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Design Crush :: New York Apartment by Designer Ashley Whittaker

July 8, 2013 · Comments { 2 }

Over the July 4th holiday I had time to catch up on some of my favorite shelter magazines. One interior design project featured on the cover of this month’s House Beautiful, struck a cord with me. The delightful 800 square foot New York apartment was designed by Ashley Whittaker. Multi-functional furnishings, exquisite details and a mix of patterned wallcoverings are found throughout the home. Overall, the space has a feminine feel which is perfect for the owner, a single woman in her 30s. In the living room, Whittaker balances the lavender palette with with touches of gray and black. One of these elements is the fabulous black and white photograph hung above the sofa. The large-scale photograph is also a personal touch too because it’s by the the home owner’s brother, Landon Nordeman.

Benjamin Moore paint - Silver Half Dollar Osborne & Little's Maharani wallpaper for entry Ikea drawers by the bed // bedroom New York apartment

*photography by Thomas Loof for House Beautiful

Read full story By Cristin on July 8, 2013 in Bedroom, bedrooms, cocktail carts, color, contemporary decor, decorating small spaces, foyers, ikea, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, kitchens, Living Room, living rooms, pattern, textiles, wallpaper

Peninsula Volunteers Decorator Show House :: Chinoiserie Foyer

May 17, 2013 · Comments { 2 }

Interior Designer, Mary Linn Coldiron of Coldiron Interiors creates a stunning entry for the Peninsula Volunteers Decorator Show House in Woodside, California. The two-story foyer features beautiful quarter-saw wood paneling, a wall of French doors and a grand staircase. Under layers of paint and paper the original French wallpaper with Chinoiserie bamboo motif was discovered and restored. The wallpaper’s blue hue was repeated in the rug, accessories and wall leading to the second floor. Bamboo furnishings and blue and white Chinese pottery add to the room’s chic Chinoiserie style. In the room’s center, an elegant settee in tangerine velvet is paired with a resting dog statue and charming hoofed side tables.

Not only do I love the Chinoiserie elements in this space, it has a wonderful curated feel. Perhaps it’s because the design is closely aligned with my own aesthetic.

Hopefully you get the opportunity (if in the San Francisco Bay Area) to tour this gorgeous Woodside estate. It’s only open one more week until May 24th, so don’t delay!

And in case you missed it, here’s a tour of the Show House’s Guest Bedroom , Mother-in-Law Suite and Card Room.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Cristin

*all images by Cristin Bisbee Priest of Simplfied Bee

Read full story By Cristin on May 17, 2013 in antiques, chinoiserie, curated look, foyers, home accessories, interior design, Interiors, Uncategorized, vintage, wallpaper, window treatments

Small Entryway Ideas

February 27, 2013 · Comments { 5 }

Entryways can serve many functions. They offer the first glimpse into our homes and are where we welcome guests. For many it’s also a drop zone for such things as coats, purses, keys and mail. If your entryway is on the smaller side, it may take some planning to achieve the function and organization you desire, while still reflecting your home’s style. Before purchasing furniture and accessories, measure the space and take into account your family’s daily routine to see what items would work best in the space. Do you need seating to put on your shoes? Hooks for bags? A basket for mittens? When selecting paint colors or wallpaper for the space, consider taking hues from the color scheme used in adjacent rooms such as the living room. This way your home will have a better flow.

To inspire you, I’ve selected some fabulous small entryway ideas that may consider for your home.

chic wallpaper + simple bench + stacked mirrors. design by Heather Garrett Design

chinoiserie cabinet + fresh flowers + fabulous artwork. photo via Lonny

parsons console + upholstered side chair + basket with lid. photo via Lonny

hooks + shelf cubbie + modern art. photo via Bo Bedre

colorful door + petite console table + fabulous mirror. photo via Pinterest

Happy decorating & organizing!

Cristin

Read full story By Cristin on February 27, 2013 in console tables, Design Tips, foyers, furniture, Interiors, pinterest, Tips/Tricks, wallpaper

My Favorite Posts of 2012

December 28, 2012 · Comments { 0 }

Didn’t this year fly by fast? With 2013 just days away, I wanted to take time to reflect back on a busy and rewarding year here at Simplified Bee. It’s been wonderful and I’m so blessed. To celebrate, I’ve selected twelve of my favorite posts of 2012.