Carolina Eclectic Interior Design Blog

I Love You, Nate!

2008-08-18T20:01:00.005-05:00

Of course, I mean Nate Berkus. Elle Decor features the redesign of Berkus' personal home this month. It looks so wonderful I just had to take the opportunity to declare my true love for Nate. He has won my heart for a couple of reasons. First, the use of very eclectic accessories and furniture. Second, because of the amazing striped rugs. I don't know what it is with me and the stripes.

Any other Berkus fan club members, out there?

Bel Air Goodness.

2008-08-18T00:17:00.003-05:00

Love this house! The color palette is so yummy. My two favorite parts are the marble fireplace surround, and the beautiful rug in the dining room. This Bel Air home was designed by M. Design. Check out more photos at Girl Meets Glamour.

Artist: Betsy Walton

2008-08-17T13:44:00.004-05:00

Happy Sunday! I'm sitting quietly web-surfing while my boys take an afternoon nap. I stumbled upon a great artist today, named Betsy Walton. Just thought I would share some of her work. Some of these paintings can also be found at her Etsy store here.

The Most Wonderful Tile Ever!

2008-08-15T13:17:00.004-05:00

Besides dealing with flooring when on a design job, I used to sell flooring exclusively. After spending so much time around tile, carpet, wood planks...etc. I'm a bit of a flooring addict. I really feel it can make or break a room, and I can be rather snobby about it. Well, I think I may have found my favorite tile ever,(or at least for now). The object of my affection is from Popham Design. They are handmade Moroccan cement tiles. The patterns and colors are a real visual treat. In the U.S. you can purchase these tiles through Ann Sacks or Walker Zanger.
How could anyone not love these amazing and free-spirited looks? I also love that this tile has its own video! First time I have ever seen that. Check it out, you'll fall in love with it...Maybe I'm just some sort of flooring nerd, I don't know.

popham design from popham design on Vimeo.

Worth The Trouble.

2008-08-15T11:49:00.003-05:00

When I was a kid, wearing hats was off-limits in school. But, I have always been such a hat lover; that I wore them anyway. One of the few things I would get in trouble for was this heinous offense! For these hats from i.d. design, I would be willing to serve detention all over again.

Stairway to Heaven.

2008-08-13T21:11:00.007-05:00

Erika of Urban Grace, posted this stairway the other day; and I must say that my jaw dropped! Wow, these are so gorgeous. I would love to look at this great pattern while walking up and down. After looking at this I was inspired to post more unique and beautiful staircases.

Via Alkemie
I would like to point out that the picture above is a great example of how to display photos along the stairway wall. A design pet peeve of mine is the mismatched frames hung diagonally on the wall. You know what I'm talking about. When frames are placed to match the slope of the stairs. I always find that disturbing when I walk in a house and see that. I know its a trivial matter, but it bugs me.

Via Dwell Magazine

(Lost the source for this one...sorry)

Pantone Stairs via Apartment Therapy.

Architect Mathias Klotz

Via Shootfactory

A Vanity Worthy Of A Princess.

2008-08-12T23:42:00.004-05:00

This just the kind of mirror you need to adjust your tiara.

Via Gray Brandsted Photography.

Photographer: Aya Brackett

2008-08-12T10:50:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone. I'm keeping my post simple. I've been sick since Friday, and still haven't quite kicked it. As I sat down to write something today, I realized I'm too tired to be inspired. So, I thought I would leave everyone with some beautiful images to admire. I especially like the top photo, because its kind of how I feel.
This is the work of Aya Brackett. I love the simple subjects she focuses on, and the soothing colors.

Take In The Moment

2008-08-10T19:14:00.003-05:00

Photography: Delphine Chanet
I thought this captured a sweet part of being a mommy.
Found via: A Cup of Jo

Stylish Irreverence

2008-08-10T18:30:00.003-05:00

This place has a lot of guts! Owner Roland Emmerich's goal for his home was to make it so "When the neighbors peek in, they might want to call the police or something". That's a design philosophy I can approve of.
Found via: Poppytalk and The New York Times.

It So Hard To Say Goodbye!

2008-08-08T00:46:00.004-05:00

I have a confession to make: I am a hard core magazine hoarder. I stash them here, there, and everywhere. Its terrible! For the most part I try to store them in a particular cabinet, but I have to confess that they don't all fit in there. In fact, there are so many magazines; that I often lay in bed at night wondering if the shelves will give out under the weight. So this week I decided I needed to let go of some of my mags. Anyone who has a hoarding problem knows what happens next. What if I need this later? Ooh, this really is too nice to get rid of. Aaahh!
So, in order to make any progress; I'm going to scan (and preserve) some of my favorite pictures. I figure this way I can feel better about finally letting go.

The picture below shows just how long I've been holding on to this copy of Interior Design magazine. February of 2004! This is the home of Alexandra Balahoutis, owner of Strange Invisible Perfumes. I like the combination of glitz, minimalism, and industrial. The top picture is of Balahoutis' lab. It looks like a place you would find a very chic mad scientist.

Okay, little periodical. You have been a trusty friend, but now you can fly away.

My New Hero: Suzy Hoodless

2008-08-05T22:50:00.007-05:00

I'm sure I'm behind the times, but I just discovered Suzy Hoodless' work; and I'm hooked! As former editor for Wallpaper magazine, she obviously has a great eye for detail. Found via Frolic

Daisies In The Storm

2008-08-05T09:47:00.005-05:00

Via Imkemper

Hi everyone. As I'm writing this, there is a tropical storm landing. I'm very glad to say that it isn't very strong, and it isn't a hurricane. So, we are pretty blessed.
Most of us were surprised by the storm yesterday, so everyone was scrambling to prepare. Like half of Houston, I was making a grocery run yesterday; too. I went in mostly looking to buy water, and food for a few days. As you can imagine, the store was hopping. Food carts were crashing into one another, people were pushing others out of there way...crazy! When I finally got to the cash register, I was ready to get out of that place. While standing in line, I looked behind me at the floral department; and couldn't believe what I saw. A young woman in a beautiful dress, picking bunches of daisies! I did a double take. Her gorgeous dress was black with white dots. She had bright yellow leather heels and perfectly coiffed hair. I thought we were at a fashion shoot or something. It was hilarious, to see the dichotomy of chaos and calm, and I was kicking myself for not having a camera!
I wondered, what kind of life do you lead when in an emergency; you need to stock up on flowers?

Wonderful White

2008-08-04T11:29:00.003-05:00

A few years ago, I wouldn't be caught dead saying I liked an all white room. Recently, though; I can't get enough of them! The simplicity and serenity is irresistible. This home found via Desire to Inspire and Peter Murdock, is an amazing example of how to decorate in all white.

The glossy back floor is so dramatic. I'm obsessed with very dark floors, I want some for myself! In my opinion, why this home works; is because it has many textures and details (like beautiful molding) that add interest. (Just my opinion)
BTW, I am sitting and watching the Weather Chanel; right now. There is a pretty decent storm heading right for us. Needless to say, blogging may not be at the top of my "To Do" list this week:(
Hope to be back as soon as possible.

Come Visit Me...Bring Money.

2008-08-01T12:02:00.005-05:00

Despite all the time I devote to this blog, I don't usually use it to plug myself, but today is an exception. This Saturday is the White Linen Night event in The Heights. It is an evening of music, food, and shopping! It will be from 4-10 p.m. and worth the trip. I will be at my booth located at Heights Antiques on Yale. I've been working this week to bring in a lot of new stuff, so come check it out! I will be there most of the evening, so come say hi. My booth is located at the back of the very center isle. Its full of lots of quirky things, basically just like this blog...its hard to miss;) How's that for a plug?
Hope to see you there!

Facebook Pays Off!

2008-08-01T00:07:00.006-05:00

Several weeks ago, Ronda of All the Best; mentioned she had joined Facebook but wasn't sure why. Ironically, I had also signed up for no particular reason; I just wanted to try it. Well, since then I have found a couple of long lost friends and made connections with some of my blogger friends. Eventually, I stumbled upon a group called Mid Century Modern, where I found this little gem! It is the home of Jason O'Malley and J.R. Craigmile. They are the owners of a modern and fun greeting card line, called Handsome Devil Press. Jason also writes a blog for all of you who can't get enough celebrity gossip...I know I really got your attention now:)
Jason and J.R.'s home reflect their modern sensibility and knack for combining color. The white walls are a great background for accessories that have graphic shapes and bold colors. I'm really impressed with the amazing editing. Nothing seems out of place, but it doesn't feel stuffy. I know that is not easy to do.
After such a great find, you all can guess that I will keep roaming through Facebook; hoping to stumble upon more treasures. (Although, I still don't get a lot of the "lingo").

Yes, Please!

2008-07-30T20:39:00.003-05:00

I would love to have some of these furniture pieces! The amazing texture is achieved by painting directly onto the fabric. It is made by an artist and furniture designer named Draga Obradovic.

Found via Labour of Heart.

Purple Heart

2008-07-30T20:08:00.003-05:00

As in, I heart these purple shoes:)

Amazing Inspiration Board.

2008-07-29T10:56:00.004-05:00

This really is an Inspiration board. Every little detail is beautiful. It is from a blog and Flickr site called Scupltress Studio. I'm such a fan of these sites, that I added one of the photos as my "Image of the Week". This photo is also part of a Flickr group called Art in My Home. Check it out, it is very fun. While there, you might see one of my photos taken in Liam's room.

My Dream House This Week: Santa Fe Glass House.

2008-07-28T09:03:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday! Back to work.
When summer comes around, I have trouble keeping my mind on anything other than our annual Santa Fe trip. We only started this tradition two years ago, but its already a "must do" for our family. This amazing house takes full advantage of the beautiful landscape, that makes Santa Fe such a special place. New Mexico really has the most amazing sky and light. Its difficult to describe, you just have to see it for yourself.

Traditional Southwestern architecture and decor is still very prominent in Santa Fe, but this house gives it a modern twist. Despite being very contemporary in style, the earthy and muted colors fit right in with the amazing surroundings.
Oh, I can't wait to get there!!

Found via : Western Interiors.

California Dreaming.

2008-07-26T08:31:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I was reminiscing about a trip to L.A., Mark and I made (before baby). It was the first time either of us had gone and we were excited to see all the sites. Being as ignorant about L.A. as I was, I booked our hotel in Manhattan Beach. Lets just say, its not a short drive back and forth. Fortunately, I got to walk around Manhattan Beach, a little; and really fell in love with its charm. All this to say, that I was thinking about the beach; and wished I could be there about now. I also imagined myself having a "summer home" like this one. Its so California. Don't you just picture Gidget living in a place like this?

I admit this house is a little more on the feminine side, than I normally like, but its very cute. I like the wall display and the casual mismatched chairs.

I can smell the salt air from here. All this fun for only a mere...well I'll let you take a look. (Don't look if you're afraid of ruining the fun).

A Place of Serenity

2008-07-25T12:37:00.006-05:00

I had to share this video from Dwell magazine. It is the home of architect David Ling. He converted an entire building into his own live/work space, and it is unbelievable. I'll admit that he is a bit pretentious, but just turn the sound off if you need to. Two things to take note of:
1. The CRAZY bedroom. I freaked when I saw it.
2. Those glasses! I gotta get me some:)
(Update: I finally got tired of the video coming on anytime I checked my blog. You can still watch it at the Dwell site.)

Wearstler Fabrics.

2008-07-25T00:06:00.004-05:00

Last week I found the picture of the sofa above, and fell in love. Later, I found a Kelly Wearstler fabric that looks very similar. I must have this! Of course, I haven't seen how much it costs yet.

P.S. I spent about an hour trying to figure out where I found both the picture, and mention of this fabric line, and never figured it out. If anyone know, please enlighten me.

PingPong Basketball

2008-07-23T23:13:00.004-05:00

This is the kind of thing that cracks me up, even though I'm not sure why. Maybe because its so absurd, or because it makes me wonder how someone came up with this idea. See the video here, found via Kate Spade's site. I realize this has nothing to do with design, I'll post something else later.

My Dream House This Week (Part II): Cowboy Cool

2008-07-22T09:14:00.004-05:00

Maybe its my upbringing, but I LOVE this California ranch! I have to admit that when I think "ranch", "cowboy", California doesn't just pop into my head; but hey its working! Architect Lloyd Russell combined contemporary architecture with desert living. The large metal canopy that sits above the main structure, serves to control the temperature inside the house. During the day, the canopy keeps out the extreme sun; and at night it preserves some of the warm air around the house, during the chilly desert night.

Looking at the interior, I imagine Georgia O'Keeffe; living here.

Any house that has space for dancing and sitting outside with friends, is just right for me! If only I could get Mark to actually dance. Found via Los Angeles Times and Materialicious.