Inspiration Snapshot: Bright & Eclectic Dining Room

I'm loving this eclectic dining room for many reasons! Here's a breakdown of why I think everything works so well together in this small space. What do you think about this dining room?

1. Notice the mirrored wall - floor to ceiling mirrored panels are the way to go when wanting to create the illusion of a larger space (plus they reflect all of the pretty elements on the opposite side of the room)

2. The walls (appear) to be covered in a neutral grasscloth, which is great for adding texture to the space

3. Crisp white bamboo chairs upholstered in vibrant yellow fabric create a nice contrast and pop of color

4. The zebra hide rug anchors the space and gives it a touch of eclecticism

5. The lacquered burled wood table somehow really works with everything else going on!

6. Teal buffet (looks vintage maybe?) is a nice accent piece to tone down all the bright, warm color

7. Framed artwork adds color and makes a great conversation piece

8. Oh, and don't forget that fabulous chandelier!

*****

IMAGE CREDIT: Kimberly Ayres (via Decorati)

Can't Get Enough of Kelly Green

There's something sort of glamorous and regal about the color Kelly Green, especially paired with gold or black. This is one color I have yet to use in a design project, but after gathering together all of these gorgeous images, I'm definitely ready to! The intensity of this color may initially scare some people off, but as you can see in each of these examples, there are many tasteful ways to pull off Kelly green, depending on how much or how little you want to use. What do you think of this color? Have you or would you consider using it in your home?

contemporary family room design by atlanta interior designer Cristi Holcombe

IMAGE CREDITS: 1,2,3,4,6,7 DECOR PAD; 5. CRISTI HOLCOMBE INTERIORS VIA HOUZZ.COM; 8. VANESSA DE VARGAS; 9. NINA CAMPBELL VIA MEND; 10. KELLY WEARSTLER

Quote of the Week

“The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another's, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises.”

- Leo F. Buscaglia

IMAGE CREDITS: 1. WE HEART IT; 2. GEMMA COMAS 3. DECORPAD; 4. FLICKR; 5. WE HEART IT

Timeless Trend: The Bamboo Chair

Trends or fads may come and go in fashion and interior design, but there are plenty of staple items that have proved themselves timeless throughout the years. One in particular would be the bamboo chair, a long time favorite of mine. What's so fabulous about this chair is how transitional it is...you'll find it used in a modern home, traditional dining room, eclectic living room, glamorous bedroom, and everything in between. It looks great painted in a bold color such as lime green or cobalt blue; it also looks beautiful in simple white or a wood stain. Any way you choose to use it, you cannot go wrong - I'm serious! I sell this fabulous chair in my online shop and it's proved to be a customer favorite! And if you haven't payed much attention to this chair, you'll definitely start noticing now. I'd love to purchase one to use as my desk chair in my office...maybe painted in vibrant yellow or bold fuchsia?! Are you loving this timeless chair too? Do you have one of your own?

Before we kick off the weekend, I just want to remind all of you who live in southern California, the Good Shepherd Charity Design House is this weekend in LA! Please click this link to view the official invitation on Facebook. I'll be in room #110 all weekend, so if you do come to the event, please stop by to say hello! Have a lovely weekend :) xoxo - Julie

IMAGE CREDITS: DECOR PAD

Modern Office Inspired by Cover of Vogue

You can find design and color inspiration in just about everything...fashion, travel, nature, people...especially when you're feeling really creative. Yesterday I came across Gisele Bundchen's February 2011 Vogue China cover, where she's wearing a fabulous ensemble from Prada's spring 2011 collection. The vibrant colors and mix of bold stripes immediately inspired me to create a new design board and color scheme for a modern, feminine and chic office. Here's how I pulled the look together...

The Inspiration: Gisele Bundchen's February 2011 Vogue China cover

Creating the Color Palette: Using Photoshop (a designer's best friend!), I pulled each color from her outfit to get a better sense of palette I'd be working with.

Creating the Design Concept: The bold stripes, contrasting colors and slightly ruffled neckline of the Prada ensemble came across to me as tailored and a bit preppy, yet chic, casual and feminine. I wanted to office I designed to have the same overall look and feel. I'm pretty pleased with the result and wouldn't mind moving right in to this bright, cheerful office myself! What are your thoughts?!

SOURCES & DESIGN NOTES: Nautical Rivierra Wing Chair via Room Service! (LOVE this chair!); Ceylon Table Lamp (great for adding a pop of sunshine to your workspace!); Pranafication high gloss laminate art (this whimsical piece breaks up the geometric patterns and ties the color scheme together); Jonathan Adler Channing Desk (sleek, modern and 100% chic!); Jonathan Adler Walnut Claude Etegeire Set; Chevron Black Rug; Palm Springs Block Print Pillow in Pink by Trina Turk;  Small Regal Urn in Green (which would look great displayed on the etegeire with books and accessories!).

Shop the Look - Erika Brechtel Style

Erika Brechtel, owner of small shop [a brand styling studio], has an incredible eye for color and style, especially when it comes to fashion, interiors and graphic design. After Erika spent some time perusing my shop last night, she became inspired to create several different looks for the home, using the products I sell. What she came up with blew me away, which is why I'm directing you over to her blog, shop talk, to check out today's post! I'm so inspired by way she combined different prints, finishes and styles to create (4) fabulous looks for the home. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

{via: shop talk blog}