Design In Five: Spicer and Bank

For today's version of Design In Five I bring you the very talented Allison from the blog Spicer + Bank.  Allison is currently living in Singapore, soaking up those experiences to add to her already refined design style.  Take a look at her fabulous ideas:

***************************************************************************************************

Hi, Allison here from Spicer + Bank, I am so happy to be here today on HausDesign sharing my five favorite design additions! These are my essential elements to bring chic style to an otherwise plain interior . . . plus, they are all affordable ways to refresh a tired space!

{1} Statement art - I love how one bold and colorful piece of art can enliven a room. It also can be a lovely source of color inspiration to start designing around!

{2} Something with history - I always look to add at least one antique or vintage piece, it adds such personality and lends a bit of patina to the whole room. I adore this worn leather chair - so inviting!

{3} Piles of books - I love collecting books and I love how they looked all stacked up as much as I love reading them. Books on architecture, travel, design, and gardens are my favorites.

{4} Mirrors - it's always wonderful to add a little bit of shine and reflectivity. Mirrors amplify light and I especially like the look of vintage mirrors like these. 

{5} A burst of unexpected color - a hit of rich color adds so much energy! These aqua chairs are a perfect example - I love this kitchen because of them!

{images via 1. 2. 3. 4. 5}

Thanks so much for having me Barbara, this was so much fun to put together!

XOXO 

*******************************************************************
Fantastic ideas Allison! 
I love the dose of unexpected color, and the notion of bringing in something with history - how true that a room looks truly empty when everything is brand new. 
This is a fantastic collection of five design ideas.  Thanks so much for participating!

Updates on Linen Haus and More...

Hi Everyone!  Thanks for bearing with me on my non-design related posts the last couple of days...big changes are afoot so I wanted to share them with you all...I promise we'll get back to (fun) business here starting tomorrow - but today a few miscellaneous topics:

HausDesign

You all have been so patient and supportive of my upcoming opening of Linen Haus -- thank you!  As some of you know I had originally planned to open my online boutique in November; however, I'm putting that on hold until we are settled.  I'm excited to get started but when I open I want to give it "my all", so doing it after we are stateside makes more sense.  You can view most of the inventory here for now: 

http://pinterest.com/hausdesign/linen-haus-online-boutique/

More on that upon my return to the US!

I'm so glad you are all enjoying the Design In Five series!

It has been so fun to see what each contributor comes up with and the creativity has been outstanding...what talented bloggers you are!  :) 

You can see the posts so far here, here, here , here and here...with one more planned for next week. 

Let me know if you're interested in participating - I'd love to have you!

sundayinbed.tumblr.com

We plan to completely "unplug" during our vacation in Asia, so that means absolutely *no* (gasp) blogging!  If you're interested in guest posting during that time please let me know...

Otherwise it will just have to wait until late February...

I hope you all will come back when I return -- I promise to return with all kinds of new design inspirations, travel stories, etc.!

via citified.blogspot.com

That's all for now. Wishing you all a wonderful day in a beautiful space like this one!
Thanks so much for reading.

Design In Five: Wishful Thinking

Today's Design In Five guest is a fantastic blogger currently living in England.  Meghan's blog Wishful Thinking is a regular blog stop for me - I love her sense of style and her sense of humor!  We share a mutual love of travel and design, so we quickly hit it off when our paths crossed in blogland.  Let's take a look at Meghan's great take on Design In Five:

************************************************************************

From the moment Barbara first started this series, my mind has been churning with what elements I would pick for my ideal room! I initially started with about 15 elements but after some careful (and torturous) culling, I have finally managed to narrow it down to 5! So I'll let you see for yourself before I change my mind and add another 6 to the list!

1; 2; 3; 4;

Travel

I don't know if this is a design element as such but travelling is a huge part of my everday life - even when I am not travelling I am planning my next trip. My home would not be complete without these memories so I make sure that I am surrounded by maps and photos of places I have visited and cheesy trinkets I have collected along the way.

1; 2; 3; 4

Doors

I know that I am just one of many bloggers who share a fascination with ornate doors. Sadly, I think this is one design element that is often overlooked in overall designs. Since doors are generally the first thing that you see when entering a room, and one of the last things you see when exiting a room, they are just as important to me as a fabulous piece of furniture. Don't even get me started on door furniture... 

1; 2; 3; 4

Texture

A bit of depth can do wonders for a space. I am not talking about anything too crazy like textured walls (although they are amazing) or shaggy carpets - even something as simple as a tufted velvet chair or a battered rough timber coffee table can totally transform a space. Personally, I couldn't live without thick knitted woolly blankets and woven baskets which line every available space in my home!   

1; 2; 3; 4

Lighting

An obvious choice I know, but this is probably one of my most important elements in a room. A badly lit room will literally have me running for the hills! My idea of the perfect lighting consists of abundant warm table lamps, twinkling fairy lights and soft candlelight. I also wouldn't say no to a bit of 'statement' lighting (like those mason jar lights above)!

1; 2; 3; 4

Layers/Details

I'm certainly not a minimalist gal - I like heaps of organised clutter! It makes dusting a huge chore but I believe it is important for you to surround yourself with all the bits and pieces in your life that you love. I also love the fact that you can chop and change the objects in a vignette to suit your mood or season, nothing has to be permanent!

Thanks very much for having me Barbara!

I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with throughout the series!

***************************************************************************************************

Pretty amazing, right?

I definitely believe that travel is a design element and you know she got me with the doors!  I love the way she did collages for her design points...great idea.  And the layering - so key to making a room interesting and personal.  Nicely done.  I think you did a fantastic job - thanks so much Meghan!

I'm also excited to share that Meghan recently bought one of my products from Linen Haus.  She wanted something special to remember her time in England, and this vintage poster about the English Channel crossing fit the bill. 

Needless to say, I am thrilled that I could help!  :)

And...last but not least: 

I alluded to some big news recently, and I can finally share it tomorrow. 

Check back then for some fun updates!

Design In Five: Wilson Kelsey Design

To start the new year off right, we have not only one guest for the Design in Five series, but two:  the fantastic design team of Sally Wilson and John Kelsey, of Wilson Kelsey Design.  I learn so much from John and Sally's blog about New England design - blending traditional decor with a fresh perspective - not to mention great writing!  I was excited when they said they would like to participate because I knew they would bring a unique perspective, and they didn't disappoint.  In additional, all of these pictures are of their original work, so we can all learn directly from the source!  Take a look at their ideas:

************************************************************************

Sally and I were thrilled and honored when Barbara asked us to be part of her Design In Five Series. My first impulse and thought was, “WOW! This is the equivalent of the kid in the candy store! LOVE IT!!! I can do anything I want! Cyberspace Show House! Room of my Dreams!” Then Barbara’s questions became very hard very quickly… There’s so much to consider when you design a room! But ultimately, Sally and I winnowed it down to these 5 Points – the aspects of a room’s design that emotionally resonate with Sally and me. The ones we use to tell a room’s story.

1.      Millwork and architectural detail
2.      Lighting
3.      Color
4.      Fabric
5.      Artwork

Using examples of our work, we’ve illustrated these points.

Number One: Architecture. If a room is basically sound, but it needs personality, then millwork and architectural detail will give a room context and style. It is the stage upon which the rest of the room plays out. Design a great room architecturally, and everything you add will be so much more successful.

Wilson Kelsey Design: Custom millwork and crown molding in dining room.
Photo: Laura Moss

Wilson Kelsey Design: Custom millwork and crown molding in master bath.
Photo: Laura Moss

Wilson Kelsey Design: Custom millwork in library.
Photo: Michael Lee

Second: Lighting. Lighting creates mood and emotion. Lighting can make or break a room’s design, no matter how well the room is done. We see everything based upon the lighting we have, whether natural sunlight, reflected light, or artificial light. I really feel let down when I see a new home with rows and rows of recessed down lights. That is not the way to make people feel comfortable in a room. It is with sconces, lamps, both table and floor, and candles that we feel connected to our environment. Somehow it is related to the thousands of years that mankind lived by natural daylight and candlelight. By changing the style of lamp you choose, you can support the style of the room. There are great modern table lamps and great antique ones to choose from.

Wilson Kelsey Design: Antique chandelier in dining room.
Photo: Laura Moss

Wilson Kelsey Design: Louis XVI style sconces in living room.
Photo: Michael Lee

Wilson Kelsey Design: Antique table lamps in foyer/reception hall.
Photo: Rick Mandelkorn

Third: Color. The room will be perceived by its color – whether white or pink! Color can be a neutral backdrop or it can take center stage. So much of it depends on the story you want the room to tell – and how loudly you want the room to speak… Sally and I love working with color, and we always start our design process by designing toward “feelings”. The right design, and the right color, come from our understanding of the feeling the client wants to create. Is it warm and cozy? Or is it fresh and casual? Is it formal for X room and casual for Y room? Is it sedate, or is it energizing? Whatever adjectives our clients come up with, we relate our experiences to that.

Wilson Kelsey Design: Neutral fabrics. It’s all about the view.
Photo: Rick Mandelkorn

Wilson Kelsey Design: Richly layered colors and textures.
Photo: Laura Moss

Wilson Kelsey Design: Blending strong wall color and fabrics.
Photo: Eric Roth

Fourth: Fabric. The choice of fabric continues the storyline of a room, but in a different way – through pattern, texture, etc. Furniture is a given, but the fabrics you choose to cover that furniture can establish the character of the room. That is where the adjectives come to life! Fabrics can make a room feel formal, or casual. They can be tactile, or a visual feast. (silk versus chenille for instance.)

Wilson Kelsey Design: Contrasting patterns, tones and textures add richness.
Photo: Rick Mandelkorn

Wilson Kelsey Design: Lush silk velvet on recamier contrasts with floor and fern.
Photo: Sam Gray

Wilson Kelsey Design: Needlepoint parrot, multiple fabrics and tassels.
Photo: Rick Mandelkorn

Five: Artwork. Artwork is the eye candy, where there’s an opportunity to conclude the story with an exclamation point. This, also, can help the descriptive adjectives to complete the statement. Is the artwork formal or not, and how does it contribute to the room? It helps to establish focal points, resonance, color, personality and completeness. Framing is especially important. The right framing and matting for the pieces as well as the room can make all the difference.

Wilson Kelsey Design: Antique tapestry graces a grand foyer.
Photo: Michael Lee

Wilson Kelsey Design: Antique oil compliments colors in the room.
Photo: Michael Lee

Wilson Kelsey Design: Contemporary oil draws you into the room.
Photo: Eric Roth

Both Sally and I often find ourselves drawing parallels between interior design and a symphony orchestra. Both are composed of different parts, each fulfilling different and ever changing rolls over time. Both done well can cause goose bumps, gasps of delight and applause. Both have encores.  In the case of a well designed room, you keep coming back for more.

 

Wilson Kelsey Design: French villa style living room, in construction.
Photo: John Kelsey

Wilson Kelsey Design: French villa style living room, progress photo.
Photo: John Kelsey

Wilson Kelsey Design: French villa style living room illustrating the Five Points.
Photo: Laura Moss

We’ve had a lot of fun putting his post together. It challenged us to stop and think very carefully about how we go about designing a room. We learned a few things about ourselves. Thank you for that opportunity, Barbara.

Cheers,

John and Sally

 ********************************************************************************

It was my pleasure giving you both the opportunity - thanks so much for your ideas!

I especially loved their points about adding millwork and architectural detail to a room. 

And how amazing was it to see how that French-inspired room came to life??  Stunning.

I'd love to hear what you all thought about John & Sally's perspectives on Design In Five!

Design In Five: The Vintique Object

Today I am so excited to bring you Camille from the blog The Vintique Object for the latest installment of Design In Five.  Camille has a fantastic sense of humor and a totally unique sense of style that I find so refreshing, so I'm sure you're going to love her perspective here today!  I won't make you wait any longer...here's Camile!

**************************************************************************

via

Barbara's idea design in five really got me to think about my favorite elements in design.  Talk about difficult to narrow it down to five!  And talk about extra difficult to find a picture that includes them all. (The above is the only one that does!) 

So, without further ado, here they are:

1)  Wood, preferably an antique.

2) Mirrors

3)  Something black.

4) Lamps.

5)  Branches, plants, or flowers.  (Especially green!)

<><><><><><>

via

 I just love the warmth and earthiness it provides in an interior.  And if that wood happens to be antique, it adds instant character and a sense of history to a space.  I place wood at the very top of my list because it's a deal breaker for me.  If a room doesn't have some form of wood, natural or stained, I tend not to like it.  I should mention that bamboo shades, a natural fiber rug, leather, can all stand in for wood to make me happy.

via

Let's talk about mirrors.  I have one in every single room of my house, sometimes two, and it's not because I like to gaze at myself in one.  I love the sparkle and the light they add to a space.  All at once, mirrors make a room feel bigger and brighter.  What's not to love about that?

via

Every room needs a little black for contrast and for a bit of modern edge.  Also, black just grounds things.  While I can see the appeal of an all white room, I can tell you that it does nothing for me.  I'll take grounded over ethereal any day of the week!

via

Lamps...let's just be plain about it:  Overhead lighting flatters nothing and no one.  I love the pools of warm light lamps give off when placed around the room.  Two lamps, in a room are great.  Three are better.

Branches, plants, or flowers.  The above photo says it all. 

It's worth mentioning that I've been at this blogging thing for almost a year now, and I can tell you that until recently, I would not have been able to identify the above five elements.  

I credit reading design blogs and magazines, Pinterest, and analyzing what I don't like about interiors for being able to identify the five, and even then it was a challenge!  So much so, that in my next blog post, I'm going to add the four items which were hard to leave off this list (many of which are in the above photos).

Thanks for having me, Barbara!  I always enjoy a challenge like this, and you know I love your style!

**************************************************************************************************
Well done Camille!
She's so much fun, right?  I love her style and hope that you enjoyed her picks.  
I should have mentioned before that Camille also has an ongoing feature where she analyzes how to beautifully photograph interiors which I have found SO intruiging - I think you will too.  
Please stop by her blog and say hello!

Guest Post: Roses and Rust

Today for the Design In Five series, Sharon from Roses and Rust blog is sharing her beautiful ideas.  I have been enjoying Sharon's blog, and her friendship, so much since I discovered it a few months ago.  The quiet elegance in her decor choices, inspired by her beautiful surroundings in South Africa, are always pleasing to the eye.  South Africa is also one of the most beautiful (and interesting) places I have ever visited, so I love hearing/seeing what is going on in that part of the world. I'm so happy to be able to share her perspective with you today!

*****************************************************************************

Thank-you Barbara for asking me to participate in your "Design in Five" series. It is such a fun idea although I have to admit it was a lot more taxing than I thought it was going to be! Trying to limit myself to five items to add to a room was no easy task.  I eventually resorted to using the the first five letters of the alphabet and this is what I came up with....

 stands for Armoire.  I toyed with art or antique, but eventually settled on armoire. I think the first thing I would add to a room would be some sort of focal point and an armoire fits this bill perfectly. As it is usually quite a large scale piece of furniture, and often quite decorative, it immediately draws the eye. It is also very practical as it can house the TV, act as a drinks cabinet, a bookcase or a display cabinet for decorative items.

Via Design Chic

Via Pinterest

Via Cote de Texas

Via Desde My Ventana

stands for Baskets and Books. (I couldn't choose between them which so I'm going with both). I love the casual feel that baskets add to a living room and they can be used for a myriad of different purposes. Holding firewood, magazines, spare cushions or blankets, sea shells, pine cones or even left empty. Lidded baskets can be used as side tables or coffee tables. Baskets can be placed underneath tables or on top of tables. They can be used as trays and holdalls. They are totally indispensable to me - I think I have them in every single room in my house. Books are also a necessity for me in most rooms. They can be purely decorative, they can add a splash of colour to a neutral interior, they can work as props for decorative items and they can provide reading entertainment for family and friends. They also give one some insight into the personalities and interests of the family that live in the home.

Via Belgian Pearls

Via Eclectic Revisited

All via Pinterest

Via Tumblr



Via Remodelista

Via Beatrice Banks

is for Candlelight. There is nothing quite like the glow of candlelight. It creates a wonderful atmosphere in a room. It also creates magical pools of light and shadow. It creates beautiful effects on reflective surfaces and the scented versions give off wonderful perfumes.  Candlelight glosses over all imperfections and can make the most ordinary room seem beautiful.  Whether the candles are placed in an ornate and precious antique candelabra,  a tarnished junk-shop find or a simple tea light in a glass jar, they are definitely a must-have item for me.

Via An Angel at my Table

Via Pinterest

Via Pinterest

Via Tumblr

stands for Decorative Item. These are the things that I love and like to look at. It may be a single item like a beautiful urn or statue or a collection of things that I have built up over the years. They often  have more sentimental  than intrinsic value.

Via Tumblr

Via Eclectic Revisited

Source unknown

Via Style For Living

Via Absolutely Beautiful Things

is for Easy Living. I'm cheating a bit here as this is not an item, as such, but it is the atmosphere that I like to aim for in my home. I think a beautiful interior has a lot more to do with soul and spirit than with furniture and objects.  Guests must feel they can relax and put their feet up, dogs are welcome to sleep on the sofa, kids can play with their toys on the coffee table. Newspapers and magazines can be visible and coasters aren't essential. No stiff formality for me, thank-you.



Via Casa Decorada



Via Pinterest



Via Garden and Home                                                                  Via Home Hues





 Via Zuhairah Home Interior Design

So there you have it, my "Design in Five" ideas.
Wishing you, Barbara, and all your readers a wonderful festive season!

 Sharon x

***************************************************************************************

You did a beautiful job Sharon!  Thanks so much.

I love the creative "ABC" approach!  And what a great reminder that spaces need to invite people in, not make them feel like everything is off limits.  The adorable lab reminded me of how my own pup adds so much life and love to any room she is in.  This is a great representation of the elegant style that Sharon features on her blog and why I love reading it so much, so I hope you enjoyed it too. 
Stop over to check out her blog today if you can...I think you'll love it.

I'd love to hear what your favorites from Sharon's picks were!