friday fun find: pig serving dishes

You're sure to stir up a few giggles when you serve your spreads in these Pig Serving Dishes, a new arrival from World Market.  The yellow Pig Platter is the perfect size for serving an entree, while the smaller Pig Serving Bowls can easily hold appetizer dips, crackers, nuts, etc.  The pigs on the serving bowls even stand on their own four feet! 

Hotel Le Burgundy - C'est magnifique!

The Hotel Le Burgundy, a Parisian boutique hotel located in Paris France, is the perfect example of modern, refined luxury.  Clean lines are paired with soft, sophisticated fabrics and furnishings.  Bold color accents and fabrics are used in just the right places.  The favoring of natural light and pristine finishes can be seen throughout both the public and private spaces.  Absolutely gorgeous!  It's going on my list of "places to be seen if I ever win the lottery......." 

go for the bold!

Be bold with your trim color!  Most go with the usual stained wood trim, or trim that's painted white or a softer neutral.  But painting trim in a darker tone and contrasting it against boldly colored walls really makes a statement!  Below, the chocolate brown trim (it even could pass as gray?) contrasts beautifully against vivid lemongrass-toned walls.....

via Midwest Living

outrageously organic

These accessories and home decor from Unison Home immediately caught my eye.  They are crafted from fabulous organic patterned fabrics, and come in a great variety of colors!

The Larch pattern: inspired by the criss-crossing pattern of Larch tree branches.

Larch Moss Tablecloth Set

Larch Organic Charcoal Small Rectangle Pillow

Larch Plum Duvet

The Reed pattern: inspiration comes from the abstract shadows of wetland reeds.

Reed Emerald Cocktail Napkins

Reed Zest Square Pillow

The Lush pattern:  inspired from flourishing blossoms and abundant florets.

Lush Zipper Bags

Lush Turquoise Table Linens

The Static pattern:  inspiration comes from an enlarged static charge.

Static Magenta Potholder

The Juniper pattern:  inspired by Juniper blossoms and branches.

Juniper Journals - created from Unison scrap fabric & recycled paper

friday fun find: rain boots

Yes.  Just as predicted, moooooore raaaaaaaaiiiin.  It's like a broken record that is never going to get fixed, because the rain prediction is not that it will end soon, rather keep going for at least another 7 days.  If you can't beat 'em, join 'em?  I'd rather not, but I guess if I have to I want to at least look cute in these rain boots I found from DLL Rainwear.

Chooka - Recycle Me Green Rain Boots (and a big shout out to Earth Day today!)

Dav - Cowboy Karma Pink Rain Boots (yes folks, rain boots that look like cowboy boots!)

Bogs - Alex Swirl Rain Boots (my fave - if anyone is feeling extra generous lately, it would be my pleasure to send my shipping address...)

Chooka - Big Peacock Rain Boots (you guessed it - they have little peacock print as well)

Western Chief - Chevy Plaid Rain Boots (b/c everyone needs a good plaid.....trimmed in hot pink)

whimsical in white

Is that....wait a minute.  Is that the SUN that's shining outside?!?!???!  You mean, that bright thing in the sky I haven't seen since somewhere around eight months ago?!?  Yes, it is.  Finally here.  But not for long.  MORE rain predicted in the forecast.  So instead of blogging, I really should be frolicking in the fields out of sheer joy!  But first, a space that matches my mood today.........

The designer molded this monochromatic palette by combining whites and textures, and by adding a bit of natural wood tones as accents.  One thing I noticed in this space?  The detailed feet of the furniture, like on the coffee table below.  The space is so sophisticated, but these small touches of whimsy add so much character.......  I also love the two accent table shapes......who says they have to match???

 

The molded resin chairs add movement in the dining room......and I love them paired with the two-toned wood table.

The feet on the stools are so unexpected!  I love them!  And the clear glass light fixture adds another great texture to the space.

Yet another great light fixture above the dining table.  And you can barely make them out, but the legs on the dining rooms chairs are not your typical formal legs!!!  Click on the picture to enlarge.

via House Beautiful

Ok, a frolicking I go!

desert blues...and purples, and oranges, and reds.....

I sure do miss the desert right now!  What I wouldn't give for one day of the dry desert heat and its beautiful colors..........

beachy bedrooms

Who wouldn't want an ocean view from their bedroom?  There's something soothing about taking a glance out your window and experiencing the calming of the sea, breathing in the fresh ocean air.  However, if you're one of the (many) unfortunate ones that don't have ocean access, you can create your own beachy retreat.  Simply bring the beach to you by including items, textures, and colors that are reminiscent of the coast......sandy neutrals, natural woods, light and airy fabrics, organic textures, and tons of natural light are a great place to start!

images via Coastal Living

bio-ethanol fireplaces

I know that it's finally feeling like springtime outside (couldn't ask for better weather lately!) and we all want to forget the harsh winter altogether, but I just had to share this with you.  These fireplaces from Brandoni, a company based out of Italy, are not only sculpturally appealing but are fuelled by bio-ethanol, which is manufactured from a sustainable plant-based source.  Bio-ethanol is clean, smoke-free and environmentally friendly as it gives off low carbon emissions.  This means there’s no coal or wood creating ash and dust, and a big plus is that these fireplaces don't need a chimney.  They are self contained so they can be positioned wherever you desire, and can also be easily moved around.

Cone - newest introduction



Essential

Vesta Major

 

Must

 

Maya

 

For more information, visit Hospitality Design and Trendir Magazines.

friday fun find: s&p shakers

ModCloth has some of the most unique salt & pepper shakers out there.....they'll make for a great gift, or are sure to be the center of conversation at your next dinner party!

Peas Pass the Salt and Pepper Shakers - $21.99

Mush-room for Flavor Shaker Sets - $11.99

Plenty of Spice to Spare Shaker Set - $21.99

Give Me a Pug Salt and Pepper Shakers - $6.99

diy easter place card holders

Easter is around the corner!  Have you thought about the menu?  Who to invite?  The table setting?  These festive Easter Egg Basket Place Card Holders from Pottery Barn will be sure to keep you organized and remind you of your guest list.  However, a set of 4 will run you $24.99 (on sale and non-returnable online), so why not make them yourself for half the cost???  Just visit your local craft store (or search online) to pick up some mini wicker baskets and raffia (for the filling), grab a bag of Cadbury Mini Eggs (which your guests can actually enjoy - the Pottery Barn version eggs are not edible!), and attach some colored paper to some toothpicks for the place cards! 

DIY Version:

Mini Bleached Willow Baskets, package of 8 for $6.99 - found on Amazon.com 

(if you're feeling extra festive, give these baskets a coat of paint or give them a dye job - add some drops of food coloring to water, fully submerge the baskets, and let dry - just make sure to allow for enough dry time before the big day...)

Natural Curly Raffia, bag for $6.49 - found at Joann Fabrics

Bag of Cadbury Mini Eggs - found at most local supermarket or drug stores for about $5.00 for a 10 oz. bag