Masculine Design

Here is a great example of an undeniably masculine room done right. The cool colors in the fireplace stone and the leather chair and ottoman are balanced by the warm colors brought in by all of the wood elements while still remaining neutral and not over designed.

DIY- House Numbers

What a clever way to display your house number!

Dec(orate) The Halls Part Deux

Here is the second edition of our Dec(orate) The Halls posts, (first post seen here). There is just too much fun holiday decorating inspiration out there to be shared in a single day!

Crazy For Custom

It was a shockingly pleasant surprise to read that this beautiful Barcelona inspired home is right here in the United States! Everything from the chevron patterned floors, round windows, and factory doors are beautiful elements of a custom home that we do not have the pleasure of seeing every day.

Industrial Light

This very industrial light fixture hanging over the table is the perfect unexpected twist above this very warm dining area and really spotlights whatever is chosen as the centerpiece.

Hammock Heaven

Although impractical, this fur-lined hammock seems like the most glamorous and luxurious way to spend an afternoon lounging in the woods.

Styling Sweden

Generally speaking, Swedish design is dominated by bright whites and minimalistic touches; however this Swedish apartment breaks the mold with an eclectic styling that surely sets it apart from its neighbors.

Dec(orate) The Halls

With December 1st now upon us, we can unabashedly begin decorating for the holidays. Here are some inspiration images of holiday decor that are simultaneously sophisticated and festive.

Re-Purpose: Crate Edition

Since re-purposing old items is both environmentally friendly and economical, here are some great ways to reuse old wooden crates or palettes that you might have laying around or find readily available at your local swap meet.

McDonalds Revisited

McDonald’s Restaurant recently hired designer Patrick Norguet to re-design and re-image the restaurants in its French branches. The look is more sophisticated without as many wildly bright red and yellow accents that we have come to associate with the brand; and the lighting is a bit more ambient than the obnoxious fluorescents we are used to in the fast food chain. Perhaps we will see something similar to these sleeker designs in the United States soon!

A Little Bit Goes a Long Way

Adding wallpaper to a powder room is a great way to make a large statement in a tiny space. Patterns that might otherwise feel overwhelming are not as harsh against a small wall. Try applying wallpaper only to the area visible from the hallway as an added surprise for guests walking by.

Amber Interiors

Welcome to the bright and eclectic home of interior designer Amber Lewis. I honestly never thought I could be jealous of a house with a 1970's yellow bubble-glass entry door, but Lewis has me sold here. When asked about designing her own home she said, "I think the most important thing is balance: using neutrals on the big ticket items (like a sofa) and then adding layers of bright, poppy colors. I’m the queen of grey or white couches, set on top of a wild-colored rug with tons of bright, funky pillows and textiles thrown around."

You can check out more of Amber's style and projects on her blog, here.

Herringbone High Rise

The view from this Sydney apartment is impossible to deny, but the view looking in is not so bad either. It is amazing what a wood pattern, herringbone in this case, can do for a space. Every individual speck of color from the floor has been picked up in other elements of the room, creating an incredibly warm environment that is balanced out with crisp white and grey walls.

Terrific Trays

Trays are one of my favorite decorative accessories. They can be used almost anywhere for any purpose and can be switched up when you get tired of them or on a seasonal basis.

Designer Profile : John Minshaw

There is something bold and dramatic about the work of London based designer John Minshaw. Although his spaces are somewhat minimalist in nature, they carry a depth and richness that surpasses many of the most opulent homes I've seen in a while.