Layla Grayce Living Room: Style Maker Look Book

Design and Shopping Resources for Layla Grayce Living Room Look Book

Oly Studio Kirin Sofa – Layla Grayce		Oly Studio Yves Cocktail Table – Layla Grayce
Arteriors Bexley Aqua Glass Lamp – Layla Grayce		Geometric Side Table – Layla Grayce
Mariposa White Decorative Canisters – Z Gallerie		Beach Giclee Wall Art – Ballard Designs
Mod Link Pillow – Clayton Gray Home		Sefte Maya Boucle Woven Throw – Layla Grayce
Lyon Mirror – Layla Grayce

Candice Olson Modern Damask Pale Blue Wool Rug – Layla Grayce

About Layla Grayce

At Layla Grayce, we truly, madly, deeply care about design, about creating the perfectly decorated room that expresses your unique sense of self, and finding perfect items for gifts or everyday. These are things that can make a difference in the quality of our lives and those dear to us. We feel that beautiful surroundings bring harmony, balance and happiness to your home and life, and strive to showcase products that will achieve this philosophy. Beautiful surroundings that express your personal take on lifestyle shouldn’t be a luxury – it should be a necessity.

Layla Grayce is an inspiring shopper’s delight conceived by Wendy Rossiter Estes and Tiffany Grayce Harris, lifelong friends with a passion for business and design and a love for discovering unique items. Traveling through Europe after college, they were inspired by the antiques, art and furnishings of the countries they visited. Years passed as they started families and worked on their individual careers, designing homes and interiors for clients, friends and family along the way. Encouraged to share their talents and finds with others, they created Layla Grayce.

Together they have selected a remarkable collection of items for home, women and children, carefully selecting every product, artisan and manufacturer to ensure their business philosophies and craftsmanship are worthy of your home and lifestyle. Never mainstream but always functional, Layla Grayce products are designed for longevity – everyday heirlooms that can be passed on to future generations. For everyone dedicated to creating an inspired haven that reflects a stylish, creative take on lifestyle, we bring you Layla Grayce.

About Wendy Rossiter Estes

Wendy brings the most "mom" experience to Layla Grayce. A mother to four children, including twin two-year old girls she understands the needs of busy working moms. With a family of young product testers on hand, she helps us to select the best items for babies and children. Balancing a career and a family life has always been essential to Wendy, and Layla Grayce has allowed her the freedom to be her own boss. Years spent in commercial real estate leasing and negotiation on behalf of well-known national retailers and developers honed her analytical and organizational skills. These were essential when assisting Tiffany with design projects later, and together they share a passion for textiles and compelling design. Her enthusiasm for discovering new artisans for Layla Grayce is infectious. Wendy brings business savvy, her marketing aptitude and the phenomenal juggling ability of a successful working mom to Layla Grayce.

About Tiffany Grayce Harris

Tiffany is our resident design buff with degrees and education as an interior designer, certified color consultant and a current ASID member (American Society of Interior Designers). She has worked at Sundance Resort designing and updating cottages, and has been the in-house designer for a large construction company, working on both commercial projects and distinguished private residences. Her success has earned her numerous awards and recognition for interior decorating. Tiffany reconnected with her high school sweetheart and is recently married. With her love and knowledge of all types of design and decor, Tiffany is often found assisting customers with decorating suggestions and purchases, as well as training the exceptional Layla Grayce staff in the essentials of great design.

Contact Details:

• Website: Layla Grayce
• Twitter: @LaylaGrayce
• Facebook: Layla Grayce on Facebook
• Blog: The Backroom

3 Fab Pillows the Fashionista on your Gift List will Swoon Over

One of my favorite Interhall exhibits at the High Point Market this Fall was that of textile designer Aviva Stanoff. Aviva’s pillows are works of art, and they remind me of exquisite gowns one would find on the haute couture runways. I love all of her collections so I wasn’t able to pick just one decorative pillow. You can see her collections on her website as well as get information on where you can buy the pillows.

Dransfield & Ross has so many gorgeous decorative pillow collections, but this particular pillow “Kane Overlay” caught my eye because of the elegant platinum details. The pillow looks like an elegant evening clutch.

I saw the most exquisite textile designs at the Sachin & Babi for Ankasa booth at HD Boutique this summer, and was mesmerized by the beautiful detail each piece possessed. As is the case with Aviva Stanoff’s textile designs, Sachin & Babi for Ankasa bring the very best styles and designs one expects to see in high fashion to the home.

Susan Firestone of Siw Thai Silk, Inc.

Tell us about Siw Thai Silk.

In 2001, I founded Siw Thai Silk, Inc. (pronounced “Sue-Thai-Silk”). Operating under the philosophy of fair trade and eco-friendly manufacturing practices, the company’s mission is to create high design home furnishings and personal accessories using hand-woven silk and other natural fibers.

Siw Thai Silk, Inc. works with village artisans in Thailand to design and manufacture an elegant, eco-friendly line of handcrafted home and personal accessories by blending our modern aesthetic with time-honored weaving techniques, following fair trade practices. The home collection includes pillows, throws, tabletop, and wall hangings, all of which are hand-woven with silk, water hyacinth, and other natural fibers. The personal accessories collection includes hand-woven scarves and shawls.

Siw Thai Silk, Inc. is proud to be part of a global movement committed to environmental sustainability and fair trade practices. Founded on a socially responsible Triple Bottom Line philosophy – Planet, People and Profit – Siw Thai Silk adheres to three basic tenets:

1. Commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing and operations.

2. Respect and fair pay for all persons involved in Siw Thai Silk commerce.

3. Reasonable and fair distribution of the company’s net financial gains.

Siw Thai Silk honors Thailand’s ancient weaving traditions and support the local artisans’ goal to sustain self-sufficiency. With every Siw Thai Silk purchase, you will directly support and help to empower village women and their families in Thailand.

What inspired you to pursue this business?

The idea for Siw Thai Silk came to me while my daughter Rebecca was working in Thailand for the Ford Foundation. Rebecca had met a handsome Thai citizen named Ohng, who gave her some silk fabric woven by his mother in his village. It was love at first sight – not only for Rebecca and Ohng but also for me and Thai silk!

Coincidentally at that time, I was considering a departure from my 20-year career in corporate insurance and finance and wanted to start my own business. Rebecca suggested importing Thai silk. From there, the idea for Siw Thai Silk grew. And as for the relationship that sparked the business venture. Rebecca and Ohng are happily married, with a new baby, and Ohng is a key member of the Siw Thai Silk team, serving as product designer, merchandise coordinator, and in-house translator!

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

We pay close attention to design trends in the United States as well as around the world. We like designs inspired by nature and by natural materials. We love patterns, especially Ikat, but find that Americans haven’t yet readily embraced or understood the complexities and aesthetics of this patterned silk. All our designs keep in mind the skills and traditions of the producers, who live in rural villages with little or no access to any technology. We focus primarily on decorative pillows, a great way to easily add a splash of color and design to any room. We started out working only with hand woven Thai silk and have since expanded to other natural fibers, such as water hyacinth, hemp, jute, and cotton. Other products include throws, table runners, and scarves. We make limited edition wall hangings in the United States using Ikat silks.

Tell us about a favorite home decorating or remodeling project.

I run the business out of our house. In 2001, we were remodeling parts of the house, and the architect pointed out that we could have a huge room over the garage. I thought , Aha! A great place for my new business. It’s where we store most of our products and where we work with our fabrics to get inspired.

Susan dishes on her favorite things: These photos show weaving, spinning, and sewing by the groups we work with plus a photo of Silpkorn Univ which shows how the Thais combine traditional and contemporary design and a photo of the temple in Ohng’s village.

What are your five favorite pieces of home décor from your home or elsewhere?

I’m a fickle lover of things, so it keeps changing. Right now I’m loving our new Water Hyacinth Garden Party and Waterfall collections. They’re new, exciting, great colors, nothing like we’ve done before. Besides our products, I love other natural materials, like wood, pottery, anything that’s handmade with care and creativity. One of my favorite pieces in our home is a lamp my niece’s husband Shawn made from a recycled fire extinguisher.

What’s your favorite room at home? Why is it your favorite?

My favorite room is our family room/kitchen where we usually hang out and where most guests end up. It’s brightly colored with beautiful cherry cabinets in the kitchen and, of course, lots of silk pillows on the couch. Anyone who thinks that Thai silk isn’t durable should see how well these pillows have handled cats, dogs, dirty shoes, babies, food, etc!

Who are your favorite designers?

I don’t have any favorite designers. I just love to see what everyone’s doing. The International Contemporary Furniture Fair and Architectural Digest Design Show are always great fun to see what’s new. Newer shows that are focusing on green design and fair trade are also inspirational, like the upcoming Eco Friendly Expo in May in New York. There is so much fabulous design and creativity in the green world right now that it’s almost overwhelming. I also appreciate the design skills of the weavers and artisans I work with in Thailand. Many of them show their creativity in preserving the hand crafted traditions of their region while others take those traditions and experiment with new materials or cross pollinate designs from one tradition with another. They create beautiful products with recycled materials or find ways to turn problems, like the very-invasive water hyacinth plant, into useful and stunning products.

What’s your personal design style? Has it evolved over time?

I’m inspired by the places where I travel, especially Thailand but other countries as well. But I also look to Ohng and Karen, our fabulous creative director, to bring their ideas and inspirations to our design discussions. Siw Thai Silk’s design aesthetic is transitional to contemporary with a very strong focus on natural fibers.

Many of us have a product we bought for our home-that now makes us think-"what was I thinking" -  do you have one?

We product designers all tend to make mistakes with a design or color or material that we think at the time is the most fabulous thing since sliced bread but for so many reasons just doesn’t work out. That’s what the sample sales and liquidators are for!

Describe your dream room.

My dream room is my living room. It’s filled with pillows from all over the world, some we designed, some from grannies and aunties in Ohng’s village, some from friends and family who know what a textile nut I am. It also has our wonderful Steinway piano, so it’s a place of peace, beauty, and great music (depending on who’s playing the piano!).

What are your favorite blogs or home design/improvement websites?

I have to confess that I don’t spend enough time checking out blogs and websites. So much to do, so little time!

What are your favorite books, design shows and/or magazines?

I love to read so coming up with a short list is tough.

1. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
2. Naked Olympics and Roman Holiday by Tony Perottet.
3. When Everything Changed, the amazing journey of American women from 1960 to the present, by Gail Collins.

Do you have a decorating, design or remodeling tip you’d like to share with The Decorating Diva.com readers?

Pick out something you love, whether it’s already in the room, somewhere else in the house, or something you came across in your travels. Then use that piece to inspire your ideas for the rest of the room. People often tell me they have to pick out the sofa or the rug first. NO, definitely not! I designed our bedroom around a Thai triangle pillow that my daughter brought home. I loved the colors and shapes of the pillow and went from there

Contact Details:

• Website: Siw Thai Silk

• We sell wholesale to upscale boutiques and to lifestyle web stores. Email us to find local stores in your area or check us out on the following web stores: Upside Living, Kadoma Intl. We will be up on three other sites shortly, so please check Retail Locations on our website Siw Thai Silk. If you are in New York the last week of May, we will be at the Eco Friendly Expo, 7W, 7 West 34^th Street, NYC, May 26 and 27.

The Decorating Diva, LLC would like to thank Susan for sharing her fascinating story and her fabulous company- a wonderful company that creates beautiful home decor accessories that are eco friendly and manufactured with Fair Trade Practices.

Amy Butler

Amy Butler is a creative designer known for her sophisticated, yet relaxed modern approach to printed fabrics and products for home, fashion, and craft. Through her books, website, and patterns for sewing, Amy has helped to inspire a new generation of young women to “find their own style.”

Her uniquely fresh print-on-print design approach is apparent in all of the products under her brand, and a personal commitment to quality, creativity, and sustainability keep her international business blooming!

Amy works from her studio in Central Ohio with her husband, cats, and a small staff of amazing friends.

Tell us about your business, Amy Butler Designs.

I have a design business with my husband David, we work from our home studio in Central Ohio. I create textile designs for sewing and home decor fabrics, and I have a full collection of fun sewing patterns focused on fashion and accessories for you and your home.

Over the past four years I have slowly expanded my product mix to include wall art, organic bedding and towels, hand made rugs, stationery, craft and how-to books, home office and fashion bags. It’s been a journey, learning and growing through all of the changes in the business and I am so thankful I get to work alongside my amazing studio mates, without them, this would not be possible. One of the best parts about our business is watching everyone grow, it’s incredible, I’m so blessed.

What inspired you to pursue this business?

I’ve always been creative, I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an artist. I learned a lot from my mom and grandmother and I have always received support from family and friends. After I met my husband, David, at design school we knew that we wanted to make our love for art and design into our livelihood. I am so grateful that I have had all of the opportunities that have come my way. Now with a full fledged business the thrill to create something new, and by hand that will touch people’s lives is very exciting.

We’re not motivated by money, it’s a hunger to stay innovative and keep making and creating. My personal creative time and business creative time are one in the same. There is a wonderful overlap in how I feel fulfilled, all of my personal interests feed into my creativity in the studio and vice a versa. I never live the same day twice so I feel fresh and alive every time I approach a new project. I know that makes a big difference and explains why I feel so satisfied with what I’m making.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

My inspirations continue to evolve; it’s interesting to see what excites me next. I’m fortunate to live with another artist who shares similar passions. I love working on my home and garden and antiquing and hunting for special finds always lights a creative fire for me. I fill my wardrobe with odd bits of clothing from vintage to affordable designer… I love looking at fashion and experimenting with my own pieces.

Nature is my never-ending resource for color and design inspiration. I love spending time in my garden in every season. I’m a plant collector and I love the intricate designs in flowers and foliage as well as the amazing color combinations.

Travel also jump starts a lot of ideas for me. I have traveled all over the world in the past few years, to many places that have been Mecca locations for me such as India and Indonesia. I’ve always been inspired by ethnic textiles, culture and colors and to actually visit places I’ve researched and dreamed about has completely enriched my life.

Tell us about a favorite decorating or remodeling project.

Ahhhh, my new kitchen! We just finished it ( well almost, we still have to add tile to the back splash ) but for the most part it’s been up and running for eight months now. The kitchen is the most important room in my house, especially now since we opened up the space so everyone can hang out with me while I’m cooking.

David designed the entire project so the room is extra special. He created gorgeous natural wood finishes and warm stone surfaces and loads of space to spread out, and put my friends to work at the cutting boards. He thought of all the little extras and used every inch of space for storage and ease of use. He also had to accommodate my ever growing dish collection.A girl can’t control her love for entertaining with fun dishes right? He’s sweet, he lets me get away with it as long as I keep cooking for him.

What’s your personal design style? Has it evolved over time?

Casual, warm, eclectic and vintage modern. It’s evolved and has also stayed the same. My heart of heart passions and visual loves never change, but the places I’ve lived, people I meet and places I’ve travelled have all influenced my creative eye and tastes.

Describe your dream room.

I’m ready to do this tomorrow! Really most homes and spaces you’d find in Australian Vogue or British Elle Decor magazine where folks combine vintage modern pieces with eclectic textiles and antiques. I totally relate to the lifestyle in Australia ( and England ); I love their perspective and wanton use of color, print and texture.. all in a very warm and sophisticated way. Right now I’m in between deep cozy violet or navy blue and or tropical greens. I’ve got a thing for Kelly green these days…. orange and hot pink too but I don’t think I can talk David into it.

Many of us have a product we bought for our home-that now makes us think-”what was I thinking” – do you have one?

Oh, many. Who doesn’t ? Ya know, most of these purchases tend to happen at IKEA. I think I get hypnotized by the fun Danish names and find myself bringing home something because it’s cute. We tend to “repurpose” these items as quickly as possible.

What’s your favorite color or paint swatch?

That changes daily! I love color and obsess about it constantly. Currently, my favorite wall color ( or one I’m toying with painting in my family room ) is a luscious deep navy-esque blue by Ralph Lauren; number: RL IB96 called “Arcadia Blue”.  It reminds me of the background color in my “Midnight Water Bouquet” fabric.

What are your five favorite pieces of home décor from your home or elsewhere?

Ooooh, fun question.

1. My new Artaissance Wall art (Art That Fits).  I had the artwork placed all over my house for a photo shoot, and I love living with it.
2. My Room and Board couches. I just recently placed them in our family room the ” tree house room ” and they are the perfect conversational couches. Great for hanging out with friends, watching TV and the cats love napping on them. Everyone wins.
3. My Eames rocking chair. I’ve always loved rocking chairs since I was a little kid. This rocker is comfy and smooth. I love turning out all the lights at night, putting on my headphones and mellowing out to music with my IPod. I usually fall asleep in the rocker, so that means it’s working…
4. My two new IKEA wicker rocking chairs. Because when it comes to rockers more is more. These rockers are a design masterpiece, and at $138 each you can’t believe the price and value. They are gorgeous. We have them placed at our big picture window wall in our tree house room where we are currently staring at wild birds and our pretty Christmas tree. We call this area the “time waster” or  “procrastination alley” It’s dangerous, I find myself there every morning wanting to sip away cup after cup of coffee. It’s beautiful.
5. Our nature collection. Dave and I have a huge collection of bits and bobs from nature. Pretty shells, stones and feathers from vacations or our backyard. We circulate them throughout the house and change them out constantly in our feature vignettes.

What’s your favorite room at home? Why is it your favorite?

It’s the room at that time with the most people and cats.  I love my house. It’s my home for life. It’s just perfect for Dave and me, and the way we live. With an open floor plan, the entire top floor feels connected and that’s where we spend most of our time. All the key living spaces are here; the kitchen, tree house room and living room with entry.

Who’s your favorite designer?

David Butler of Art of the Midwest. He also happens to be an incredible songwriter,singer, and drummer in his rock band the Black Owls. Of course, he designs all the cool band logos and graphics!  Check them out at Black Owls on MySpace. You’ll be smitten too!

Do you have a decorating design or remodeling tip you’d like to share with thedecoratingdiva.com readers?

Yes. I have to tell you about my best friend Kevin Reiner who is an incredible designer. Oh my,  you have to check out his website, Firmly Planted, it’s gorgeous! He’s such a massive talent, I’m so proud to know him. I’ve witnessed Kevin renovate and lovingly design homes for himself and clients.

The biggest tip I can offer up is one of Kevin’s. He’s so smart and organized. When he is preparing to renovate and demolish or deconstruct a home or room,he packs everything. I mean everything up and stores all of the art,home decor, kitchen and bath items in clear plastic tubs and places them in storage until the renovation is complete.

He only keeps the necessities on hand and moves out all of “life’s clutter” to both protect it and keep your living space sane while all of the construction is going on. This way you’re not on top of all your belongings that you don’t need right away and it helps you manage the dirt and stress that’s involved in this process.

The other beautiful thing that happens is that in the end, you realize you don’t need so much stuff, and you end up not missing all of the pieces and moving them on to someone else who needs them or will love them. Dave and I are saving money to finish the renovation on our home. We want to complete our bathrooms, bedroom and guest room. Our goal is to use the “Kevin technique” and make our transition a sane one.

What are your favorite blogs or home design/improvement websites- and why?

• Design Sponge – Incredible design for life can be found here, from great interiors to amazing recipes.
• Decor8 – Holly is a creative fire and I love her point of view and resources for craft and home.
• SFgirlbybay – I love Victoria’s style and beautiful photographs, plus personally, she has great taste in music.
• Ecosalon – great style with sustainability in mind.
• Enjoyco.net – An amazing new web site and blog created by my very talented friend Monique Keegan. Monique also has a beautiful shop just down the street from my house ( dangerous! ) her style is vintage. natural, earthy, modern and sophisticated… she has gorgeous taste and a personality plus to boot!

What are your favorite books?

There are too many! Here’s a few.

• Isle Crawford’s Sensual Home
• Bohemian Modern / Living in Silver Lake
• The Greater Perfection, the story of the Gardens at Les Quatre Vents
• Garden & Cosmos, The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur
• India in Words & Image

Contact Information

• Website: Amy Butler Design
• Shop Amy Butler Art: Art That Fits

All images copyright of respective owners.

The Decorating Diva LLC would like to thank Amy Butler for sharing her inspirational, joyful, creative nature, her richly patterned and beautifully colored designs from textiles to printed artwork, and her wonderful design recommendations and decorating tips.

Rustic Glamour Urban Lodge Living Room Look Book

Rustic Glamour Decor for Urban Lodge Living Room (home decor and furniture details)

Exotic Fantasies Bedroom Design Look Book

  Exotic Fantasies Bedroom  (view furniture and decor details).

Petals, Romance and Feminine Style

Images copyright of respective owners.

Black and White Houndstooth Fashion Inspired Decor

Images copyright of respective owners.

Fashion for your Home Wrap-up January 2010

• Black and White Houndstooth Fashion Inspired Decor- Jan 10, 2010
• Beaded, Ethereal Purity – Jan 17, 2010
• Joyful Botanicals – Jan 24, 2010
• Petals, Romance and Feminine Style – Jan 31, 2010

Rustic Glamour Decor for Urban Lodge Living Room

{ DESIGN LOOK BOOK} Rustic Glamour Urban Lodge Living Room Look Book { DECOR & ACCESSORIES} Impala Accent Sculpture – Clayton Oxford  { SEATING} Black Jack Sofa – Cantoni { TABLES } Tahoe Large Coffee Table – William Sheppee USA Ltd. { RUGS} Chapparral Ostrich Rug – Capel Rugs

{ LIGHTING } Leaf Chandelier – Bear Creek Glass { SEATING} Jacaranda chairs, mid-century modern, (Brazil, 1959) – R 20th Century Gallery { TABLES } Baccarat Crystal Console – Philippe Starck { LIGHTING } RL-058 NICKEL/PEWTER LAMP – Payne Street { TABLES } Lille Cube Table – Turning House Furniture        { DECORATIVE PILLOWS} Soho Pillow PL-1033 – Bliss Studio