Decorating Divas Best of the Web May 30, 2008
Designamour inspires with their breath-taking decorative painting of the boutique hotel, Peacock Pavilion’s ceiling. The artwork these ladies created is nothing short of amazing. They share their journey, work and final masterpiece in their post, “A Tale of Ten Painters“. Be sure to visit, and spend some time reading and looking through older posts, too. I promise you will be inspired.
The Painted House blogger discovers a hidden treasure, long ago forgotten or left behind by the previous owners, during a kitchen remodeling project. This was a special find for me, as I also share her passion for domestic archeology. I always long to know about the couple who lived in our home for thirty years- they originally purchased it in 1967 and both passed on in 1996. During renovations of that home we found several shrines to Buddha. Later we learned that they were World travelers and that she had come back from a life changing trip to the Orient – and thereafter her homage to Buddha began. We even found Buddha papered under six layers of paint on one closet door. In the Florida Room we scraped away ten layers of varied color paints to unearth a decoupage masterpiece of dragons, Asian temples and, of course, a Buddha. For those of you who also share the passion to know more about those who previously lived in your home, go read her post: “An Archaeological Find“.
What Is Decorating Divas – Best of the Web? It’s about bringing attention to the very best and most fabulous design, decorating and style blogs and websites.
The criteria is simple – We look for value to the reader, engaging content, originality and creativity. Each week we will select the most outstanding posts or articles from sites we find or that are submitted to us for review. You can submit your design and style nominations to decoratingdivasbestoftheweb@thedecoratingdiva.com.
Editor Note: Style Divas Best of The Web is Decorating Divas Best of the Web. Style Divas has been spun off into a new media venture, Style Divas Network, which will debut Summer 2008. Stay tuned for details!
Read More »Real Simple Design On A Dime Housing Works 2008 – Exclusive Photos
The Real Simple Design on a Dime benefit for Housing Works was a success. Raising $650,000 for the New York charity Housing Works that “strives to ensure that homeless and low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and their families have adequate housing, food, social support, drug treatment, health care, and employment.” - from housingworks.org.
Thanks to Natasha (with Real Simple) for the exclusive photos from Real Simple’s Design on a Dime benefit.
Thom Filicia‘s room design incorporates elements of traditional design combined with elements found in modern design – seamlessly integrated using a neutral color palette and universal geometric shapes. The decidedly traditional wingback chairs are given a modern appeal with contemporary upholstery. The room is visually clutter-free and has a warm minimalistic beauty; a few large pieces that signal a soothing and zen-like feeling. This is my personal favorite, but I am biased as a big fan of Thom’s style.
Jamie Drake‘s design vignette is quintessential Drake design -fearless: bold, vibrant color; mixed interior design styles and furnishings pulled from various design periods, all mixed and matched to create a compelling visual design story. For those of you interior design trendsetters: the lavender/lilac color used in Jamie’s room design is a hot decorating color trend – expect to see these lovely purples making their way into mainstream interior decor at at a home store near you!
James Huniford, developed the concept of Design on a Dime to benefit Housing Works. Huniford is best known as half of the acclaimed interior design team behind the design firm Sills Huniford Associates, the design style book Dwellings, and Sills Huniford fabulous, eye candy online furnishings and decor store, dwellingshome.com. Fashionista and Style Divas will automatically recognize Sills Huniford as the creative powerhouse interior designers to Anna Wintour. (Room design above by Sills Huniford)
The Metropolitan Pavilion during Real Simple’s Design on a Dime benefit May 2008.
Charles King, Founder, Housing Works; Steve Sachs, President, Real Simple; Kristin vanOgtrop, Managing Editor, Real Simple; James Huniford, co-chair and designer; Maggie Gyllenhaal, co-chair; Kevin White, Publisher, Real Simple; Thom Filicia, designer.
Read More »Sampan Outdoor Wicker Day Bed
The Sampan wicker day bed is a contemporary styled outdoor bed made from a weatherproof polymer resin and coated metal frame that will stand up to the harshest of weather conditions. It’s a beautiful addition to any well-appointed outdoor living area, and this piece of outdoor furniture is spacious enough for two. Available at homeinfatuation.com for $5495.
Decorating Divas Best of the Web May 23, 2008
- HGTV Pro has a series on Green Building design that we really like and think you will too.
- Jackie Von Tobel talks designer chair back beds. There’s lots of beautiful images and wonderful commentary from Jackie, it’s a must read.
- View an extraordinary home in Tenerife Spain through the eyes of TheCoolHunter.net. The site does load a bit slow due to the high quality and quantity of photos – but the view is worth the wait!
What Is Decorating Divas – Best of the Web? It’s about bringing attention to the very best and most fabulous design, decorating and style blogs and websites.
The criteria is simple – We look for value to the reader, engaging content, originality and creativity. Each week we will select the most outstanding posts or articles from sites we find or that are submitted to us for review. You can submit your design and style nominations to decoratingdivasbestoftheweb@thedecoratingdiva.com.
Editor Note: Style Divas Best of The Web is Decorating Divas Best of the Web. Style Divas has been spun off into a new media venture, Style Divas Network, which will debut Summer 2008. Stay tuned for details!
Chaise Lounge Chairs Outdoor Luxury Seating
Chaise lounge chairs are ideal for a variety of outdoor living areas: terraces, poolside, patio, beachside, and garden. The chaise lounge derived from the French “chaise longue” meaning long chair has a rich history, think back to images of Romans and Greeks laying leisurely upon an early version of the chaise lounge. This multi-purpose chair provides a comfortable and chic platform for sunning, reading, relaxing, sleeping and they make great backdrops to show off your fashionable, elegant bathing attire.
Now, chaise lounges are even more popular than ever thanks to scenes like the one in the upcoming Sex and the City movie in which the ladies are lounging on gorgeous, stylish chaise lounge chairs by the pool. The scene captures the sophisticated glamour associated with the sleek, sexy and indulgent outdoor lounger.
Luxury poolside chaises have long been popular at high-end hotels and resorts but we think all divas, decorating or otherwise, should own one of these posh lovelies. Our favorite luxury resort style chaises are:
Milano Aluminum Single Chaise Lounge Chair by Caluco, $1354 (caluco.com for dealers).
Luxor Sun Bed and Chaise Lounge Chair by Emu, $2150 (emuamericas.com for retail locations).
Coast Arc Chaise with storage bin under seat from Henry Hall Designs, $3300 (retail locations at henryhalldesigns.com).
Paradiso Chaise Lounge (described by the manufacturer as “an island of calm” – perfect description, we think!) by Giati (company founded by award winning sculptor, inventor and designer, Mark Singer).
Outdoor Rugs Design Trend 2008
Terraza, an outdoor and indoor rug from The Rug Market, illustrates the bold, bright earth inspired colors and patterns.
Koko Company Green Classic outdoor mat gives traditional design a twist with a lime green color that is unmistakably modern.
Also from Koko Company, a new addition to their quirky, colorful and interesting rug collection, the Trees.
Out-Durable Braided Rug Venetian Glass, available at homespicedecor.com, combines reds, greens, blues, cream and gold to create a jewel-toned rug. Jewel tones are a sophisticated 2008 color trend that is inspired by the bright, bold and sparkling colors associated with the 1980s.
La Jolla Outdoor Living Collection
The La Jolla outdoor sofa from Restoration Hardware is so pretty and inviting that just looking at it makes us want to sink into it with a book and an iced coffee. The collection includes the above sofa, love seat, coffee table, table and chairs, daybed, armless chaise and coordinating fabric cushions that make decorating a snap. Retail prices range from $60 to $1275. Available at Restoration Hardware and restorationhardware.com.
Read More »Monaco and Monaco Ville Outdoor Furniture by Brown Jordan
The very best and most luxurious designs in outdoor furniture can be found at Brown Jordan. The Monaco and Monaco Ville outdoor living collection by Brown Jordan consists of elegant, contemporary sectionals, side tables and chaise. Retail locations at brownjordan.com.
Read More »Decorating Divas Best of the Web May 16, 2008
- Green living Guru Danny Seo shows us how to easily arrange wall art.
- Girl Meets Glamour shares the latest in haute outdoor living.
- 2009 design trends embrace international style; and one of the styles that is greatly influencing home decor and accessories design is Asian inspired. Mrs. Blandings gives us a guided tour of Black Bamboo, a store that sells Asian antiques and contemporary furnishings. The beautiful images of décor and furniture will surely inspire you.
What Is Decorating Divas – Best of the Web? It’s about bringing attention to the very best and most fabulous design, decorating and style blogs and websites.
The criteria is simple – We look for value to the reader, engaging content, originality and creativity. Each week we will select the most outstanding posts or articles from sites we find or that are submitted to us for review. You can submit your design and style nominations to decoratingdivasbestoftheweb@thedecoratingdiva.com.
Editor Note: Style Divas Best of The Web is now Decorating Divas Best of the Web. Style Divas has been spun off into a new media venture, Style Divas Network, which will debut Summer 2008. Stay tuned for details!
Read More »Color Trends: Orange is Hot for 2008 and 2009
The color Orange continues its stellar run as a fixture for home décor color in 2008; and the leader in Color forecasting, Pantone, projects that the Orange color trend will continue on to 2009. It’s no surprise why, Orange is a warm, inviting, dynamic, invigorating and energetic color.
Where to Buy
The Ankasa Moroccan Sequins pillow can be purchased at the Ankasa flagship store in New York or online at vivre.com. Mystic Valley Traders fine linens, including the Turtle Bay Mandarin collection, are available at bedding boutiques nationwide, see mvtraders.com for retail locations. The exotic Istanbul Side Table is available directly from the product designer at shopshinehome.com. Fans of Tsunami GlassWorks artsy home decor can pick the tube vases at select retailers (visit tsunamiglassworks.com for locations) or online at contemporary home decor retailer, plushpod.com. Cocktail mixer set, Slant Fan Collection, can be purchased online at addisoncollection.net.
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