Bring the Heat

It’s that time of the year again. The end of summer…=/ or – the kick off to NYC Fashion Week. The summer might be ending, but these show stopping designs will keep it hot all year ’round. From legendary designers, to new comers on the scene – we’ll get a taste of the best of the best starting September 10th – through September 17th. While Fashion trends surely ripple through industries, they have a huge impact and serve as inspiration to modern design and decor. Let’s take a look at a few designs from my personal favorite, Michael Costello. I found inspiration through three of his gorgeous pieces made for NYFW this past year, check it out and stay tuned for more NYFW and other inspired designs that bring the heat!

1. Black lace,  a mix of textiles bring modern sophistication, sensuality and beauty to the forefront with this unique dress, as well as the Lily Lace Chair by Dror Benshetrir. 

2.  Fun, flirty and colorful. Pinks and blues come together in a melodic way with this floral ruffled gown. Perfect inspiration for Summer/Spring centerpieces like this blue mason jar filled with pink carnations.

3. Polished, elegant and graceful this regal patterned gown in navy blue rocked the runway. Inspiration – glossy blue stencil print on a matte navy blue wall – definitely a royal room!

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Big splash with backsplash

While most people would love to do a renovation and completely change the look of a room by gutting it and building from the bottom  up – we are all pressed for time, and resources. This makes major renovations somewhat unattainable and they seldom get done in the short time frame we so desperately want.  While you might not have a contractor on speed dial, you can certainly achieve the look of a major reno with minor work – with a DIY backsplash. These glass, ceramic, porcelain or stone tile or painted statement walls totally bring your kitchen space to a new, improved and very modern level. Check out the how to  below, and six different backsplash DIY projects that made for a big splash!

Via The Snug

via Ilikekwhatimherring

Chalkboard/Stencil Backsplash via Homed It

Mirror Backsplash via Mosaic Tile Mania

Peel and Stick tile – via the Poor Sophisticate <–perfect for apartments!

Copper penny backsplash via Brit & Co

Photo and glass panel backsplash via Eye Candy

Originally posted here: sixdifferentways.com

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Six different ways of inspiration: Luxe Living Room

How gorgeous is this room? I love pinterest. You type in one word and suddenly you’re bombarded by thousands of spectacular images from pinners all over the world. The key word was “luxe”. And boom — cue in this gorgeous, modern, luxurious yet elegant living room. A mix of different textiles, colors and finishes come together to create this earthy yet gorgeous space. I wanted to see how we could recreate this elegant room on a budget – but still achieve the closest look possible.  Using the six main elements that bring the room together- for the lowest possible price, get this look with our product picks below!  The total came to under $4,000.00. Check it out!

1. Lucida Table – $229.00 via Crate & Barrel

2. Karlee Sectional Sofa in Beige – $985.15 via Furniture Depot

3. Cascada Egyptian Chandelier – $1898.00 via We Got Lites

4. J. Queen Decorative Throw -  $36.97 via Macys

5. Clay Leather Armchair – $745.80  via Decor Price

6. Hi End Accents Mink Faux Fur Throw – $95.10 via Overstock

Original post: sixdifferentways.com

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Taking direction from Mr. West

While some stopped listening after the five minute ovation Kanye happily greeted last night, I continued listening. The reason being, that despite his previous character flaws and memorable faux pas – he is a creative genius. What I got from his speech at the VMA’s last night – was that no matter what the artist is creating in comparison to another, it is still art and should be received and held to the same regard as the next. And that is something to be appreciated, celebrated, and shared. There are no winners or losers when it comes to creation. While it may not have been said as such – this was the intended meaning. I have always been a fan of Kanye – maybe not his lack of a filter, but for his ambition, creativity and dedication to the art. So while I can’t say I am a huge fan of his actions – I am a huge fan of his creative genius. So today, we’re taking direction from Mr. West. Check out six different ways he amplified his talents into creating his family home.

1. A kitchen with cathedral ceilings and pendant lights hanging over marble counter tops creates the perfect ambiance for family get together and holidays.

2. An outdoor/indoor seating area with a rustic feel of wood and brick, brought together by the warmth of a chandelier and cushy sofas with modern throw pillows.

3. An open, airy family room designed with neutral, warm earth tones and accents of black.

4. A beautiful foyer with blends of different textures, marble, brick, and iron, all melded in together for a modern yet sophisticated welcome.

5. And of course – carrying modernism into an all white walk in closet that glistens with sleek, straight lines and recess lighting.

6. The open airy hallways with gothic style chandeliers and flowers placed to provide a subtle touch of softness.

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DIY: Candles

A candle does so much for a room. The color draws attention to a wonderfully put together centerpiece, the luminary aesthetic is warm and calming to guests, and the scents – Lavender, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Pomegranate – and any combination of the aforementioned will leave you feeling serene (even hungry sometimes =) ). They can bring feelings of nostalgia, and warmth to any gathering or holiday event. For this reason and many more I love candles, and I am always looking for ways to incorporate them into all rooms in my home. On my most recent Pinterest adventure, I found the most amazing candle displays, and I’m sharing six of them with you today…

DIY Teacup Candle via Pinterest

DIY Holiday Candle Display via homestoriesatoz – fun fall project, and is sweet smelling too!

Jar Candle Chandelier – love this! via Beautiful Backyards – try this tutorial for a similar look

Turn a non usable fireplace into the main event. ..via tidbits and twine

Seashell Candles via Ideas for Interior

Lace Mason Jar Candle Holders via Etsy

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Fringe Benefits

They say you love it or hate it. I personally love fringe. I think it’s great that it’s trending right now, and I’m taking full advantage of it. I just recently added a black and turquoise shawl with fringe edges to my wardrobe- it’s really hard not to wear it every day. I love it. I’m taking full advantage of fringe benefits – and you should too – while it’s not for everyone Any how – while fringe may be a temporary phase in the fashion world, it has it’s a long lasting charm amongst home decor and furniture pieces…whether its a woven fringe throw pillow with a broach accent – or a Midwestern studded fringed ottoman – this style can be made into beautiful pieces that will make you want to jump on the bandwagon ASAP. Check out six different ways people showcased their fringe benefits!

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Fall into Color

The color forecast for Fall is in – and I’ve got the palette of the top ten hottest colors for 2015.  Brought to us by Pantone – the global color authority for inspiration in design since 1963.  Each year, Pantone surveys fashion designers, retailers, manufacturers, and a plethora of various professionals to create this forecast. Many use this chart as a guide to design their wardrobe and home. Check out my Pantone 2015 inspired pieces below, use one or combine a few to create a fresh fall 2015 look!

Ameethyst Inspiration: Louis Ghost Armchair

Dried Herb & Oak Buff, Athena Rug by Surya available at Inmod

Stormy Weather accent wall, Desert Sage throw pillows

Cashmere Rose Inspired Accent Lamp

Campaign Desk in Marsala

Reflecting Pond Walls with Cadmium Orange Accents via Pinterest

Basic Bay inspired B&G Crackled Porcelin Vase via 1stdibs

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Poetic Justice

Today is Bad Poetry day. I know – who wants to hear a bad poem or verse? But the truth is we’re not all Walt Whitman. I would like to think of Bad Poetry Day as a day that serves as encouragement for us to try to produce a beautiful piece of literature, and if we fall short – it’s okay, because it’s Bad Poetry Day. However, maybe it’s just a reminder to do the greats some justice and put our own pen and paper down and leave this process up to them. While we might not be able to string words together in the magical way Hughes, Gibran or Angelou did – we can surely appreciate their work and make it a part of ours. Here are a few fun ways you can take good poetry, and make it a part of your creative process!

Custom Made Pillow via Etsy

“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolutions.” -Khalil Gibran

Custom handmade Maya Angelou Affirmation Armoire, via Etsy

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away” – Maya Angelou

 

Custom Made Shower Curtain, via Etsy

“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain rest upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby” – Langston Hughes

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Well Valance-d

I am pretty particular when it comes to the patterns and colored textiles that make up window treatments, drapes or curtains. I don’t do ruffles, dark hues or anything over the top. Something light, like draped sheer duiponi blended silks strewn over a metallic rod in two to three tones will usually do the job. When I saw a custom made navy blue and gold cornice valence with perfectly matched geometric patterned drapes, I knew I had to take break some – if not all  of my rules. It looked so regal, and pulled the neutral cream and brown tones of the room together in such an elegant way. And it really wasn’t too over the top considering the navy blue was really dark. The gold shaped accents on the fabric brought balance to the cornice and room. I have been obsessed since then, and consider myself a well – valanced member of society. You can be too, check out a great tutorial here : $10 and 10 Minute DIY Valance/Cornice. Mix or match colors and patterns, with or without drapes – you really can’t go wrong here. Check out some of my fave DIY-ers below!

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Fusion Decor

I am a huge fan of food. I attribute this to my Mediterranean background mostly, at any given time my parents and extended family were shoving food in our faces, forcing us to try things and stay “healthy”. Healthy usually consists of eating multiple times a day, with fruit/deserts after every meal. Multiple meals. Multiple hearty, healthy, large meals. Not that I’m complaining, nowadays I just have to moderate and execute heavy portion control. I do splurge whenever I can. Especially during restaurant week, when the gods of New York City dining establishments create Prix fixe menus and open their heavenly food gates to all hungry girls and boys like myself, allowing us to sample gourmet cuisines and experience the ambiance of fine dining with prices that won’t break the bank. This past week, we went to Asia de Cuba, a place where the majestic spice and flavor of Asia marries Cuban cuisine and produces fantastical love children like ‘The Crispy Calamari‘ a salad composed of banana, chayote, cashews, hearts of palm, dressed with an orange-sesame vinaigrette. The way these dishes are put together is truly religious. From the glorious union that exists on each plate, these perfectly blended flavors jump out to the walls, make their way across the table via place settings, and flow out of the speakers with Cuban tunes that will have you feeling suave even after you leave the building. Not only does Asia de Cuba take fusion cuisine to the next level, they have mastered fusion decor. Down to the chopsticks perfectly placed on top of domino game pieces, here are six different ways Asia de Cuba did fusion decor right!

1. Asian screens enveloping soft, sensual pink lighting creating the perfect ambiance for your meal..

2. Cherry blossoms that spring up from the cafe style dining tables. ..

3. Wooden pendant lamps hung gracefully over Spanish marble

4. Cuban Modern art projects on to the black tiled walls..

5. Family style seating lit up by soft, delicate lights placed perfectly around each booth.

6.  my personal favorite touch. ..the place settings! And of course, the food. =)

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