Contrary to popular opinion, gingham is less a pattern than it is an actual fabric. Dating back to the mid-18th century, when it was first produced in England as a simple striped cloth, gingham got its name from genggang, the Malay term for “stripe.” Over time, a cross-stripe was added to create the checked pattern we think of as “gingham” today, and consider the word to represent a particular pattern instead of a particular type of cloth itself.

Whatever its origins, the checked gingham pattern has become synonymous with casual spring and summer moments in the sun, with its fruit-inspired colors set against a white background and wide-set versions of the graphic showing up in the ever-ubiquitous picnic tablecloth, occasionally with contrasting icons peppered throughout the pattern itself for a classic American effect.

Making its way indoors onto slipcovers, pillowcases, curtains and kitchenware alike, gingham brings the sunshine indoors, so to speak, and lends an easy, airy sense of relaxation. Add a vase of daisies, the scent of sunscreen, and a pitcher of lemonade and the season will have officially begun.

Photo credits: Cottage Company, CapeRace Cultural Adventures, Anthropologie and Alexandra Rae

 

We all grew up with loving special elements in our childhood bedroom. Whether it was a Spider Man poster on the wall or a wrought iron bed that was given to us by our grandmother, vintage kids’ rooms are back in style.

With the growing popularity of reusing and repurposing, vintage collecting is one of the ‘newest’ ways to make beautiful use of antique or vintage finds. In kids’ bedrooms the idea of embracing the heritage of older toys, or even making the new look like old, is whimsical and nostalgic. Here are tips to help bring vintage finds to life in your child’s bedroom.

• Choosing a theme: It’s always easy to choose a theme that will tie the entire room together. You can choose a time period like the 50’s with classic cars, and soda shop and drive in decor, or more subtle thematic ideas such as color and patterns. The fun part about vintage decor is there is no set decor plan and this is what children can relate to. Find a nostalgic quilt and draw colors and ideas from it. Use stencils, framed children’s artwork, and even old comic books to get your creative juices flowing!

Photo credit Feminine with Edge

• Get your child involved: Vintage decor is a great way to teach your child about history and learning the origin of toys, crafts, and other fun decorative items in their room. If you are lucky enough to have grandparents around – ask them to sit with your child and talk about their childhood and how they decorated their room. Have your child visit yard sales, antique shops and thrift stores for decor that is great to hang on the wall and to learn from in the process.

Photo credit: Seventeendoors

Bring vintage finds into your child’s room and see how their face will light up! From furniture and bed linen to toys and wall art – repurposing or even using recycled finds can turn into an instant decorative piece of your child’s room for life. They will remember what a wonderful room they had and you will cherish the memories they spent making them!

Photo credit top: Pinterest

Have you wondered how interior spaces are now starting to sport rustic wood paneling everywhere you look? From children’s rooms to family rooms and even ceilings, wood paneling has reinvented itself.

Now, we aren’t talking the plywood wood paneling of the seventies that may have lined your parents’ basement walls; this is natural and it’s reclaimed wood. Old wood pallets used from warehouses are getting a new life as wood paneling and looking fabulous as a repurposed finish.

Look at how to update your bland wall with rustic wood paneling that is natural and looks fabulous.

• Getting your wood supply: Before you can get the rustic look in your interiors, choose wood that is free from bugs, major splits, etc. Try visiting reclaimed lumber yards or places that have wooden pallets: home improvement stores, garden centers, sod nurseries, etc. These places will give you a good selection of wood that you can choose from. Ensure that the wood is untreated from pesticides that could be harmful. Look for variations in color and size to add an artisan and rustic quality to your wall.

• Installing textured wood panels: Before applying to the wall, remove all nails and sand down the planks to ensure they are safe for your interiors. While this may be time consuming it will be well worth it when you have a custom wall that is safe to lean up against and admire from a far. Sort panels out by width and line up on a wall to be able to determine which wood plank should align with others. Take care in choosing nails that will be long enough to ensure wood planks will adhere to the wall securely. Applying plywood to your drywall will give the wood planks a backer board and will also protect your wall.

Similarly to laying out tile, align the planks and nail planks side by side until the wall is complete. You will love the finished rustic nature of the room and this is a perfect do it yourself project for two or more people.

Creating an accent wall with reclaimed textured wood panels can give an aesthetic that you never imagined, and the rustic appeal will be cherished for years to come.

All photo credits: Bower Power

It’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention, and rightly so. When extra space is a luxury few can afford, yet there’s a growing awareness of the benefits of sustainability farming, organic cooking and good green living in general, traditional backyard gardens are often relegated to the “someday” file.

But there’s a solution that, given a smidge of creativity and access to an Internet tutorial or two, isn’t so unattainable after all.

Vertical gardens, also known as “living walls,” have risen to prominence in urban settings of late and are beginning to take root – pun very much intended — in the suburbs as well, as hobby botanists and designers alike are experimenting with the latest trends in interior greenery.

From the minimalist succulents board above to the salad greens, aquaponic vegetables and al fresco ivy wall below, it appears the options for vertical gardening are limited only by the imagination (and, of course, the height of any given ceiling).

Photo credits: Bright Green USA, Re-Nest/Apartment Therapy, Poppytalk and Plants on Walls

Perhaps we’ve just got Hollywood on the brain this weekend, but since we posted the other day about Lenny Kravitz’s burgeoning interior design career, we’ve noticed more celebrity-tinged home decor news than usual.

First and foremost, perhaps influenced in particular by Kravitz’s multi-hyphenate approach to life, Justin Timberlake (above) has launched a curated home goods community called HomeMint along with business partner Estee Stanley. He gave Remodelista a guided tour of the project’s evolution, and needless to say, it’s well-choreographed and entertaining. We wouldn’t have expected anything less.

Next, CasaSugar’s got a heaping helping of celebrity home news for us, including the sales of Jennifer Aniston’s NYC apartment and Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor’s Hollywood home, plus an inside look at Miley Cyrus’s new digs:

Farther south, ABC News is reporting that piano man Billy Joel has listed his Miami Beach home for nearly $15 million – a bold statement in the current housing market, but we’ll bet it sells like hotcakes if he leaves some personally-played ebonies and ivories inside the home for the buyer:

In slightly less star-studded yet still colorfully creative news, Design*Sponge treats us to a review of a lovely tray collection from Gretel Home, perfect for keeping baubles and trinkets in one place yet still beautifully displayed…

…while FresHome thinks big and lets us inside a gorgeous and thoughtfully appointed home fit for a star and made from reclaimed wood. Granted, it’s in Australia, but perhaps Hugh Jackman’s in the market for something eco-friendly down under?

Happy stargazing, and happy weekending!

Photo credits: HomeMint, CasaSugar and ABC News

Back in the ’90s, when Lenny Kravitz asked, “Are you gonna go my way?” the collective answer was generally “yes.” Flash forward to 2012, however, and an affirmative answer to the same question requires a considerable amount of energy; keeping up with the 47-year-old rocker these days includes as much time spent in studios built for designers as those built for recording artists.

In addition to his role as “Cinna” in The Hunger Games and widespread promotion of his 2011 album Black & White America, Kravitz has steadily and stealthily taken on an even more visual challenge: that of an interior designer.

His repertoire is quickly expanding; he recently collaborated with French tastemaker Philippe Starck on an updated brand icon, the Mademoiselle chair, adding a dash of what he calls “bordello modern” by integrating faux animal skins and scales for a decidedly rock ‘n’ roll effect. The chairs, manufactured by Kartell, debuted at the annual Salone design show in Milan last month.

“Ever since I was a kid I was really concerned with how my room was, even the lighting, how things were laid out,” Kravitz explained to Cool Hunting in a recent interview, “because it made me feel a certain way, made me hear music a certain way or create music a certain way, just by that feeling. It’s all about making your environment so comfortable and inspiring and sexy that you want to be creative.”

Not to be overlooked is the the ever-increasing body of work Kravitz has quietly contributed to Miami’s pulsing hotel scene over the past decade; his firm, Kravitz Design, has overseen spaces for The Delano, The Setai and others of their ilk since it was founded in 2003.

The rocker’s latest project, however, is the Goccia Three Dimensional Tile Collection via LEA Ceramiche. Said to be inspired by “moving water” and branded with the Italian word for “drop,” the 3D tiles come in black, white, matte and glossy finishes.

Although the latest album title is most likely a nod to a broader, more cultural sentiment, we have to admit, it’s a spot-on moniker for his wall coverings as well. Overall, Kravitz’s cross-disciplinary success is less than surprising, given the fact that the man’s sense of style has never been something to question.

The entirety of Kravitz’s latest design interview is available at Cool Hunting.

Photo credits: Cool Hunting and FresHome

When choosing exterior house paint, the choices can be daunting. From what color to choose, to brand and sheen, there are quite a few options to choose from. In addition, for those homeowners who would like an eco-friendly exterior paint – there are a few criteria you should consider before purchasing.

What type of surface you are painting, performance issues, and quality and price are where you should start. If you are ready to freshen up your exterior home with eco-friendly paint, here are tips to follow.

• Do your homework first: While you may think all eco-friendly paints are the same, think again. First, determine what application you will be using for the exterior paint. Determine if you will be painting sheetrock, wood, or masonry. The rule of thumb is the thicker the paint, the more solids that are within the paint to lock out moisture and therefore adding to the durability of the paint. This will also result in a higher priced paint. Conversely, a thinner paint will require more coats to cover your area effectively. Professional painters usually will feel out the paint consistency between their thumb and forefinger.

Photo credit: Pinterest

• Find out what’s inside: Before you visit the paint store, get on the Internet and download the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) outlining the chemicals and ingredients that are hazardous. Look through sections 2, 3, and 11 and it will outline the most important information you will need to know to be informed before visiting the paint store. When choosing eco-friendly paints, consider the terminology. Low or No VOC’s is important when choosing the right paint but does not mean it is healthy. Try and visit paint websites that have customer comments and ratings for the best results.

Photo credit: Decor Pad

Painting your exterior home is a big decision and choosing the right eco-friendly paint for your needs can be made easier with these helpful tips. If you are still baffled by all of the choices, consider hiring a paint contractor that is experienced in using eco-friendly exterior paints. Ensure your paint job will be one to last for years into the future and will keep your family and environment safe at the same time.

Photo credit top: Cote de Texas

The case for bicycling is an easy one to make. Traffic congestion uses up nearly four billion gallons of gas per year in the U.S., according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The EPA reports that we save one pound of CO2 for every mile we bike instead of drive.

We enjoy benefits like cancer risk reduction, lower blood pressure, healthier weight and blood sugar, and lower incidence of depression when we bike. Cities like Austin, Seattle and Portland are known for their bicyclist- and pedestrian-friendly ways, and other cities are beginning to mimic them. So, to adopt a bicycle-centric lifestyle seems like a natural and intelligent thing to do.

The power of suggestion can rarely be ignored, so a great place to start is the installation (or non-installation, in this case) of a bike rack inside the home. The Michelangelo bike rack by PUBLIC, above, makes use of physics instead of relying on any sort of fastening to a wall, leaving no impact on the space around it or eventually left behind it (how very meta).

This quad mural we found via Vintage Revivals further enforces and supports the choice to bike; it’s also a lovely and whimsical addition to a foyer or living room just based on aesthetics alone:

And frankly, there’s no better time than the present to make the switch. May is National Bike Month, and an Etsy shop called Strawberry Luna has produced a charming $30 graphic hand-screenprinted poster in support of the MS 150 Ride Team “Screens ‘n’ Spokes.” Others like it are also available online to inspire you to let the wind blow through your hair, or at least support others in their endeavors for good.

Photo credits: PUBLIC, Vintage Revivals and Strawberry Luna. 

Although 2012 could rightly be called the year of the chevron, another bold, vibrant pattern stands poised to oust the ubiquitous zigzag in 2013: the Greek key.  Also commonly referred to as ‘Greek lines,”Greek fret’ and ‘Meander,’ the motif shows up in single bands on most pieces of Greek pottery found from the Geometric Period onward, and is thought to symbolize unity.

While typically presented in bands or full patterns, the Greek key is now being interpreted more broadly into singular pieces of line art with similar 90-degree angles and heavy line weight as seen in the traditional meander, but with creative results straying from the original form.

It’s particularly eye-catching on brightly-colored pillows like the set from Live Like You shown above.

Since the pattern is undeniably bold, it’s generally used in small doses and is becoming rather popular in pillows and throws, but the occasional signature piece of furniture can be a gorgeous and unexpected place for it to pop up as well.

Photo credits: Live Like You, Georgette Carignan, House Beautiful and Houzz.

Creating an inviting kitchen for the cook and their guests is one of the primary goals for every homeowner. While the cook spends countless hours in the kitchen, they also would like their family and guests to feel at home and welcomed every day.

While it seems creating an inviting kitchen could be a challenge, designer Marc Thee, in conjunction with Altogether Home, gives some great ideas that are simple to execute and even easier to enjoy!

• Illuminate with natural light: Nobody enjoys feeling like they are in an institutional setting in their kitchen. Marc Thee suggests, “Replace all fluorescent lighting with incandescent or halogen fixtures. Ideally, all kitchens should have three levels of lighting: Overhead task lighting (recessed cans), under-counter task lighting, and decorative lighting such as pendants or island lighting.” Assess your current kitchen lighting. If you have a large fluorescent fixture, consider replacing with Thee’s suggestions and bring in natural light during the day when possible.

• Decorate your cold countertops with warmth: While you don’t want an overcrowded countertop with lots of small appliances and gadgets, it is a welcoming idea to house decorative kitchen spices, foods and other multifunction objects on your counter. Thee recommends, “…add useful accessories that feel a little time-worn or antique. Display in the kitchen an assortment of olive oil, vinegars, and salt and pepper grinders on a big tray. The tall bottles serve to disguise the electrical outlets, so buy some larger bottles to anchor the back of the grouping.”  Take into consideration how much space you have and ensure there is plenty of room for food preparation and task oriented activities on your counters while still keeping a beautiful backdrop at the backsplash of your countertop.

Creating an inviting kitchen is made simpler with these helpful tips from Marc Thee.  Consider using these tips in your kitchen as well as decorating with the wide range of home decor products from Altogether Home.

Regardless of the size of your kitchen, the ability to make it feel warm and welcoming can be achieved easily and beautifully.

All photo credits: Marc-Michaels in collaboration with Altogether Home

There’s something compelling about contrasts, particularly between what’s masculine and what’s feminine… dark and messy vs. prim and pink can provide a mesmerizing show. Stevie Nicks and Don Henley famously sang about it in “Leather and Lace,” and a quick review of the most compelling fashion, photography and overall design of the past century reveals the same.

To take a living space and make it completely masculine throughout — strong lines, dark woods, sleek surfaces and gadgetry galore — without softening the edges can seem a little too expected. The same, of course, can be said for a feminine space that’s all “ooh la la” with nothing disturbing all its curve and fluff.

So, this roundup in particular marries femme with homme, aesthetically speaking, in ways that bring the grit of the street indoors and balance it out with cloudy white linens and nubby, squared-off pieces covered in rose-colored fabric.

Throughout this quartet of images, strong and soft enjoy an interplay to gorgeous effect: concrete floors are adorned with soft white rugs, while a black and white fur bedroom shows its effeminate sense of humor with a stocking print on the wall.

Indeed, the dynamic between the sexes can be grand, and these rooms illustrate its complexity with beauty.

Photo credits: Anthropologie, Russell Smith, A Note on Design and Decor8.

We’ve got style coming out of our ears today, and since we suppose there are worse problems to have, let’s just dive right in and see what’s happening in the realm of stylish living.

First up, Sketch 42 shares some super-saturated snaps (wow, that’s a lot of s’s!) of a quirky-luxe bachelor pad (above) designed by Nicole Cohen.

Slightly more feminine is the “luxe for less” roundup shared by the Aussies at Adore Magazine, from candles and vases to dishes and tables:

The good folks of Sanya Arts Space share some smart ideas for maximizing space, comfort and style in a converted attic:

Elsewhere on the web, VivaTerra offers some gorgeous recycled glass accents, from goblets and decanters to bowls and decorative pieces — all saving their source materials from sitting in a landfill, which makes them gorgeous in and of themselves…

…the style-minded decoristas behind Anthology are celebrating their growth and success by sharing a preview of their seventh issue, complete with video…

…and we end with the swirl of a swizzle stick, courtesy of Luxe editor Brielle’s self-proclaimed obsession with the Brooklyn mini-bar from Boca de Lobo of Portugal.

Cheers, dears!

Photo credits: Sketch 42, Adore Magazine and Sanya Arts Space.

Man’s best friend is called such for a reason, and everybody loves an animal cracker. Today, we’re taking a glimpse at creative ways to incorporate our appreciation for the beauty of the world’s creatures, both wild and domesticated, into our homes without the expected prints and patterns that generally spring to mind.

There’s nary a zebra stripe or leopard spot to be found here; it’s all about literal interpretations of our favorite species, and a few we just find visually interesting.

For those who like a little whimsy in their decor, there’s the animal cracker pillow from the appropriately-named Fetch! Product Design, above, and small dog sculptures like this one shared by House & Home, adding the perfect touch of fun to an otherwise straightforward black and white bedroom:

Equally strict in its interpretation of “animal print” are the folks at Ballard Designs, who place a French spin on these pillows, featuring animals found in the French countryside like ducks, rabbits and sheep with their names emblazoned en français above them:

And the minds behind Made.com relax their approach a bit with this peacock-inspired chair from their Arté Collection, rounding up a series of retro seating punctuated by this proud aviary print.

All in all, whoever said animal-inspired decor can’t be chic should probably step out into the wild for a breath of fresh air. These prints, and others like them, allow us to express our adoration for the wild kingdom without venturing too far into it, nor taking anything away.

Photo credits:  Fetch! Product Design, House & Home, Ballard Designs and Made.com.