New for Spring Decorating

I was sourcing some wallpaper for a client and came across so many great ideas that it spawned the need for a post about what's new for Spring decor.

If you have an aversion to wallpaper because it conjures up images of your grandmother's tiny floral print wallpaper all over the house - get over it!

The new wallpaper's that are out there are printed on paper that is easier to install and some are removable (for renters and non-committers).  

The advancement of digital imaging has infiltrated all aspects of design including walls.

These wallpapers imitate the look of metallic cork (left), the Canadian Shield rock formations (top) and the look of textured grasscloth on a vinyl  (aka commercial grade durability).

I'm also excited to see what's on the horizon for outdoor furniture.

I came across these at one of my supplier's and I just love the unique shapes.  

This chair comes in several bright hues and a coordinating footstool to dress up any backyard.

If bold colour isn't your thing, 

check out these great options in outdoor furniture.

Can you believe the amazing designs for outdoor rugs!

Another thing I'm excited about seeing more of is COPPER.

It goes really well in the Industrial - Rustic - Reclaimed look that's very appealing to so many people.

I love the mix of burnished copper with polished and sections of brass on the table top (right).

Goes well with leather, cowhide, forged iron and all kinds of interesting wood pieces I'm seeing out there.

This is just some of my findings.

I will have to do a few of these posts to capture all the new Spring decor I'm loving right now.

You'll have to contact me to get the deets on these goods for your space.

Summer Homes

Another very hot day today so I thought I would bring you a peak into some Interior Designer's summer homes.  These spaces prove that even with casual living you don't have to give up good design.  Given these are mainly weekend getaways and summer retreats, they provide a way to experiment with your creativity because they are not for everyday living.  Starting with the right fabrics, materials, and furniture pieces for the space ensures that all rooms are fully useable.  You'll notice the designer fabrics on the upholstered pieces in these rooms, showing that even the most hard-working materials can be beautiful, and in some cases eco-friendly too.

Leslie Klotz home in the Hamptons (next 4 photos)

Powder rooms are the jewel boxes of your home - have fun with colour and texture.

The red chinoiserie style headboards and light fixture pop against white washed floors and walls.

I love this bench and the wall colour - sand and sky hues enhance the casual feeling of the space

Robin Bell's covered patio and outdoor dining space (below) - sangria anyone?

The wisteria covered arbour creates a room-like feeling amidst the garden

Ty Larkins elegant patio exudes European charm

all photos via House Beautiful

Celebrity Pools

This week's hot, hazy and humid weather has me wishing that I could spend my days poolside with a waterproof laptop and SPF 100!  These celebrity pools offer cool inspiration and a momentary escape from my reality.  Stay cool.

Roberto Cavalli's indoor oasis on his Tuscan estate outside Florence, Italy

 

Fashion Designer Cynthia Rowley's Manhattan backyard escape

French ispired view of Ellen Pompeo's pool in Hollywood Hills

design by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard 

named one of the world's top 100 Designers by Architectural Digest

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber's hillside infinity pool in Malibu

Cher's Italian Renaissance style home in Malibu - the view is spectacular!

Check out her new Los Angeles home in the July issue of Architectural Digest

with a completely different look, she calls "ethnic, spicy and romantic"

Another fabulous home by her friend Martyn Lawrwence-Bullard.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher's 1950's Canyonside house in Beverly Hills

what a great place for parties!

Sylvester Stallone's Neoclassical style villa in Miami - does the statue look familiar, yo Adrian!?

Jayne Masfield ordered up some love for her home with a heart-shaped house and pool in Beverly Hills complete with sand and rocks for that true beach feeling.

Which one is your style?

Photos courtesy of House Beautiful (top 4) and Architectural Digest (bottom 4)

Long Weekends...

With the first long weekend of the summer season here I'm already excited about turning my creative energy to the outside of my home.  The first part, weeding and cleaning up the yard, is not so much fun, but once it's done, I can think about enjoying the beauty of the flowers and greenery, cocktails on the patio, and leisurely barbecues to come.  Until my backyard is where it needs to be, I will have to enjoy these gorgeous outdoor rooms recently spotted on House to Home UK

Happy Long Weekend!