What I'm Reading Today

While in the airport yesterday I picked up the latest copy of Domino Magazine, special edition Small Spaces.  I thought it would make for an interesting read while on the plane, but a quick nap got my attention instead.  So, today after I've gotten caught up with a few projects, I plan to sit and have a leisurely browse through one of my favorite magazines.  I was so glad to know that I wasn't the only one out there that sorely missed Domino when they ceased publication a few years ago, and was thrilled to have them publish a special edition (now their third), for we who find inspiration in their pages.

 

 

This issue is on newsstands until June!  Plenty of time for you to pick up your copy!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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Make an Impact with Black!

Black is one of those hues that makes any and everything stand at attention.  The key is using it to command the right attention.  Black and white, to me is the most striking; however black paired with any color can yield the most sophisticated and polished results.  It is classic and never loses it's place as one of the most powerful statement makers, whether it be in interiors, fashion, or vehicles of transportation (thinking of cars and motorcycles specifically).  Have you any black in your home?  If not, may I suggest that you explore a place to use it.  It's not just for your wardrobe, you know...  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my Pinterest boards



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Dreaming of Kitchen Organization and Display

I have a bit of a problem.  Actually, that's not necessarily true.  I have a few problems, but the one... two...yes, two that I will touch on today have to do with my addiction to lovely dishes, stoneware, glassware, pots, pans, and just about everything that has to do with cooking, eating, and entertaining...except literally the act of cooking; as well as kitchen storage, organization, and display. 

 

 

Did you notice how wonderfully organized these kitchens are?  Did you notice the very lovely and thoughtful displays?  Long sigh...I could sit in either of these and be just as happy as a clam gazing contently at their loveliness.  One of the things that strikes me instantly is that it's all on open shelving or behind glass cabinets, where I can see everything I need, and see what a great job I did selecting and buying them!  Oh my gosh...long sigh, again!  I have dishes in my attic...dishes in my coat closet...dishes in my pantry...and dishes in my cabinets!  I totally have more dishes than I have room to put them.  I need to stop buying them.  Maybe I even need an intervention?  Nahhh, what would make me so blissfully happy is to one day settle myself long enough to design and create spaces to show off all of my loot.  One day I will, but until one day comes, I will continue to be enchanted by these wonderful images of what I have to look forward to.

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images

 



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A Very Chic Apartment

Here in the last few months I've not had much time to peruse my favorite mags online or in hardcopy; but in trying to find inspiration for an upcoming project, I had to take a moment to see what I've been missing.  And as I suspected, I've been missing out on quite a bit! 

 

 

David Jimenez, vice president of visual merchandising and store design for the Hallmark company, is pinned as the "Mix Master" because of his artfully eclectic, yet very discerning way of decorating his apartment at the Sophian Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

 

It strikes me as odd that I am so captivated by all of the elements in his space and absolutely love it, while my design aesthetic leans more towards the minimal.  You would think that being as I am a little more minimal in my decorations, a room like this would make me feel bit overwhelmed?  It so does not!  It actually makes me want to venture outside of my box and try to incorporate more into my designs.  This aesthetic does take a very keen eye with great attention to detail.  I can see where editing is a major part of keeping this room from becoming "too much". 

 

It really is all about layering elements that complement each other in scale and proportion, as well as color, in order to strike just the right balance.  Natural lighting is truly a rooms best asset!  When you have great natural lighting, you are able to take bolder chances with different color palettes and furniture arrangements.  The use of a neutral palette in this bedroom is soothing and striking at once with the addition of the black leather tufted bench at the foot of the bed, which also provides a wonderful rhythm with the trim in the coverlet and bedding (note the wide trim flange on the euro shams).

 

 

A small kitchen is made to feel larger with high ceilings, again fantastic natural lighting, glass cabinet doors, and lovely white marble countertops with white subway tile backsplash.  I love the taupey/gray wall finish and the open shelving above an open countertop that's perfect for a stool!  I know the rest of the kitchen isn't shown and this probably doesn't matter so much for Mr. Jimenez; but where does he keep food?  Is there a nice little pantry?  I'm sure he probably doesn't cook very much!  Hmmm, nor do I, but I have a family who loves to eat, so food storage is a must!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via architecturaldigest.com



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Metallics in the Kitchen!

Have you noticed the growing trend of using metallics in the kitchen?  I'm actually growing quite fond of this latest move to create a more modern and sophisticated environment in a room that I think is usually one of the last spaces to see such bold statements.  Whether it's done with a paint finish, wallpaper, furnishings, or metal cabinetry like steel, copper, or silver; what an incredible way to heat up the kitchen!


elledecor.com

 

The hammered silver cabinetry adds a warm glow with beautiful marble countertops and floors.  The lighting fixture of brass and opaline assists in marrying this very modern kitchen with traditional elements.



Houzz.com

 

I love this wallpaper!  The entire concept is right on point!  The granite countertop is a wonderful fusion of color that complements so well the wallpaper underneath and the backsplash!  How about those chairs!  Wow!  All of this set against the beautiful dark hardwood floors...



Kelly Wearstler via Elle Decor

 

Okay!  What an amazing centerpiece this is!  A brass island?  Kelly Wearstler is truly a force to be reckoned with and her clients are definitely people who are very trusting and adventurous!

 

So, what do you think?  Is this a trend you can get on board with or is it something that you will wait out, knowing that it will be a thing of the past in time? 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

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Seriously Crushing On All Things Brass And Gold!

I must admit, I've not really been all that crazy about polished silver or chrome.  I know that it has been the finish of choice for quite a few years and I do think that it looks amazing when used for the right application.  But then so does most everything when done right.  No?  I've always favored oil rubbed bronze and the beautiful patinaed brass found in old buildings and homes.  There's a warmth about this finish that just adds so much more interest and character than silver.  Although, I will agree that it is not always the best for every application, but I have found myself using it whenever I could.  In fact, one of my favorite lamps was a task lamp Restoration Hardware carried years ago.  I loved it.  Hmm, I think I need to visit their site to see if they still sell it!  I detest the polished brass the builder used in my home!  Yuck!  I painted my dining room chandelier a dark metallic bronze; placed shades from Restoration Hardware on it, and voila!  A chandelier I can live with!

 

 

Elle Decor via Pinterest

 

Pinterest

 

Julie Hillman Design

 

Pinterest

 

Houzz.com

 

Pinterest

 

Melanie Turner Interiors

 

Pinterest

 

Kelly Wearstler via elledecor.com

 

Pinterest

 

So what do you think?  Is a brass or gold finish for you?  As you can see, you can introduce it into every area of your home in many different ways.  From mirrors, frames, hardware, and decorative accessories to furniture, a wall or ceiling, or an entire kitchen; the possibilities are endless!  I think you should add a little gold into your home... you'll love it and thank me later!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda 



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Color Inspiration: Petal Tones

Happy Friday!  Do you have big plans for the weekend?  I'm going to do a little cleaning, a little relaxing, and meet up with a couple of design friends for a little catching up!  That will take me through to Monday morning, for sure!

 

I subscribe to a blog site named Design Seeds, and receive daily emails of color palette inspirations that I file away for projects.  I love it because there are always color combinations that I've not thought about that are inspired by literally any and everything!  If you haven't visited this site, you should!  They make coming up with a color palette the easiest part of the design process.  The color inspiration today is Petal Tones and it is so soft and lovely.

 

Design Seeds

 

 

Suzanne Kasler via Pinterest

 

This room, designed by Suzanne Kasler, makes me want to curl up on the softly upholstered velvet sofa and read a great book or take a lingering nap!  The entire room is incredible.  Any room that gets great natural light should be amazing and when they are framed with draperies as gorgeous as these, what else could be better!  I mean truly, lighting is the most important element!  Everything else should be the icing on the cake! 

 

 

via Tumblr

 

 

Instagram via Pinterest

 

 

Windsor Smith via House Beautiful

 

Windsor Smith created a delicate jewel box look using the same fabric for the bed covering, wall, and canopy.  What an enveloping feel!  The gold starburst mirror has a brooch appeal, pinned nicely.  I love the silhouette of the chaise at the end of the bed; wrapped beautifully in a plush salmon velvet.  It reminds me of one of my jewelry box interiors; and how it is lined in the same wonderful fabric.  It's so feminine, and I always feel so special each time I open it to take pieces out and replace them at the end of the day.  It's those little details that go a very long way in creating an experience.

 

 

via Pinterest

 

 

via Kate Spade

 

 

via Pinterest

 

The chandelier is totally the show stopper in this butler's pantry!  Notice how the light reflects off the glass cabinet doors and stainless steel backsplash; it makes the space sparkle inspite of the dark cabinetry!

 

 

via Pinterest

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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Design Influence: Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler is not to be taken lightly!  She is in my opinion a risk taker, a creative genius; a designer with an eye for creating layers and compositions of elements that are at once startling and yet enchanting.  You either get her work and love it, or you don't and find it more than unusual.  I am of the former!  I am so taken by the creative confidence she approaches all of her projects with.  In the most recent Elle Decor, she states "I'm not an intellectual designer."  I'm a very emotional designer.  I listen to what my client says and then I take it to heart." (Elle Decor, Shadow Play, 2012 online).  I love that!  Every room, every space has it's own emotion, and that emotion is expressed in the elements that are selected to inhabit the environment.  The following images are of an 11,000 square feet, Mercer Island, Wa. residence, where the couple collaborated with Kelly to infuse the bold and glamorous design aesthetic she is known for the world over.  Simply beautiful!

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

*Elle Decor



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