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Quilted Trend & ELLE Decor Tastemakers

January 18, 2013 · Comments { 2 }

In addition to geometric patterns, classic quilted motifs are trending in 2013. Delivering both texture and pattern, quilted home decor items such as fabrics, sofas and wallpaper are on the rise. Here are a few items the folks at ELLE Decor found setting the trend:

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ELLE Decor asked bloggers and designers their take on quilted pieces and guess what? They ask me! (yippee!) I actually thought the email was spam at first and almost deleted it. I’m glad I didn’t and am thrilled to be included in their Tastemakers’ Take on Trends.

Thank you ELLE Decor – you made my day!

Cristin

Read full story By Cristin on January 18, 2013 in design trends, furniture, lighting, textiles

Client Design Reveal :: Kitchen Design Transformation

October 29, 2012 · Comments { 10 }

Today I’m excited to be sharing a client’s eat-in kitchen that was recently updated. I’ve provided before and after pictures so you can see the kitchen design transformation. It’s quite dramatic.

In the kitchen the counters and backsplash were replace with gorgeous carrara marble. The gray veining is really beautiful. The island originally didn’t allow for seating, so we extended the marble and provided space for three barstools. The base of the island was painted a stoney gray to provide contrast with the white marble.

Other updates in the kitchen included new cabinetry hardware, a pair of pendant lights and an under-mount sink in stainless steel. The cabinetry, flooring and appliances all remained the same.

To maximize the space in the dining area, I had a custom L shaped bench created (with storage drawers of course!). It is topped with a kid-friendly vinyl cushion in a metallic silver. A rectangular trestle table and bright yellow ladder back chairs were also added so that the whole family can enjoy the space.

The family was thinking of moving to a new home, but after the kitchen was updated they decided to stay. It makes me so happy to think I helped a client love their home.

I have more pictures of this clients home that I’ll be sharing soon!

A big thank you to Michaela and Summer for helping me with the photoshoot!

– Cristin

*Photo Credit: PlumLily

Read full story By Cristin on October 29, 2012 in breakfast nooks, Interiors, Kitchen, lighting, storage, tile

Peek into The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show 2012

October 26, 2012 · Comments { 0 }

The Sea Worthy theme at this year’s San Francisco Fall Antiques Show is romantic, nostalgic and adventurous. As you enter the exhibition hall at Fort Mason Center nautical art, ceramics and jewelry welcome you. The first booth to the left showcases Ron Pippin’s, All Night Long He Sailed Upon It. Rustic scaffolding with wooden planks holds hundreds of Pippin’s detailed model ships, while simple (yet haunting) incandescent bulbs light the magical scene.

With nearly 60 dealers from Europe and the United States, the show features exquisite antique, vintage and modern pieces ranging in price from $100 to $1 million. Here are some of the items that caught my eye:

This was one of my favorite vignettes with Emulsion 9 by Giuliano Bekor, 1780’s Louis XVI mahogany chest of drawers and vintage bronze “Aloe” lamp by LA Maison Charles at the Habité booth – I love the vibrant color and bold mix of now & then.

I just loved this sweet elephant and monkey in bronze (didn’t catch the year or artist – sorry!) was displayed is the Kentshire booth 3.

Mallett has an incredible must-see lantern by Matali Crasset hanging in the center of their booth. Crasset transformed the traditional hanging lantern archetype into a piece of art. Paktong, an ancient golden-hued, silver metal, encases 24 mouth-blown glass panes. The lantern is lit by an internal hanging pendant with a mirrored shape, made with hand-blown, milk-white glass.

Industrial lighting hung on a vertical angles lined the booth of Thomas Livington Antiques – a great look!

This stunning patchwork Japanese kimono hanging in Galen Lowe Art and Antiques is a head-turner.

One of my favorite pieces however, was this large camel statue from the Tang Dynasty dated 618 – 907 A.D. Curious to know how much this beauty was listed for? $32,000.

I also loved the nautical- and travel-themed works, such as these framed vintage swim suits (American Garage / booth 8) were also found throughout the exhibition.

The show, benefitting the Enterprise for High School Students is open now through Sunday. For tickets and more information please visit, www.sffas.org

Bon voyage!

Cristin

*all images by Cristin Priest for Simplified Bee

Read full story By Cristin on October 26, 2012 in antiques, furniture, home accessories, lighting, mid-century modern, original artwork, vintage

Serena & Lily Friend and Family Discount Code :: Save 20% Site Wide

October 11, 2012 · Comments { 0 }

It’s the sale you’ve been waiting for. One of my favorite home decor sites and Simplified Bee sponsor, Serena & Lily is preparing for their Friends & Family sale starting later this month. However, they are giving all Simplified Bee readers (& your friends!) early access to the sale (wahoo!). Starting today, October 11th through October 23rd you can receive 20% off your total purchase store wide by using the code: SHAREBEE. From signature bedding to custom upholstery, statement lighting to perfect paint palettes – Serena & Lily offers a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles for you to create a home that reflects your personal taste and lifestyle. The special discount only excludes items from the art collection and gift certificates.
Serena and Lily Friends and Family Discount SHAREBEE