Feeling Squirrely

My dog can't stand them, but I'm going nuts for squirrels these days! Maybe its because lately there have been some fantastic home accessories featuring these little furry creatures. I think if you are a dog owner, you absolutely must put something squirrely in your home... just for fun with your pup. If you're not a dog owner, you should still invite a squirrel into your home with at least one of these accessories. 

Don't think that you don't have to be a squirrel nut to use one of these accessories. You could even be on your dog's side and despise them... but by adding one unexpected piece in a room, you add a bit of fun and whimsy to the space. You catch your guests a little off guard giving them a quick smile. Have fun with your space, and your guests will too! 

Are you wondering where to place your squirrels? Let them peek out from a bookshelf with a vintage print propped up, or use something squirrely as a bookend. The little planters above would look great in a kitchen, and the pillow would be fantastic on an accent chair in your living room or guest bedroom. Framing a few prints and hanging them in your guest bath or kitchen would also be fun! Place these little guys where they are sure to be seen but not right in your face... you don't want to make a squirrel shrine! Let people discover them as they spend time in your home and you'll work with their playfulness.

Throw a squirrel in your room with this CB2 Squirrely Pillow

Jonathan Adler loves squirrels too! He's created some
adorable Squirrel Ring Box and Squirrel Candle Holders!

These cute little planters created Plylones USA let you know when they
need to be watered by the little squirrel that pops up.
When the squirrel is hiding, time for watering! Available at PerpetualKid.com 

Berkley Illustration has a great array of squirrel
prints. I just love the Black Squirrel... so dapper!

Squirrel away your little treasures with this
vintage trinket box from Fruit Fly Pie on Etsy. 

Vintage Squirrel Bookplate from My Sunshine Vintage on Etsy

Share some love for the little guys!
Squirrel Needlepoint by Kattuna on Etsy.

In this blog what else could S possibly stand for?!
S is for Squirrel Alphabet Print by Holli on Etsy.

Carved Wood Squirrel from Penorus on Etsy would
be a great little accent to add to your shelves.

This is a beautiful and playful shot of a squirrel
titled "Peek" by By The Winter on Etsy. 

 Until next time!
Ellenor

The Cat's Out of the Bag...

Since I did a post on my favorite dog home decor items, it's only far to show some love to our feline friends...

Berkley Illustration has some of most favorite art! I love the whimsical portraits he does of animals... just look at these fabulous felines!

This perfectly poised Tall Cat by Jonathan Adler would look great in any home! The lines of this sculpture captures the elegance of your cat with a modern aesthetic.

This adorable Cat Mug available at Fishseddy.com has matching drinking glasses and a bowl for your kitty.

And of course, when you can't find just want you want hire someone to do it! Bark Pet Photography can capture your adorable kitty so that you can make your own personal and unique artwork for your home.

Purr,

Ellenor

Who let the Dogs... IN?!

If you're like me, you love your pooch! Well, it seems that we are not alone. Dog decor has been incredibly popular over the last few years and here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate your furry friend into your interiors...

The Hound Pillow Cover and the Appetizer Plates above are both new items from West Elm featuring the art of Scott Lifshutz

Jonathan Adler always has amazing pieces featuring animals. I just LOVE this little Doggy Figurine... so poised and handsome!

Best In Show Wallpaper by Osborne & Little... I can't wait to use this somewhere in my house! The dogs are actually flocked so the paper has an amazing texture and modern look.

Just as the name says, these Buddy Pillows by Serena and Lily are the perfect salute to your loyal friend.

Another great idea is to make your own dog decor! Bark Pet Photography is a great way to do this. They are a wonderful pet photography company that captures the spirit of your pup and then can help you make it into a gorgeous and unique piece of art for your home!

Now, go hug your pooch!

Ellenor

Its not easy being green.

Monochromatic rooms are a challenge that many shy away from. To me, this is what makes them so fascinating. They are the rare jewel that, when done successfully, can really shine!

What is a monochromatic room you ask? Well, the definition of "monochromatic" is one color; and so a monochromatic room would be one that is made up entirely of a single color. The problem is, designers usually don't like to limit themselves to a single color... there are just too many good colors and combos out there! This makes finding a true monochromatic room very difficult. However, in the world of interior design there are almost monochromatic rooms… rooms that are made up primarily of one color and accented with just one or two extra colors (usually these are neutrals such as white or black). For our case, these almost rooms is what we’ll be referring to when discussing “monochromatic rooms."

So, how does one pull off a “monochromatic room?” The key is to play with patterns, textures, shades, and finishes/sheens of the same color. By playing with these different variables of the same color, you keep a monochromatic room from being monotonous. The kitchen by Miles Redd above is far from boring!

Designer Jonathan Adler, photo from Elle Decor

Designer Meg Braff, photo from House Beautiful

The varying shades of green and their related associations are as wide and deep as the forest. Generally speaking, the color green represents wealth and peace. It is seen as refreshing and soothing, however it is also associated with illness and associated with “institutional” environments. The base color of the shade green greatly influences this association. Greens with a blue base are most popular while greens with a yellow or brown base are neglected.

“Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises." --Pedro Calderon de la Barca [Spanish poet and playwright, 1600-1681]

"Nature’s first green is gold" --Robert Frost

Designers Anthony Baratta and William Diamond

Designer Gideon Mendelson

Green, green, and more green... apple, aloe, avocado, basil, cactus, celery, celadon, clover, emerald, fern, fig, forest, grass, iguana, jade, Kelly green, lime, mint, myrtle, olive, pistachio, Richmond green, rosemary, seaweed, shamrock, teal, tea.

Be green!

Ellenor

Seeing Red

Monochromatic rooms are a challenge that many shy away from. To me, this is what makes them so fascinating. They are the rare jewel that, when done successfully, can really shine!

What is a monochromatic room you ask? Well, the definition of "monochromatic" is one color; and so a monochromatic room would be one that is made up entirely of a single color. The problem is, designers usually don't like to limit themselves to a single color... there are just too many good colors and combos out there! This makes finding a true monochromatic room very difficult. However, in the world of interior design there are almost monochromatic rooms… rooms that are made up primarily of one color and accented with just one or two extra colors (usually these are neutrals such as white or black). For our case, these almost rooms is what we’ll be referring to when discussing “monochromatic rooms.“

So, how does one pull off a “monochromatic room?” The key is to play with patterns, textures, shades, and finishes/sheens of the same color. By playing with these different variables of the same color, you keep a monochromatic room from being monotonous.

Designer Miles Redd, photo from Elle Decor

Red has the widest range of symbolism across the world. Depending on the person and culture that is viewing it, red can symbolize joy, life, energy, and passion, and many others all the way to the opposite end of the spectrum, rage. This wide range of association with the color red could be because it is the most psychologically stimulating color.

In interiors, red is bold and will draw attention to itself no matter how it is used. So the amount of red used and the placement of this color will matter greatly on how others will perceive your room. In some cases, this bold color can draw one’s attention to something you want to feature in the room… or draw attention away from something you want to disguise in the room.

Designer Martha Angus, photo from Elle Decor

Designer Jonathan Adler

A red by any other name... Beet, Blood, brick, burgundy, cardinal, carmine, cerise, cherry, claret, crimson, flaming, flushed, garnet, geranium, mahogany, magenta, maroon, Pompeian red, raspberry, rose, rouge, rouge sang, ruby, russet, rust, scarlet, Venetian red, vermilion, wine

Now its your turn to paint the town red! Enjoy!

Ellenor

Ikat, Ikat, Everywhere!

It seems that everywhere you turn these days you can spot an Ikat. This bold pattern has made its way to fashion, interiors, stationery, and almost every kind of design. But what do you know about this pattern that you love so much? Lets take a look into the history of Ikat...

The name Ikat (pronounced “ee-kaht”) comes from the Malay language meaning "tied" or "bound,” which is exactly how this pattern is made. Using a tie-dye process, the warp or weft threads (the direction that they will run) are tied into tight bundles and dyed before being woven together to create a pattern. A Double Ikat is when both the warp and the weft threads are tie-dyed before weaving. This beautiful textile is typically made with silk, but can be found using all sorts of fabrics today.

Pillows by Fabricadabra

Ikats have a very long history and are found all over the world. The designs vary depending on the region in which they are made, but are often considered symbols of status, wealth, power and prestige because of the time involved and high level of skill required to make them.

The term “Flame Stitch” is often used today in place of “Ikat.” It is my belief that the Flame Stitch pattern is just one variation of the many designs that the Ikat umbrella covers. This term usually describes the zig-zag pattern and is seen as the more simplified or modern versions of an Ikat. It also describes the pattern on the thick blanket that your grandmother probably has.

Interiors by Mary Mcdonald

Bedroom with Flame Stitch Bench from Elle Decor, "Bargello Pillow" from Jonathan Adler

As you can see, designers love to incorporate this gorgeous textile into their interiors. Just using a little bit can make a room pop, like the bedroom above or these purple Ikat chairs!

If you really want to make a statement, use Kelly Wearstler as your guide with how she used her own Ikat-inspired and Flame Stitch fabrics to create this amazing room.

On the other hand, Kristen Hutchins selected a more subtle Ikat pattern to use on this outdoor space to create a modern and serene aesthetic.

Today, the term Ikat can refer to the textile itself, the pattern, or technique used to make it. No matter how the term is used, you know that what you’re seeing is stunning!

Until next time!

Ellenor