Archive | home accessories RSS feed for this section

Design Trend: Elephant Home Décor and Feng Shui Tips

In the East, the mighty elephant is viewed as a sacred animal. As the largest land mammal, elephants are symbols of power, strength and wisdom. No wonder there is a surge in designer décor items inspired by this majestic animal. I am sure Babar and Dumbo are thrilled!

 Interior Design by M. Design Interiors
Looking for chic ways to incorporate this symbolic creature into your home?  Here is a round-up of some stylish and contemporary home accessories featuring the elephant. And pay attention to the elephant’s trunk and read some interesting Feng Shui tips at the end of this post.
 
 
 
 
 
Two Elephants Rice Pillow by Koko

Ready to add an elephant figurine or pillow in your interior design? If so, here are some fun tips for those who follow Feng Shui principals:
“For good luck, protection and strength to the household, place a statue of an elephant, or a pair of elephants, at the front door,” advises Asian Feng Shui in an article on Feng Shui Elephant Tips. “When elephants are used in such a way, they are referred to as “Elephants of Many Blessings.” These elephants should have their trunks facing upwards as that represents prosperity, good luck and victory, although elephants with their trunks facing downward represent longevity and conception. The direction of the trunk can affect the chi within the space, so it is important to choose an elephant that will bring about the energy you wish to have in your household or office.”
Good to know… now off to check the direction of a little elephant figurine’s trunk.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Read full story By on May 26, 2010 in feng shui, home accessories, interior design

Tips for Styling a Bookcase Like an Interior Designer

The bookcase. It’s functional by maximizing space and aesthetically pleasing by adding height to balance out a room. The bookcase is also not just for books. It is a wonderful place to add treasures that personalize your space. Here are some tips on how to style a bookcase.
A Clean Start
Remove all items from your shelves. Store or donate unsightly paperback books.

The study above,designed by Carrier and Company Interiors Ltd., is a beautiful example of how a bookcases help maximize a space, while adding height for overall balance.
Add a Splash of Color
For visual interest, back your shelves with a contrasting wallpaper print or colorful paint. This gorgeous bookcase by Samantha Pynn
{decorator, stylist and host and principal designer of Pure Design on HGTV} is backed with Schumacher’s Imperial Trellis by Kelly Wearstler  in Charcoal.

Some Up and Some Down

Books can be wonderful home accessories, so showcase the most beautiful ones in your collection. Arrange the books by size, subject and color. Create a rhythmic pattern by placing books vertically as well as horizontally {horizontal books can also act as bookends}. I love how designer, Molly Luetkmeyer of M. Design Interiors arranged the books and accessories in the built-in bookshelf above.
Make it Pretty
Adding objects such as shapely ceramics, decorative boxes, small sculptures, family photos and original artwork makes your bookcase more visually interesting and personal. When selecting objects, be aware of the scale and color. Objects shouldn’t blend in or get lost on the shelves. Here is an example of beautiful bookcases flanking a fireplace from Elle Decor  {May 2008} that showcase more decorative objects than books.  It makes me think that “Bookless” bookshelves may  show up more often as people go high tech and move to the Kindle or iPad to read books. What do you think? Do you like the look? 
Tips for Styling a Bookshelf
*images courtesy of Splendid Willow, Carrier and Company Interiors, Samantha Pynn Inc., M. Design Interiors, Good Bones, Great Pieces
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Read full story By on May 24, 2010 in bookshelves, Design Tips, home accessories, interior design

CSN Stores $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!

Yippee! CSN Stores is sponsoring a giveaway! They have graciously offered one Simplified Bee reader a $50 gift certificate to any one of their 200+ online stores. I love CSN Stores because they offer a wide variety of fabulous items home decor items. Whether you are looking for something to style your kitchen, living room or bathroom vanity, CSN carries it. 

Here’s how to enter Simplified Bee’s CSN Stores $50 one-time use gift certificate giveaway (sorry, but due to shipping costs this giveaway is open to US or Canadian residents only):

• Visit CSN Stores and leave a comment letting me know which item is your favorite (include  your email if you are not a blogger).
• Extra Entry – become a new follower of Simplified Bee™ Blog, follow on Twitter or
be a fan on Facebook.
• Extra Entry – mention this giveaway in a post or tweet and leave a comment letting me know you’ve done so.
• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
• Entry period closes at midnight PST, Wednesday, May 26, 2010 and the winner will be announced Friday, May 28, 2010.

*Note: The winner will be drawn randomly using Random.org, notified directly via email and listed back at this post using first name only.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Read full story By on May 19, 2010 in furniture, Giveaways, home accessories

My Chat with Trina Turk

Home decor lines often follow the trends on the fashion runway. In fact many successful fashion designers have launched residential lines – the iconic Ralph Lauren was one of the first to lead the way. My favorite fashion designer, Trina Turk also comes to mind.

For fifteen years, Trina has created contemporary collections with vintage flair using her gorgeous signature prints. In 2009, Trina Turk Residential was launched in collaboration with F. Schumacher & Co. which also showcases her colorful, playful indoor/outdoor fabrics. The modern geometric print, Santorini in Marine {above} is one of my favorites – its simple, yet bold.

Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting Trina at her Burlingame, California boutique and talked to her about her collections, stores and residential line. When asked what she was most proud of in her Summer 2010 Collection, she said she was thrilled at how the colorways, prints and textures all worked together. And I agree, Trina designed a comprehensive collection that flows beautifully at every level including the handbags, jewelry and hats. My favorites include the silk Talitha Dress {above far right} with the Kaleidoscope print and her statement jewelry.

Trina said she also draws constant inspiration from the multicultural mix and varied landscape of Southern California. Her residential line also pulls inspiration from the poolside lifestyle of Palm Springs where she launched her first apparel store in 2002 .

Then in May of 2008, a flagship Trina Turk residential store opened next door to the original boutique on N. Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Trina is very pleased with the store’s positive reception and success.

The light and airy store was designed by Phil Smith of The Art Office and I had the pleasure of dropping by in April for a tour. The glossy white floors, walls and shelves give the space a chic and modern feel. It is the perfect backdrop for Trina’s pillows and other home accessories that showcase her colorful, signature prints.

In addition to items from Trina’s collection, I found a wonderful selection of items for the home, including unique handmade vessels from Atwater Pottery, cloisonné jars from Fabienne Jouvin, colorful Moroccan poufs and chic housewares from Alice Supply Co. I ended up purchasing a white “I dream of Jeannie bottle” similar to the one above on the right. For a peek at other fun items in Trina Turk Residential, go here.


Trina also said she was thrilled with the success of her Burlingame apparel boutique. We talked about the store’s design by architect Barbara Bestor . Trina was most proud of the carefully crafted custom details including locally reclaimed redwood wall siding and an implied butterfly roof comprised of false beams and mirror {my favorite too!}. The space includes a beautiful mixture of textures from leather, brass and even string used on a custom crafted art wall. The contrasting brown and white floor tile pattern is simple, yet makes a statement.

When asked what was next for her residential line, Trina was excited to announce a bedding line that will launch in 2011. She said to expect bold, colorful prints. I am confident her bedding line will be a big hit – just can’t wait to see it! Many thanks to Trina for taking the time to chat – she is so gracious, down-to-earth and of course stylishly beautiful.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Read full story By on April 26, 2010 in home accessories