Archive for the ‘Browns’ Category

January 22nd, 2013 No Comments

tabletop: try using cutting boards as a placemat at each setting for a casual atmosphere

To achieve the same color palette as our inspiration photo from yesterday with blues, neutrals and woods, try bringing in cutting boards to use as placemats. This usually works wonderfully for casual lunches or dinners. Each cutting board doesn’t have to be the same either to mix things up. Pictured above I have a cutting board that still has the bark on the edge which visually makes the place setting very textural. (I bought this one at abc carpet & home) I just used my plain white everyday white plates, vintage bakelite flatware and navy napkins. The place … Read more

January 21st, 2013 No Comments

Color Palette: Navy Blues and Mediterranean Blues Anchored with Neutrals

I try to keep a variety of colors in the color palettes I feature each week but lately I’ve been posting many shades of blues and neutrals. Seeing this photo from the Hermes Spring 2013 this weekend I just kept coming back to it again and again. It just feels so elegant, easy, crisp and understated. You can read the entire article “The Discreet Charm of Chistophe Lemaire” on online.wsj.com. I pulled out a few Benjamin Moore paint colors from this inspirational photo as a more useful tool if you love this palette for your home. You can … Read more

January 11th, 2013 No Comments

6 emerging trends in kitchen design

Most of the past decade has been filled with images of minimal kitchens with sleek white cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, but over the past several years new trends are slowly emerging into the market of kitchen design. Phrases like “having a soul”, “radiating warmth”, “textural”, “decorative diversity”, and “casual and lived in” may give you a preview of what’s on the horizon.  Here are six emerging trends I’ve pulled out for you. 1. Personalization. Consumers seem to finally want to add a bit of their own personality into their kitchen design and forgo the cookie cutter … Read more

January 7th, 2013 No Comments

color palette: blues, grays, off-white & bleached wood

This is by far one of my favorite color palettes. This bedroom is very similar to my own personal bedroom, though I have a bleached wood wall behind my velvet blue tufted headboard. Chalky white walls and bleached wood provide a beautiful neutral backdrop to so many palettes, but I love the shades of blues and grays with this one. I’ve selected some paint colors from Benjamin Moore to help recreate this look if you desire, or just to inspire. A painted bedside table in a soft gray also breaks up all the wood and adds a layer to … Read more

December 26th, 2012 No Comments

weddings with matthew robbins: 6 steps for successful hunting & gathering for your wedding inspiration

Green is definitely a big focus color for 2013 as well as a return to crisp clean colors. But any color combination or personal objects can serve as seeds for unique and personal wedding designs. Think of planning your wedding as a process of hunting and gathering: You’re hunting for personal, meaningful items and gathering design details that will allow you to bring out the elements you most love about these items. Fresh ideas can come from anywhere, be it an interesting trinket I pick up in a Paris flea market, or a beautiful piece of fruit at my local … Read more

December 20th, 2012 No Comments

owners ken weiner & pam fleischer keep the flame burning at the creative candles company in kansas city, missouri

As usual the owners of Creative Candles, Ken Weiner and Pam Fleischer are right on trend. As Pantone announced Emerald Green as 2013’s color of the year, Creative Candles was already selling and shipping their new color “Emerald” green in their new Metallics line, also consisting of Silver, Gold and Ruby. In the new year Copper, Pearl and Sapphire will be introduced in Metallics- giving you a glimpse of future color trends perhaps?  Founded in 1961 by Duane and Nancy Benton, the Benton’s sold the company in 1998 to two business men, and then in 2005 husband and wife, … Read more

December 15th, 2012 No Comments

i’ll be gnome for christmas, love amelie xoxo

I was talking about a ‘woodland’ inspired color palette all week. Well when I think of the woods I tend to think of gnomes too, and little red top mushrooms with white polka dots. I came across paper-source.com and to my delight they have gnome gift wrap, tissue, bags and stickers! Have you ever seen the 2001 movie “AMELIE” with Audrey Tautou? It’s such a charming French movie and gnomes in her father’s yard play an important part in Amelie pushing her father towards happiness. It’s a witty and feel-good movie for anyone. Why not give this … Read more

December 14th, 2012 No Comments

eco expert danny seo’s favorite gift picks

Eco expert Danny Seo loves this Pine Cone Diffuser in his home line! A perfect gift for anyone on your list and a unique hostess gift too for all those holiday parties we attend. It’s a metal pine cone with natural reeds and pine scented oil to make your home smell perfectly woodland! It’s only $9.99 at Home Goods. Another favorite of his are the Nesting Measuring Cups made from a sustainable and biodegradable bamboo resin in fun candy colors. These cups are only $7.99 at Home Goods and TJ Maxx stores. Pair them with a favorite recipe for … Read more

December 13th, 2012 No Comments

chocolate obsessed? meet Charley and Jessica Wheelock, the husband and wife team behind Woodblock Chocolate Manufactory

Portand, Oregon’s Woodblock Chocolate Manufactory is the creation of  husband and wife team, Charley and Jessica Wheelock. Jessica and I met while working together at Martha Stewart. So many creative people have worked or work at MSLO and Jessica is certainly one of them! They wanted to start a sustainable business so they decided on manufacturing chocolate. Charley, who has a background in industrial design, took classes, they both read books, researched beans and processes. They started the business in their home kitchen; they experimented and tweaked their chocolate process much like a wine maker would. Becoming experts in their … Read more

December 12th, 2012 No Comments

weddings with matthew robbins: a chic neutral woodland inspired color palette will lead to a beautiful and elegant wedding

I love all things inspired by natural environments. During my last trip to Ireland I obsessed over the abundance of ferns growing everywhere. I also love the woodland environments of Northern California filled with lush greens and towering trees. All of those places and things inspired the color palette and the treatment of the following arrangements and vignettes. Keep in mind you can have a chic, elegant bouquet, centerpiece and party even if you want the decor to be inspired by all things wild and lush. I know many times this type of inspiration can lead to feeling like everything … Read more