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

the spittal by drummonds

This is a photo advertising Drummond's new Spittal freestanding period shower enclosure, which is quite classy and elegant!  However, what caught my eye in this photo are the decorative plates in the background.  The compositions are really interesting - twelve individual plates each hold a small piece of the puzzle that create one larger image...

via Trendir

Here are more photos of the freestanding shower.....actually very exquisite......

via Drummonds

go retro!

Can you define what gives this kitchen its retro edge?  The color combination of bright white with a bold accent color, the retro-style appliances in a vibrant shade, milk glass pendant fixtures, and the leather covered stools are dead giveaways.....

via Coastal Living

Get the look!  The 50's Retro Style refrigerator from Smeg USA will give your kitchen that retro charm.  With a large variety of colors, you'll be sure to find one that coordinates with the color of your choice!

friday fun find: furniture origami

For all you designers out there that need to quickly mock up a room, here's your chance!  You can just whip out your Furniture Origami Set from fredflare.com and go to town!  Create sofas, tables, chairs, shelving, etc. using colored sheets of paper and the how-to-guide.  And for all you non-designers, you can just set to impress with your newly developed origami skills : )