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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Bringing the outdoors in

We love decorating with garden elements, classical images, and colors from nature.  Garden decor is one of the easiest ways to make your space feel connected to the outdoors when you can't physically be outside.

What are some great ways to bring the outdoors in to your space?

Check out some tips for bringing the outdoors in below, and see two items from our online store that can give you that look....oh and we put them on sale at over 25% off this week!  Woohoo!!!



First things first, here are two elements we've selected from our online store, Shop Lucketts that remind us of the outdoors --- and in honor of today's post, we put both ON SALE at over 25% off while the limited quantities last!

Our large metal garden armillary is reminiscent of outdoor garden decor.  But guess, what? It works perfectly INDOORS as a statement piece on a console table or bookcase.

Classic Garden Armillary from Shop Lucketts.     Retail price $98 ---- on SALE now for $72!  That's more than 25% off!

Look to the stars!  What better way to bring the outdoors inside than with our large distressed cartographic canvas? 

Cartographic Canvas from Shop Lucketts.     Retail price $165 ---- on SALE now for $110!  That's more than 25% off!


How else can you bring the outdoors inside?


{1}  Think about using garden decor and containers meant for outside {like this beautiful urn}.  Fill them with flowers or moss and display on a side table.




{2}  Think about using natural materials and textures in your design - for example, using stone and wood on the floors and walls and natural fabrics on your furniture.  Bamboo or sisal rugs are great natural materials as well.




{3}  They say any color you can think of is also found in nature.  We love looking at Design Seeds for palettes inspired by nature.

{Fresh Green palette by Design Seeds}


{4} Relocate vintage and salvage finds that you would normally find outdoors and bring them inside.  Weather vanes, signs, architectural & garden elements {like our metal armillary above} bring textures of the outdoors inside.



{5} Let the sun shine in.  Look for opportunities to accentuate natural light by using sheers and opening windows whenever possible.




Thanks for stopping by today.  How do YOU like to bring the outdoors in to your interior spaces?



Design Plan New Home Design features Granny Flat!

House Design PlanSimply Elegant Home Designs is now offering a new house plan featuring an above garage "granny flat" apartment - The "Deephaven Eclectic Cottage".Earlier this year one of my designs was featured in a new book called "In Laws, Outlaws and Granny Flats" (Taunton Press, by Michael Litchfield).  The book features ways that folks can add value to their homes by adding second dwelling

3 Gorgeous Porches - Places To Dream....

I'd love to have a beautiful porch like any of these....




Those 'tree chairs', small log side table, and large wooden coffee table in the second picture are so rustic and textural. I love them! So soothing.

We all need a place to dream and relax. :)

Linda. xox

3 Gorgeous Porches - Places To Dream....

I'd love to have a beautiful porch like any of these....




Those 'tree chairs', small log side table, and large wooden coffee table in the second picture are so rustic and textural. I love them! So soothing.

We all need a place to dream and relax. :)

Linda. xox

Monday, July 30, 2012

Guest Post: DIY Vertical Garden Wall


I have always wanted to make one a vertical garden wall! Thanks to this guest post from Bridgman, I might be attempting this project this weekend! Enjoy!


Create your own vertical garden using a wooden shipping pallet.


If you love nothing more than exciting and innovative home projects, then creating a vertical garden is a fun and creative way of maximising growing space in your home. Made popular by Patrick Blanc, the famed French botanist, vertical gardening is increasingly being used on buildings across the world to bring greenery into urban spaces. However, you don’t have to build a vertical garden on a vast scale, and with only a wooden pallet, some plants, planting soil, and a few tools you can create your own unique garden wall at home.

This project is ideal if you’re short of space but still want to grow flowers and foliage. Succulents and herbs work wonderfully in a homemade vertical garden, as do many flowering plants such as petunias and lobelia. After only a few hours work and two weeks to allow the plants to settle, you can brighten up any wall in no time at all.

If you would like to create your own vertical garden at home, simply follow these simple instructions put together by Bridgman.




Monday Mojo - Simple Is Best - And My First Attempt At Audio!!

Hi everyone, I thought I'd try something different this Monday. So, here's my first attempt at some kind of audio for you using a great little tool called Audio Boo.

Don't laugh too much, I'll get better.





Those of you reading via email or a feed will need to click through to access the audio.

May your mojo be with you this week!

Linda. xox

Monday Mojo - Simple Is Best - And My First Attempt At Audio!!

Hi everyone, I thought I'd try something different this Monday. So, here's my first attempt at some kind of audio for you using a great little tool called Audio Boo.

Don't laugh too much, I'll get better.





Those of you reading via email or a feed will need to click through to access the audio.

May your mojo be with you this week!

Linda. xox

Sunday, July 29, 2012

may or may not.



{ source + where to buy = katikamade}


{ source + where to buy = eye poetry photography}

I may or may not be a bit  head over heels for the olympics 

Jude may or may not call the American flag "the rocky flag" b/c of Apollo's shorts in Rocky II (?)

My favorite part of the opening ceremonies may or may not have been Sir Paul signing Hey Jude.

The part of the song that goes "JUDE JUDE JUDIE JUDE JUDIE JUDIE" may or may not be our favorite.



I may or may not have watched more sports in the last 2 days than I have in the the last 2 years.

Anything you may or may not be up to? 

Saturday, July 28, 2012

August Design House - Inspiration File

Mark it down!  It's been three months in the making....our next Design House event is August 3, 4, & 5, and we can't wait! 

Hopefully, you've checked out our first stop motion video.  {It's linked here if you haven't seen it yet.}

We have loaded in the furniture and we're adding in the next layer of accessories.  While we do that, I wanted to briefly share some inspiration photos that inspired some of our furniture choices.




Here are a few of the items, colors and textures that inspired us for August.  But believe me, there is sooo much more to see.
Images that inspired us for August include: nail head details, unexpected carved wood details, tufted furniture, and natural upholstery fabrics.  {Image Sources}
Martha Stewart's Gray Squirrel Paint Color - just one of the paint colors we're using

For the August House, we also have lots of new furniture pieces {glass front cabinets, storage pieces, side tables, console tables --- you name it}, so be sure to get a brief sneak peek by viewing our stop motion video {here}, or by checking out a few of the pictures on our website {here}.


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


We can't believe July is almost over.  We're offering 10% off any size order from Shop Lucketts, our online store.  Just use the promo code MMS10JULY when you check out.  {Be sure to put in all caps and that's the number 10 in the middle of the code}.


Friday, July 27, 2012

Feeling the olympic spirit

I just noticed this charming BlissLiving comforter set featuring the Olympic host city - London!  I would love to visit one day....

The comforter set is on sale here, in the Home Refresh Sale.


Emphasize home windows.. Bath, and Secret Storage



Emphasize home windows.. 
Bath, and Secret Storage

After all the changes to the AG Home Goods site I finally have some time to get back to doing the things I love, blogging and sharing with all of you, new exciting finds, rediscoveries, or trendy modern stuff I happen to love.. 

Enjoy the pics and Post...

Emphasize your windows



Even if you have blinds on your windows, there are still things that you can do to decorate the area. Why have a perfectly garnished room and then fall short on window treatments? Your windows welcome in sunlight, fresh air and energy so they should be emphasized, not hidden!
Panels Can be Fun

Traditional panel curtains certainly don’t have to be boring. You can always pull them to one side with tiebacks that are elegant or patterned and vibrant, whatever works for your room! Alternatively, you can buy a stencil and fabric paint and add a little personalization to them.
Framing the Window

Just because you go for the classic, framed look, doesn’t mean you can’t add an extra rod or two and layer up your treatments with different prints and fabrics.
Work With Blinds

Side panels, swags and even just extra long sheer tiers can be draped loosely to highlight the area. Also, keep in mind if you buy blinds direct in the UK or US, there are many made from pretty attractive materials today so they don’t have to be ordinary.
Let the Fabric Flow

There are no rules when you work with fabric. Layer or twist pieces and let them just coexist harmoniously. Shake off that rigid structure you have grown up with and invite something fresh and carefree into your space!

Bath as a pleasurable experience..


Given the bathtub is such a large fixture, its impact on the look and feel of your bathroom is significant. So why settle for an everyday looking bath when there are baths available that are stunning works of art? Whether it’s a modern aesthetic you prefer or something thoroughly royal, nowadays there are enough beautiful baths to choose from that you’re certain to find one that fits your home decor perfectly. Let’s take a look at a handful of outstanding bath designs for a good dose of inspiration.

Freestanding baths have a special elegance that is hard to match and they set a warm mood within the room. Consider this magnificent slipper bath with its traditional roll top and white claw feet. Seen here with classic vintage style taps, alternatively you could opt for a floorstanding tap set for that extra touch of elegance. Claw feet come in a wide range of finishes such as antique gold, chrome or raw cast iron.

For a more modern take on a freestanding bath, look for tubs with sleek sharp lines such as this spectacular bath finished in contrasting black and white. This ever-popular minimalist style does indeed bring a sense of calm and spaciousness to the room promoting complete relaxation and enjoyment, which I’m sure we could all do with a lot more of!




Envisage yourself immersed in this handcrafted regal cast iron bath finished in gold, complete with stunning vintage style taps and book stand. Baths such as this add a tremendous sense of beauty to the room and make for an amazing focal point that will be appreciated by you and your guests. How could anyone not enjoy such an indulgent bathing experience! And the good news is that majestic baths aren’t as expensive as one might think. Look to online bathroom supplies stores for impressive deals on baths and enclosures and be sure to check delivery fees not just the cost of the bath itself.




If you’re asking ”But where’s the bling?” look no further than this truly spectacular double ended slipper bath. You can decorate your bath in a similar way with your own personal artistic style. Many cast iron baths come finished in grey primer ready for your choice of colour, from there it’s just a matter of choosing additional decorative elements to embellish your bath with. Before you know it you’ll have a bath that doubles as a work of art and a luxurious place to bathe – what more could you ask for than that?



Bathtubs come in all shapes and sizes and with a variety of different features such as built in jet systems, tubs big enough for two, steam baths, corner baths and the list goes on. There’s a tub to suit everyone’s taste and budget so add a spectacular tub to your home and transform your bathroom into an opulent spa-like retreat that you can enjoy day in and day out. After all, you deserve a sanctuary of your own to escape to at the end of your busy day.

 Trendy Storage Options


Like most people, it’s quite common to have books, DVD’s and LP’s falling this way and that out of crevices, cupboards and covering coffee tables all over the house. If you have just moved home, or are in the process of moving, the problem of having all your personal possessions spread throughout the house or flat can be quite frustrating. Speak to any graduate who has had to move once a year for the past four years; the stress of having enough room will certainly not be lost on them!
So what storage options are there in the world? Besides your average bookshelves, newspaper holders and garage doors hiding your prized possessions, there are a plethora of gadgets, groovy cabinets and expensive storage units which you can utilize for your home or flat or you could just choose to stick with the traditional option and throw everything in your garage and you can check out the garage door trends at ABI garage doors.

Nightstand Fridge



For those of you out there who want to hide your favorite beer from ensuing friends during a house party, the Nightstand Fridge could be the perfect tool for not only cooling your favoured beverage, but also hiding it from thirsty tongues. Available in three differing designs, the nightstand is made to fit a whole range of decors and home designs. Though currently only available in the United States, you may have to pay a few more cents to get your $379’s of fridge to the United Kingdom.

Spiral Wine Cellar



Continuing with the theme of alcohol, the Spiral Wine Cellar is the perfect solution for storing your masses of wine from the more conventional methods, such as boring old wine racks and holders. With your own chic wine cellar you will become the king of parties with sleek glass doors leading the way into a world of fine wine and alcohol. For example, one cellar can hold up to 1,900 bottles and needs not one iota of electricity to run, as the surrounding earth and ingenious air flow systems provide the perfect conditions for your cache!


Underground Garage



If you want to think big, then the underground garage system may be just what you’re looking for. If you’ve just managed to get hold of your dream car or motorbike, or just want to show off (why wouldn’t you?), then the underground garage provides the perfect security solution to keep your vehicle tucked away beneath the ground. Amazingly, all it takes is the single click of a button and your car will rise proudly out of your driveway, much like the old Batman programmes you enjoyed in your childhood!

Hidden Door



Okay, so more of a door than a bookshelf, but it is the combination of the two entities which makes the hidden door to the list of trendy storage options. With the option of faux books if you’re not a big reader, a hidden door into another or secret room is a great security option besides an excellent tool for scaring or pranking your friends with! Available for both domestic and commercial purposes, the hidden door could be your secret gateway into your own gaming room, study or just a place to sit and relax.

Simply amazing.. Hope all of you enjoyed

AG Home Goods







Stop motion video debut

We've had the idea of using stop motion videos to highlight our decorating process for quite some time now.

Finally, our first video is here and we think it's super-cute!

Check out the video for our August Design House, where we've filled the house with new looks and a container full of new furniture.







Here is our first quick video showing a little of our unloading process for the August Design House on the 3rd, 4th and 5th.


Special thanks to Esme for shooting the pictures and putting this one together! 

What do you all think?


Thursday, July 26, 2012

A glamorous NYC publicist's office that feels more like a stylish home

Lonny Mag never fails to share amazing life AND work spaces, and the one below is no exception. I'm sure having an office space like this makes coming to work each day less of a chore and more of a pleasure! Enjoy!
Most of the decor and accessories in design publicist Elizabeth Blitzer's NYC office comes from flea markets.

The conference is also the dining room.

LOVE



A nook in the kitchen


What do you think?
Is your office thoughtfully styled?

  Read and see more at Lonny Mag

Distracted by Pallets!

Sorry I have been MIA... I have been having too much fun making these custom ordered pallet racks! These are only a few of the ones we have cranked out this summer!









Interested? Email me or check out our Etsy store!



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