of space and streamlined design."  The guestrooms themselves feature space-saving solutions, such as built-in drawers under the bed and the use of bunk beds in certain guestrooms.  You do, however, have the option to pick your pod: Queen Pod, Double Pod, Single Pod, Bunk Pod, and the Odd Pods, which feature a Double Double and a Townhouse Studio.  Click here to read more about the acccommodations of each pod.  The bathrooms are just as unique in their design, as they are equipped with compact stainless steel sinks and fixtures and have an in-room panel of lights to easily distinguish if the room is occupied (just like in an airplane!).  The other features in the hotel are their hip lobby, outdoor cafe, East Side Social Club lounge, and a trendy rooftop hangout.

Hip Hotel Lobby

Outdoor Cafe

Bunk Pod

Guestroom Bath Vanity

Townhouse Studio

images and info via thepodhotel.com & Hospitality Design

hgtv dream home 2011!

Hurry peeps!  The last day to enter to win the HGTV Dream Home 2011 is this Friday, February 18th!  Only two days left!  If you haven't entered yet, click here to enter twice a day. 

This year's Dream Home details:
Location:  Stowe, Vermont - located at Spruce Peak in Vermont's Stowe Mountain Resort.
Style:  Gorgeous Mountain Getaway!  3,000-square-foot mountain lodge with a rustic modern mix.
Floor Plan:  3 Bedrooms, 3-1/2 Baths, a gourmet kitchen, and creative living spaces.
To be more exact:  A mudroom, front entry, kitchen, gathering room, annex, dining room, master bedroom & bath, master balcony, deck, guest bedroom & bath, living area, ski dorm & ski dorm bath, laundry room, terrace, and exterior two-car barn.

Main Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

Exterior

Gathering Room

Annex

Gourmet Kitchen

Dining Area

Deck

Master Bedroom

Guest Bedroom

Living Area

Ski Dorm & Bath

all photos and info via HGTV

I don't know about you, but this is one definite dream home that I'd love to lounge in.  And, how cool is that ski dorm and attached bath???  It comfortably sleeps 12-16 guests!!!  What a getaway!

snow, snow go away...

I have a really bad case of spring fever, and these images bring me a sense of hope that there is, in fact,  life after winter.....

images via Canadian House & Home

happy heart day!

For all of you celebrating the love day today, congrats!  For all of you that hate this one day in particular with all your might, sorry about your luck : (  Better luck next year?  And for the many souls out there that are panicking - for they have nothing to present their loved one - here are a few ideas for those last minute gifters (all items found at patinastores.com).

Chalk Heart Paperweight

Love Stepping Stone Necklace

Red Orchid Wallet

Live Laugh Love Necklace

Heart Coffee & Tea Cups

All You Need Is Love Plaque

Red Tangua Cuff

friday fun find: penguin cocktail shaker

Who's in the mood for a cocktail?  If the answer is no, maybe this friday's fun find will change your mind.  This stainless steel Penguin Cocktail Mixer from Pier 1 Imports will surely make a splash at your next shindig.  Based on a vintage design, this is one rare bird that'll be sure to get the party started!

playful with paint

Regarding my love for the painted wood floor in my last post, I thought I'd share more creative painting ideas.  Paint can pretty much be used on any surface (as long as you do your research and choose the correct type of paint), and can be used in any imaginative way possible. 

The creative use of paint acts as a runner going up this stairway.  The accent stripe and numbers add just the right touch!



image via House and Home

The gray and white painted zig-zag pattern on this wood floor gives the monochromatic palette some life and movement.

The design of this room is grounded by a black and white geometric painted seagrass rug.

above two images via Veranda

Add some whimsy to your wall with a painted mirror!  Visit your local thrift store for a mirror of an interesting shape, pick out a stencil of your choice, and paint away!

A celestial mood is created in this space using dark blue tones with white highlights of moons, stars, and clouds.

Add some interest to bamboo shades using stencils, or if you're feeling creative you can freehand!

above three images via Country Living