friday fun find: "miro flowers" dinnerware

Go bold with your dinnerware!  The perfect example?  The "Miro Flowers" dinnerware collection by Diane von Furstenberg for Bloomingdale's.  Not only are the bold vibrant colors eye-catching, but the unique shapes of the pieces are artfully inspiring.

sailor chic

Check out these nautically-inspired interiors...... 

The built-in daybed creates the bunk feel that you find in the sleeping quarters of a yacht.

I love the creativity of the painted floor!  The blue stripes and the compass are the focal point of the room.

The visual interest of the wallpapered ceiling is balanced by the stenciled motif on the painted wood floor. 

The kayak overhead and the wall-mounted oars add emphasis to the beach theme.

A true nautical backdrop to complement the color palette!

The billowing fabric overhead, plus the use of varying blue tones, strongly symbolizes the waves of the ocean.

A custom headboard made of recycled sailcloths makes the perfect statement!

The knotty pine walls are reminiscent of old beach homes and wooden sailing vessels.

via Coastal Living

the colors of money

When you think of the interiors of banks, what comes to mind?  Boring, mundane, dull, colorless......  And why is that, I wonder?  Such a serious subject requires a stale palette?  Well, these lifeless thoughts sure weren't on the minds of the architects and designers that created the Sugamo Shinkin Bank in Tokyo.  Starting from the exterior, twelve planes of colorful resin-coated panels strategically draw the customer's eye upward.  The interior of the bank is just as stimulating, integrating softness and natural light through elliptical glass tubes that descend from skylights.  The colors of the exterior are revisited through the use of a repeated "abstracted dandelion-puff graphic" as well as through upholstery.  Their goal was accomplished - creating a sense of community and friendly customer service in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.  I don't know about you, but this bank is somewhere that I would transer my funds!  Maybe even hang out for a minute or two.........

Click here to read the full article from Interior Design Magazine......

friday fun find: talavera fish fountain

Add some whimsy to your garden or patio with this Talavera Fish Water Fountain from Plow and Hearth.  The ceramic handmade and hand-painted fountain is crafted from the bright and vivid colors distinctive of Spanish and Mexican folk art influences.  Driven by a self-contained pump, the continuous flow of water is from tail to mouth.  This fountain is sure to make a splash!  Give as a gift or better yet, keep for yourself : )

timeless texture

There's something about stone walls..............  Their rough texture and sense of exterior bring so much warmth and comfort into a space.  Be it their natural color, painted or used minimally, the character of the natural material is timeless!  I don't think the look will ever go out of style......

above two images via Canadian House & Home

above two images via Living Etc.

via Country Living

via Better Homes & Gardens

via Midwest Living

one posh prison

Ever wonder what it's like to be in the slammer?  Do some time?  To "go away" for a while?  Ok, I know that might sound strange, but you really can do the time without doing the crime............  The Liberty Hotel, located in downtown Boston, was once known as the Charles Street Jail.  Renovated and opened in 2007, the hotel boasts a stunning exterior made of granite, a magnificent lobby, 298 luxurious guestrooms (I know, luxurious doesn't really seem like a prison term...........), fine dining / drinking establishments (CLINK, Alibi, Scampo, Liberty Bar, The Yard, and Catwalk), and more.  Who knew prison time could be this exhilerating?!?

Exterior

 

Lobby

Guestroom

CLINK

Alibi

Liberty Bar

The Yard

bold bookshelves

These vibrant bookshelves provide just the right punch of color needed to liven up these spaces.  You can get the look, too!  Simply take an old bookshelf and paint it in a bold, daring color!  Take it a step further and use lacquered paint for an extra shine.  Helpful hint:  Be sure to use the correct paint finish for the material you're working with.

via Elle Decor

big love for small islands

One item in the kitchen that I will never live without again?  The island.  Kitchen islands are a god-sent.  They provide an additional worktop, as well as extra storage for whatever fits your lifestyle.  Don't think you have enough room for an island?  As proven in the next couple images, you don't need a ginormous island to provide the storage benefits that you need.......

Correctly labeled the "lean green storage station," this little baby sure packs a big punch.......

It features a spice rack organizer mounted to its side, along with space for cooking utensils.....

.......a wire towel drawer mounted beneath the countertop stores towels, dishcloths, potholders, linens, etc........

......cutting boards have their place in this side holder......

...........and a hanging organizer keeps paper towels and rolling pins just a reach away.  Pastas, beans, rice, and other dried products are neatly stored in jars in a sliding drawer.

And presto!  Big storage in an itty bitty island : )

And just a few more ideas...............

Take an existing piece of furniture, mount some add-ons (paper towel holder, hooks for utensils, etc.) and you have yourself an instant island!!!

Baskets hold those everyday necessities........

Pull out a cookbook in a pinch..........

Keep your dishware in a convenient pull-out drawer.......

images via Better Homes & Gardens

friday fun find: flamingo stools

I can think of so many ways to use these new Flamingo Stools from Crate & Barrel...........create colorful side tables in the family room, use them as extra seating at your dining table, provide an extra punch of color as nightstands, or prop them poolside for those festive cocktails!!!  They come in a variety of vibrant colors and are lightweight for easy mobility.  I'll take one in every color, please!!!

flea market phenomenon!

Short on cash for renovating your bathroom this year?  Turn to flea market finds for your update!  An elongated trestle or sofa table can provide ample room for a double bowl vanity.  You can get very creative in your mirror choice as well.  Search for some great shapes, or colorfully framed mirrors that are made from unique materials (ie. wood, metal).  Accessorize with some rustic shelves, antiqued furniture, baskets for storage, as well as any other great finds!

via Better Homes & Gardens