product crush: jamie beckwith collection

Photo via Jamie Beckwith Collection

There is an innovative collection of wood products that I have discovered and consequently fallen in love with.  Serious wood LOVE.  In the comment section of a Beckwith Interiors album on Design Shuffle.com, I wrote, "How do I love thee, let me count the ways...!"  While I have seen end-grain wood used in flooring applications, I had not seen it used on a wall.  Jamie Beckwith's Projection is nothing short of stunning!  The texture is raw, organic and unexpected.   The product even caught the eye of designer Candice Olson and was used in a bathroom project on episode #6 of HGTV's "Candice Tells All."  Jamie's collection also includes some original wood flooring patterns that are just as amazing.  Take a look and see what you think.  Are there any cool products you are crushing on?  I'd love to hear about it!

Carrie

 



Projection





Jigsaw





Hive





Oblique





Lotus





color inspiration: salmon

 

via

An emerging color in homes this spring is Salmon.  I've always had an affinity towards this happy hue.  However, I have tucked away the little gem for a couple of decades.  Now that I see it rising once again to the surface, I am tickled ... salmon!  When used with a creamy white palette, this somewhat quirky color seems to come to life. It is especially beautiful when paired with brown or beige.  Salmon is one of those colors that you either love or hate.  So what's the word?  Are you a hater?  Or a lover?

Carrie

    





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color inspiration: pantone fall 2011

via http://www.pantone.com/

In keeping with fashion designers at New York Fashion Week, Pantone has revealed its Fall color trend report for 2011.  There are, of course, beautiful neutrals that are keeping things steady.  (But surprise kids! There isn't a beige in the bunch!)  When paired with some of Fall's bold colors though, the result can be quite dynamic.  I'm actually drawn to the dramatic deep colors in this trend.  My favorites are the deep teal, coffee liqueur, phlox and emberglow.  Which colors are you drawn to?  Are there are any that jump out at you and say, "Pick me!  Pick me!"  If nothing else, these colors will make you take a breath and say, "Wow!"

Carrie





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color inspiration: warm neutrals from nature's palette



Photo via http://www.seenobjects.org/

I am writing this from the pediatric unit at a Colorado Springs hospital where my son is staying as a "guest" tonight. It is definitely not the Hyatt, but for a hospital room it sure feels warm and inviting. The colors and decor are well thought out and executed to a tee. Most people probably wouldn't notice the details, but then again that's why God made designers!

What I believe we are seeing here is a trend toward making environments feel safe and warm, creating a respite from the stress of our everyday lives.  In this particular case, it feels like a warm blanket wrapped around the weary shoulders of parents of sick children.  The warm colors and textures are soothing and familiar.  The walls are painted a sort of cappucino color which acts as a backdrop to the dark brown grasscloth wallpaper.  The floors are wood-look laminate with insets of animal paws in cream colored vinyl.  There are more hints of nature in the laminated bamboo writing boards on the walls.  There is also pattern and texture in the privacy curtain that reminds me of long blades of wheatgrass.  There are wildlife murals in the hallways and whimsical little jungle animals placed here and there for the children's curious eyes.  My favorite part? The elephant "paw prints" on the floors and little elephant figures carved into the ceiling tiles.  Are there certain colors and textures that make you feel safe and warm? That soothe your spirit?  That inspire you?

Carrie

Photo via http://www.commercialwallcovering.com/

Photo via http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/



Displaying Sports Memorabilia

I recently had an opportunity to display the ultimate in sports memorabilia collections at Pro Sports MVP, a successful sports marketing company.  The owner, David Chavez, had just moved his company into a new building and needed help with his enormous collection of autographed photos, jerseys, balls, and other assorted sports related items.  There were boxes full of footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, etc.  There were also several boxes full of autographed 8x10 photographs of athletes and celebrities.  In addition there were a number of framed jerseys from various sports figures.  After ooohing and aaahing over this amazing collection, I got to work.  The result was a cohesive display of over 300 photographs and sports-related items.

color inspiration: pretty in pink



via Houzz

I wrote an ideabook in Houzz after Pantone announced the 2011 Color of the Year as Honeysuckle Pink. I am actually intrigued by their choice. Where will we see this brave new color? My guess is that it will probably be most used in fashion. As far as its role in interiors, I think it can be used successfully in small doses for a fun and unexpected punch of color.

Browse my ideabook for inspiration.  Are there any ways you can incorporate a little pink into your home?

Carrie





be my valentine

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, our thoughts turn to those things, er people, WE LOVE.  Here are a few inspiring choices for gift giving whether for yourself or for someone you love.

Photo of ROCK N ROLL SEATING BY JIMMIE MARTIN
(photo via  jimmiemartin)



Photos of Heart-Shaped Heels (Via: karoshoes, trenddelacreme)



These glitter heart-shaped heels are sure to get you noticed!  With a 7.5" heel, you may want to forgo the cocktails as walking may be a challenge.  But hey, comfort is underrated when it comes to stylish shoes!





Photos of Monique Lhuillier resort 2011 (Via: moniquelhuillier, poshglam)

 

Photos of Mario Red Wii (Via: kotaku, ohgizmo)