Monday, January 31, 2011

Let there be light

Source: http://blog.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/widn_blog/archives/2010/12/let-there-be-li.html

H. R. Hiegel Steven Holl Michael Hopkins Hammad Husain (Pakistan)

Remember When Hildi Glued Straw to the Walls?

Who remembers when “Trading Spaces” had designers wrecking up innocent houses every week for laughs and entertainment? Sometimes the makeovers turned out okay. But there were others when designers like Hildi Santo-Tom�s pulled some pretty crazy stunts.
There was the episode when she glued straw to the walls of an unsuspecting couple’s living room, for instance. [...]

Source: http://hookedonhouses.net/2011/01/24/remember-when-hildi-glued-straw-on-the-walls/

G. Albert Lansburgh Henning Larsen Sir Denys Lasdun Vilhelm Lauritzen

Pure Modern: Pick Plywood (13 photos)

Some may poo-poo plywood, but I say it gets a bad rap. Sure, it's not exactly the most glamorous of wood, but what it lacks in pedigree it more than makes up for in budget friendliness. And while it may not work with everyone's style, plywood has certainly found a home in modern interiors. Just take...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/houzz/~3/AgMlGHwOZkc/

Atsushi Kitagawara Hidetsugu Aneha Peter Chermayeff Peter Chermayeff

Moving Pictures


from HN on Vimeo.
Growing up, Sunday mornings were reserved for church, but in the afternoons my dad and I would always sit down for a Sunday movie. In the 80's, before anyone had more than 20 channels or so (Yikes!!) there was usually some sort of "family movie" showing on Sunday. It would be a classic story like The Prince and the Pauper or maybe, Heidi. I can't tell you how eagerly I waited for those films! They were like candy for a kid's imagination! Of course, what I also loved was spending the time with my Papi. Just me and him:) I've been thinking about that a lot lately. 
Now, I realize that all of you reading this don't have the time to sit and share an entire movie with me; (although that would be awesome), so I'm sharing a short video instead! Besides being a movie buff, I love video as an art form. This video, found via Booooooom ; is actually a Japanese add featuring the music of  She & Him . Its fantastic!
Hope it inspires you today.

Source: http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/2010/12/moving-pictures.html

Tony Fretton Robert Gallant Adrian Geuze/ West 8 Gordon Gill

We Have Changed Our Look Back To What It Was

As much as we really liked the new look and the new template for the Blog, we have decided to go back to our original style. The new template made the site far slow to load and the scrolling function jumpy. It also timed out on occasion so folks could not get on. This older template should speed things up and get you to our posts sooner. We know you come here for the content and not the pretty face anyway. So we hope you will continue to enjoy and we will be tweaking things to hopefully make it a better experience. Chuck

Source: http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2010/09/we-have-changed-our-look-back-to-what.html

Marco Casagrande Alexandre Chan Pedro Jose Borrell Preston Scott Cohen

7 Questions for Design Superstars (7 photos)

Is your brain brimming with design solutions that are waiting to be shared with the world? Do you know hardware stores and furniture showrooms like the back of your hand? That's what I thought. Some inspired but deterred Houzz members have been waiting for someone just like you to save them from...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/houzz/~3/JAqEjPa7JmQ/

Hugh Newell Jacobsen Helmut Jahn Benno Janssen Pierre Jeanneret

Houzz Tour: The 100K House Project (10 photos)

In our modern world of houses that are often too big, too expensive and not very environmentally friendly, Postgreen Homes designs a house that is perfectly small, inexpensive, and energy efficient. Nic Darling, partner for the Philadelphia firm, has a refreshing look at affordable housing for those...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/houzz/~3/lIBJtB-44PI/

Steven Holl Michael Hopkins Hammad Husain (Pakistan) Toyo Ito

Big News on the Design Front: Kravet to Potentially Purchase Brunschwig & Fils

Source: http://www.oninteriordesign.com/on_interior_design/2011/01/big-news-on-the-design-front-kravet-to-potentially-purchase-brunschwig-fils.html

Gordon W. Lloyd Leandro Locsin Elmar Lohk Adolf Loos

Sunday, January 30, 2011

The perfect bench mark

I’m currently shopping for the perfect bench to put at the end of the bed in my clients MBR and as I shop around I’ve noticed some very interesting styles and shapes.� I like the idea of pairing a traditional bench with a more modern bed and vice versa.� Take a look at some of [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MaterialGirls-TheInteriorDesignBlogForStylishAndAffordableHomeDecor/~3/DOWe_LhV-Y8/

Louis Kamper Jan Kaplický Oskar Kaufmann Raymond M. Kennedy

Quick Fix: Update Bookshelves With a Coat of Color (10 photos)

As winter keeps winding on (and on), cabin fever can make you downright bored to tears with the state of your home. If you find yourself looking around the place with those wild eyes of a renovator, wait! Don't swing that sledgehammer just yet. Sometimes a quick fix is all you need to freshen up the...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/houzz/~3/YtlxE4lZBqY/

Ivar Lykke Ricardo Alvarez-DiazAasif Ridwan Khan Atsushi Kitagawara

Seawatch: The Coastal Living Idea House

Coastal Living Idea House 09 exterior

Have you seen Seawatch, Coastal Living's 2009 Idea House? I think the exterior is beautiful. I really love some of the rooms, like the kitchen:

Others, like the master bedroom, are a little much for me:

I'm just not crazy about those colors together, even though I realize it's the trendy thing now. And that scary sun over the bed would have to go. (I love the bed itself, though!)

Head over to Coastal Living to take the tour. What did you think of it?

Source: http://beachcottagelove.blogspot.com/2009/10/seawatch-2009-coastal-living-idea-house.html

Peter Chermayeff Robert J. Berkebile Stephan Braunfels Marco Casagrande

Fabric festivities

Source: http://blog.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/widn_blog/archives/2010/12/fabric-festivit.html

Wolf Prix Hani Rashid Lawrence Scarpa Adrian Smith

Cool, Contemporary Wine Storage (8 photos)

Whether the stereotype is true or not, wine cellars are sometimes associated with folks who may be, for lack of a better word, somewhat snobbish. Spending lavish amounts of money on bottles to fill their basement cellar is something few people can relate to. But that doesnt mean that wine cant...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/houzz/~3/BKGFDe8JNMo/

Benno Janssen Pierre Jeanneret Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint Jon Jerde

The Hunted

{This room needs to be hunted down…major hazard to design!}
Not the log cabin type? �The the image above make you cringe? �No worries! �Animal heads/accessories are back in fashion, and not just for that “rustic” second home your in-laws have in northern Wisconsin. �Restoration Hardware in particular has created a line of animal head inspired [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MaterialGirls-TheInteriorDesignBlogForStylishAndAffordableHomeDecor/~3/SxR_YQcLp88/

Jan Kaplický Oskar Kaufmann Raymond M. Kennedy Nader Khalili

Talkback Thames TV call out to interior designers, architects and specifiers

Source: http://blog.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/widn_blog/archives/2010/11/talkback-thames.html

Helmut Jahn Benno Janssen Pierre Jeanneret Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Turquoise Love

I love turquoise. In the spring and summer I fill my house with bright blues and yellows. It just makes me happy. (You could say I'm hooked, which is why I'm linking to Hooked on Fridays!)

So imagine my surprise and delight when Debbie of Ribbonwood Cottage sent me this wonderful old turquoise hand mixer! Why? Just because she knows I love this color.

Debbie wrote me a note saying, "I think blogging is all about giving...after you read someone's blog you begin to realize what they enjoy!"

Isn't that thoughtful? Thanks, Debbie! You made my day. I can't wait to find a special spot for it in my kitchen!

You can see more photos of my family room here. Do you have a color that makes you happy?

Source: http://beachcottagelove.blogspot.com/2009/09/turquoise-love.html

Owen Luder Edwin Lutyens Ivar Lykke Ricardo Alvarez-DiazAasif

Garden Fit For a Sting

{Margaret Russell, now editor-in-chief of Architectural Digest, formerly editor-in-chief of Elle Decor}
I have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the January issue of Architectural Digest since the fall. �Why? �Because Margaret Russell, former editor-in-chief of Elle Decor, is now the head honcho at Architectural Digest. �Elle Decor has long been one of my most favored [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MaterialGirls-TheInteriorDesignBlogForStylishAndAffordableHomeDecor/~3/8xemtaF8wTQ/

Ken Yeang ahmad MIan Arthur Orfanos Friedensreich Hundertwasser

Design studios as art galleries

Source: http://blog.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/widn_blog/archives/2011/01/design-studios.html

Leandro Locsin Elmar Lohk Adolf Loos Berthold Lubetkin, UK/USSR

Garden Fit For a Sting

{Margaret Russell, now editor-in-chief of Architectural Digest, formerly editor-in-chief of Elle Decor}
I have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the January issue of Architectural Digest since the fall. �Why? �Because Margaret Russell, former editor-in-chief of Elle Decor, is now the head honcho at Architectural Digest. �Elle Decor has long been one of my most favored [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MaterialGirls-TheInteriorDesignBlogForStylishAndAffordableHomeDecor/~3/8xemtaF8wTQ/

Stephan Braunfels Marco Casagrande Alexandre Chan Pedro Jose Borrell

Bedtime story

Source: http://blog.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/widn_blog/archives/2010/12/bedtime-story.html

Friedensreich Hundertwasser Arata Isozaki Arne Jacobsen Hugh Newell Jacobsen

The Bellisima On Hunts Point

This gorgeous Mediterranean inspired waterfront estate is located at 3645 Hunts Point Road in Hunts Point, WA. The beautiful stone mansion, which sits at the end of a long private driveway, was built in 2003 and boasts 9,675 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, an extraordinary 2-story foyer, sweeping staircase, step [...]

Source: http://homesoftherich.net/2011/01/the-bellisima-on-hunts-point.html

Ivan Sergeyevich Kuznetsov Thomas W. Lamb G. Albert Lansburgh Henning Larsen

Vladimir Putin?s Rumored $1 Billion Palace

This palace is rumored to have been commissioned for Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. A Russian version of WikiLeaks posted photographs of the huge mansion claiming that it belonged to Putin. They said it is still under construction and is being built for a reported $1 billion, which I find VERY hard to believe. $1 [...]

Source: http://homesoftherich.net/2011/01/vladimir-putins-rumored-1-billion-palace.html

Adolfo Moran Dimitris Potiropoulos Joshua Prince-Ramus Wolf Prix

I'm Giving Away an iPod--Who Wants It?

Hey, everybody! I've been having a hard time keeping up with this blog lately, and I apologize for the paucity of posts. But I did want to let you know that I'm giving away an iPod (iTouch, worth $199) over at Hooked on Houses this week. All you have to do is leave a comment on the giveaway post to enter.

If you follow me on Facebook, then you know that my grandmother had emergency surgery over the weekend (that's her with my son Jake and me, above). We nearly lost her. It's been a tough few days, but she's rallying now. I loaded a bunch of photos of her with her great-grandkids onto my iTouch and took it to show her yesterday. It really cheered her up to watch the slideshow on the screen.

The iTouch also came in handy while I spent so much time sitting around and waiting in the hospital because I could watch TV shows on it, listen to music, and browse the Internet. I've only had it for about a week, and I'm already wondering what I ever did without it. (Go here to enter the giveaway.)

Oh, and before I forget, I featured a beach cottage dining room makeover at Hooked on Houses that you might like, too.

Hope you're having a good week! ~Julia

Source: http://beachcottagelove.blogspot.com/2009/10/im-giving-away-ipod-who-wants-it.html

Wolf Prix Hani Rashid Lawrence Scarpa Adrian Smith

Friday, January 28, 2011

New Year, New Faces, New Spaces!

Chicago Home + Garden, January/February 2011

The Windy City has always embraced �all things design- our design community harbors both established names and welcomes new ones. �So it is only fitting that the January/February issue of Chicago Home + Garden, one of Chicago’s favorite shelter mags, features what to check out in the new year, from [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MaterialGirls-TheInteriorDesignBlogForStylishAndAffordableHomeDecor/~3/MgbynjjmgJQ/

Pouya Khazaeli Rem Koolhaas Kengo Kuma Tom Kundig

Mediterranean Home In The Memorial Park Section Of Houston, TX

This mediterranean style home is located at 10 Rains Way in the Memorial Park section of Houston, TX. It was built in 2001 and boasts 7,160 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2-story foyer with sweeping staircase, travertine floors, gallery hallway, living room, wet bar with granite counter tops, gourmet kitchen, [...]

Source: http://homesoftherich.net/2011/01/mediterranean-home-in-the-memorial-park-section-of-houston-tx.html

Lab Architecture Studio Elizabeth Diller Andreas Dilthey Roger Duffy

The Hunted

{This room needs to be hunted down…major hazard to design!}
Not the log cabin type? �The the image above make you cringe? �No worries! �Animal heads/accessories are back in fashion, and not just for that “rustic” second home your in-laws have in northern Wisconsin. �Restoration Hardware in particular has created a line of animal head inspired [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MaterialGirls-TheInteriorDesignBlogForStylishAndAffordableHomeDecor/~3/SxR_YQcLp88/

Kengo Kuma Tom Kundig Greg Lynn Thom Mayne

Floating in Space

Happy Monday! I spent my entire weekend away from home with my wonderful husband of 11 years! We had a wonderful time, but I didn't have much time to post today. So, I'm borrowing this dizzy inspiration from someone else. It takes me back to my childhood and how much I loved mobiles.  Maybe, adults would benefit from having beautiful mobiles around, to remind us to let loose and have more whimsey in our lives. What do you think?

Source: http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/2010/12/floating-in-space.html

Andreas Dilthey Roger Duffy Erick van Egeraat Eric Corey Freed

A Year of Journey

These days, one must fly
-but where to?
without wings, 
without a plane, 
to fly 
without doubt:
Steps have now passed by 
to no avail, 
they did not 
lift the feet
of the passenger. 
Pablo Neruda
January 11th marks the beginning of my new year. It is the anniversary of the passing of my Dad and the end of a very tumultuous year. In almost every sense, my life was turned upside down and inside out. In fact, I spent much of that time avoiding this blog; because I couldn't bring myself to express all that was going on.
Funny enough, I feel 2010 was a very difficult time for many, many people, not  just me. Because of that, I have spent ALOT of time soul searching and in prayer. I've been trying to answer the question, "Now what?"
One very good thing about trying times, is that you often come out of them stronger and more grounded. Thankfully, I feel that is true for me at this time.
So, why am I saying all this; you might ask. Partly, to explain where I was last year and partly to begin a new year of change.
I will be making changes to this blog that match the changes in my life. I am a very different person than when I first began Carolina Eclectic so I have to express different ideas.
I will still write about interior design, just in a slightly different manner. I will also write about art and explore where creativity comes from.
I want to understand how design can be used to express your true inner-self and to uplift your soul. Also, I have been allowing myself to branch out into other creative endeavors that I have always loved, but felt intimidated by. More on this later.
Another change I am making is to my secondary blog, Random Thoughts. I have ignored it even more than this one! The truth is, "Random Thoughts" was a sort of love letter to my Daddy. I wanted to post things I thought his eccentric sense of humor might enjoy, but because of his long illness; could not.
So, when he passed, my inspiration for it seemed to die too. I've decided to officially put it to rest. I'm going to leave it up, but I just don't know what to say anymore.
In its place, I began a Tumblr site. Taking a line from this poem, I called it "A Volar". Which means, "To take flight". That's what I hope to do this year. Soar with hope and newly found inspiration:) I really have been enjoying it! In it I can express my own eccentric ideas freely. If I could open up my mind for everyone to see, I think it would look like this site. So, stop on by if you like.
Okay, thanks for those of you who bothered to read all this and thanks to all of you who kept reading throughout such a tough year. I pray that 2011 will be brighter for all of you, too!
Love
Carolina

P.S. I will be taking tomorrow off. It is New Year's day, after all!

Source: http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/2011/01/year-of-journey.html

Dimitris Potiropoulos Joshua Prince-Ramus Wolf Prix Hani Rashid

Malibu Cape Cod


A reader sent me the link to this "Malibu Cape Cod" that's on the market for an unspecified amount (never a good sign). Here are a few photos from the house tour.


 


 This would be my dream bedroom, with doors that open to reveal a clear view of the ocean right at the foot of your bed!



You can see the entire slideshow of the house here. (Thanks to Adina for the link!)

P.S. If you haven't entered my $50 Sticviews Giveaway yet, there's still time!

Source: http://beachcottagelove.blogspot.com/2009/11/malibu-cape-cod.html

Hafeez Contractor Peter Davidson Lab Architecture Studio Elizabeth Diller

Thursday, January 27, 2011

A Beachy Bathroom Makeover for Boys

See this nondescript bathroom? Designer Kellie Cashon redecorated it with a nautical theme for her boys in their house on the Gulf. Here's how it looks now:


Isn't that fun? I love the little pirates grinning out at us. Kellie Cashon is the talented designer behind Cashon & Co. Interiors. You may remember her beautiful master bath makeover that I featured here.

You can see more of Kellie's work on her website, or check out her blog.

Love before and afters? I'm featuring the sets from the Sex and the City movie at Hooked on Houses today, and it includes Carrie's dramatic apartment makeover. Come tell us what you think about it!

Source: http://beachcottagelove.blogspot.com/2009/09/beachy-bathroom-makeover-for-boys.html

Philip Johnson Roger Johnson Clarence H. Johnston, Sr. Josep Maria Jujol

Taking a Break! See You in 2011....

Source: http://www.oninteriordesign.com/on_interior_design/2010/12/taking-a-break-see-you-in-2011.html

Louis Kamper Jan Kaplický Oskar Kaufmann Raymond M. Kennedy

Off-Beat Market: Little Wren Pottery

Happy Friday, everyone. I'm back with another Off-beat Market shop. Hope you are enjoying these articles. I'd like to make them a regular thing. 
Today's find is Little Wren Pottery owned by Victoria Baker. She is a second generation potter and her love of this handmade artform, really shows.
(This color is so beautiful)
Personally, I LOVE pottery. All the variation in color and texture can be such a treat for the senses. Its also fascinating to think that these types of objects have been used since the beginning of mankind! Pottery seems to connect all people everywhere. How's thought for deep thinking on a Friday?! My hidden philosopher is showing again:)

Thanks Victoria for letting me share your beautiful work!
Check out her blog also for more lovely things

Source: http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/2011/01/off-beat-market-little-wren-pottery.html

Rem Koolhaas Kengo Kuma Tom Kundig Greg Lynn