Showing posts with label calypso home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label calypso home. Show all posts

1/12/2012

The Almighty Throw

As I proclaimed last week in my pillow post, textiles play a major role in defining the style and personality of a room. They also impact the overall function of any space and lastly, they heavily influence the comfort level. The textile mix usually includes fabrics and floor coverings and in lounging and sleeping areas, throws or blankets can be part of the mix too.

Throws and blankets are an obsession of mine because they make for a great accent and you can really use and enjoy them. Since they are so easy to add and subtract, throws are ideal for taking risks with bold color, pattern, and texture. If you're looking to liven up your living room, try draping a punchy throw over the back of the sofa. In the bedroom, lay a colorful graphic blanket over the foot of the bed (especially if you have white bedding). You'll be amazed by how big of an impact it can have! Here are some fun styles to get your imagination going...

Ripple Throw - Kelly Wearstler for SFERRA $284
Chelsea Stripe Throw - DwellStudio $175
Latzu Box Throw - Barney's $260
Gunnel Blanket - Brita Sweden

Plaid Solid Throw - COCOCOZY $333
Houndstooth Alpaca Day Blanket - Brahms Mount $416
Cotton Herringbone Throw (available in 18 colors) - Brahms Mount $236
Faux Fur Throw - Calypso Home $350
Broad Stripe Throw - CB2 $59.95

Favorite Throw - West Elm $29
Chevron Throw - Jonathan Adler $595
Cubes Throw - Nest $295
Eleanor Pritchard Throw - Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. $325
Lima Alpaca Amethyst Throw - Crate & Barrel $169

Are you throw-obsessed like I am? Do you use them in your home? Where do you put them?

Besides the ones above, I also always find lovely, high-quality throw options at:
Ralph Lauren
ABC Home
SFERRA
Barney's
Matouk
Gilt Home

From a designer perspective, Jonathan Adler's Design Your Own throw is AMAZING because you get to customize the whole shebang...you choose the design and colors. I threw this one together to illustrate...

And finally, don't forget that you can personalize any throw with your monogram. I especially like this look on classic solid colored throws. West Elm has a really pretty (and well-priced) herringbone throw that they'll actually monogram for you. If you have bigger bucks to throw around, order über luxe cashmere throws from Julia B. or Leontine Linens.

8/01/2011

The Island Company

I got back from a family vacation to Grand Cayman last week and wow, I'm playing (and losing) a serious game of catch-up right now! Despite the fallout from being away, I'm glad we went. For the most part, my husband fished and I lounged around, ate, drank, and read Lunch in Paris (and loved it). I also got to do a tiny bit of shopping while I was there.

My favorite discovery was a store called the Island Company. They have a fabulous line of clothing and swimwear along with other miscellaneous merch. I bought a shirtdress in an aqua color that I'm pretty obsessed with. Besides being instantly attracted to their simple, classic clothes, I also loved how their store looked and felt. They captured the spirit of the island lifestyle without getting theme-y and hokey. Here's a shot of one of their stores...

Via IslandVintage.com


Their look is is cool, casual, and a bit colonial. The colonial aspects balance with the beachy ones and the tone is rich and sophisticated. You can achieve this look by working with some signature elements that include:
  • Dark wood floors
  • Crisp white walls (try Ben Moore's Decorators White)
  • Glossy beadboard ceilings
  • Natural fiber rugs (jute, sisal, etc.)
  • White or ivory upholstery
  • Rich wood furniture (should look handmade and a bit exotic)
  • Tropical plants (I saw Fiddle-Leaf Figs all over Cayman, but there are lots of other options)
  • Hand-woven baskets
  • Bold cabana striped pillows

Nesting Baskets - Wisteria
Painterly Blackfin Triggerfish - Williams-Sonoma Home
Architect Table Lamp - Lauren Home by Ralph Lauren
Painted Ceramic Parrot - Williams-Sonoma Home
Samar Rattan Chair - World Market

Here are more photos of their stores:
Via IslandVintage.com
Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

My husband and I...and my new dress!

What are your thoughts on the Island Company's decor style? I typically hate beach-themed decor but I really do love their look. It reminds me of India Hicks and her Bahamian properties as seen here:
Via Hibiscus Hill

Although I wouldn't ever go super "island colonial" in my home in Dallas, I would certainly use some of  the elements that go into creating the look...especially the glossy white beadboard ceilings!

7/21/2011

Rose Colored Glasses - Pink Is Everywhere!

Have you noticed how pink is incredibly ubiquitous these days? Besides seeing it in fashion throughout the spring and summer, I've definitely been noticing it popping up in every facet of home decor over the past year. I'm usually keen on keeping my interiors gender-neutral so I don't suggest using too much pink in any room, however, pink is a fantastic accent color. It brings vitality and playfulness to a space and it complements a wide variety of colors. I probably like it best with blues, as illustrated below by the Nate Berkus rose gold lamp with the navy shade and the Quadrille Tree Peony fabric.

1) Antique Pink Armchair - Jayson Home and Garden
2) Flamingo Greek Key Bolster Pillow - Furbish Studio
3) Pink Florence Chandelier - Layla Grayce
4) Rio, acrylic on canvas, by Michelle Armas
6) Kikoy Towel - Calypso Home
10) Anatolian Rug - ABC Carpet

What are your thoughts about the pink trend? Does anything from the above lineup suit your fancy?

5/09/2011

Minor Improvements in the Kitchen

Today our old dishwasher got the boot and a shiny new Bosch has taken its place. Not only does it look a little sleeker, it performs beautifully. I held off on running the old one over the weekend so that some dirty dishes would be available for a post-install test run. Everything came out spotless...a nice change of pace from the previous status quo. The funny thing is that I still don't know what the model number is even though I obsessed over that factor when trying to figure out the difference between all of the Bosch stainless steel clones. Hopefully I picked the right one...it has a full stainless steel tub and a hidden control panel. Despite all of my research, those are the only two features that I can identify!

Anyhow, I purchased the dishwasher through Lowe's while they were running a 20% discount on Energy Star appliances. I also paid them to arrange the installation and that went very smoothly so I'm a happy camper!


You also might've noticed that there is a crazy new rug in the kitchen. A Calypso Home store just opened here in Dallas ( YAY!!) and upon my first visit, I couldn't help but pick up one of the zig zag jaipuri rugs I've long been obsessing over. Even though I have a pretty pink-free house, I think the magenta kind of works in here. It actually picks up the pink in the botanical prints on the walls of the breakfast area...



What do you think of the pink rug? I think it's pretty fun and if I get tired of it, I can always move it into the guest room.

4/04/2011

Greek Key + Zig Zags

My two favorite geometric motifs are popping up everywhere these days. Lots of fun colors and some fresh interpretations of the classic patterns. The following are small, easy-to-use accessories and are great to use in simple spaces to spice them up. Have a look...
Melrose Zig Zag Greek Key Rug - Shop Ten 25
Ikat Pillow - Calypso Home
Switcheroo Pillow - Anthropologie
Vintage Porcelain Greek Key Cup and Soap Dishes - Etsy
Herringbone Bolster Pillow - John Robshaw

Lamps - Jill Rosenwald
Hand Blocked Chevron Pillow - West Elm
Greek Key Placemats - Horchow
DL Rhein Zig Zag Pillows - Layla Grayce
Round Zig Zag Rug - Shop Ten 25
Trina Turk Embroidered Greek Key Pillow - Layla Grayce

Any favorites? I am especially loving the first black and white rug and the Jill Rosenwald lamps.

3/01/2011

Framing Options - Part 2

As I mentioned earlier, the below painting, Glam and Glammer, by Diana Delgado captured my affection on Ugallery. Years ago I developed an appreciation for great framing after working in the art business, so I love taking a piece of art and playing with different framing looks in Larson-Juhl's Interactive Frame Design tool. Since this piece is abstract, it is perfect for illustrating how frame choice can really affect how artwork is integrated into a room.

Here I've gone with a traditional gold finish, but the style of the frame is simple and straightforward so it complements the contemporary piece. Also, I couldn't help but use two different rugs!



ABC Carpet Color Reform Rug
Which frame do you like best? Any preference on the rugs, furniture, wall colors, etc?

10/20/2010

Dhurrie Days

I am madly in love with Calypso Home's rugs right now. Some are by John Robshaw Textiles and some are made for Calypso Home...all are fabulous with bold patterns and fresh color palettes. I was happy to find that the prices are quite reasonable too. I'm partial to the texture/low pile of dhurries and jaipuri rugs, so these are right up my alley in both form and function.


Not surprisingly, I'm infatuated with the navy blue Zig Zag Jaipuri in the photo above. 

These beauties also caught my eye...all can be found via the Calypo Home site. I'm loving both of the hot pink styles! The ivory Hampton Lattice is also a favorite. Geeze...it would be tough to order just one!