Yoga at Home: Home Yoga Studios You’ll Never Want to Leave
Yoga has unlimited benefits for the body, mind, and spirit for the practicing yogi. And for those who lead hectic lives with schedules bursting at the seams, yoga is a great way to center one’s self. But with those same crazy schedules, it may be hard for some to escape away to the studio for an hour or so. And one reason the trend of home yoga/meditation rooms is growing and becoming a standard fixture in some upscale homes.
Oh to have a built-in yoga studio at home, a designated place to take care of “me”. Lots of homeowner yoga practitioners are making that step and creating the amazing high end yoga rooms like these:
Convertible Floor - Bunk Beds to Flat Studio Floor
This amazing space is a 600 sf green building that doubles as a guest house and yoga studio. The flooring converts to bunks by the use of openings that reveal beds stashed beneath the studio floor.
Floating Yoga Room
A “floating” yoga room sits on top of the infinity pool in this luxurious residence. Rejuvenate after your asanas with a dip in the water.
Upscale Yoga
High-end yoga room with architectural lighting and luxurious materials is part of the home remodel by Valverde Design.
Modern Shed Yoga
No extra space in the house? Work on your tree pose in a customizable Modern Shed.
Although these yoga studios are amazing, you don’t need to completely revamp your house to create a personal yoga room. Here are some tips for carving out your own dedicated yoga space in your home:
- Make your yoga space one where you want to hang out. Make sure it’s a quiet space with enough room for your mat and for you to be able to move around in all directions.
- Use a divider of some sort such as a decorative screen to separate your yoga space from the rest of the room.
- Keep clutter away from this space to eliminate distractions. Use baskets to store towels, mats, yoga bricks, straps, essential oils, etc.
- Use light, soothing colors to maintain a peaceful, calming space.
A dedicated yoga space in your home is a place to exercise, relax and escape. Do you practice yoga at home? Have you created a special place just for your practice? Namaste.
{Image Credits: Inhabitat, Eye on Design House Plans Blog, Elba Valverede, Modern Shed}
Real Life Styleboard: Achieving a “Zen” Look
When one thinks of ”Zen”, I don’t know that the first thing that comes to mind is the Zen school of Buddhism. ”Zen” has become such a mainstream tag phrase that most think of the relaxing, tranquil interiors inspired by the principles of Zen. The look has become quite popular and for good reason. It is soothing, simplistic beauty created by the use of clean lines, organic materials, and natural colors. ”Zen” inspired rooms are designed to transport you to a peaceful state of mind and create an escape from the busy, hectic lives we lead. Whether it’s a home bathroom, a resort spa, a bedroom or garden, “Zen” inspired spaces share a common aesthetic incorporating design principles such as rhythm and balance.
Take a look at some inspired objects that when used in your home can help to achieve the timeless “Zen” look:
When creating a “Zen” inspired room, here are a few things to consider.
- Use nature inspired colors such as greens, browns, blues in soft shades to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Incorporate natural elements such as plants, rocks, and water to reinforce the organic component of a “Zen” room.
- Stick with clean lined furnishings and accessories with an emphasis on the horizontal. Examples are platform beds, straight lined end tables, and crisp pendant shades like the one in the styleboard above. But definitely feel free to mix it up a bit by adding personal touches such as pictures, art, patterns, etc. to keep the space from looking too sterile and static.
What do you think of “Zen” inspired rooms? Do you have a “Zen” inspired space? We would love to see your interpretations of this popular look!
Woods and Veneers – Beautiful, Modern, Organic
Wood is a beautiful element that adds warmth to a space. Organic and natural, wood is a texture that can be worked and coaxed into different forms creating stunning objects such as furniture, accessories, works of art and even lighting. Wood can look extremely modern in today’s settings while still maintaining its warmth. Take a look at some lovely examples of wood at its best:
What are some of your favorite wood objects?
Mid-Century California
Oh to live in California in the mid century. With the shiny big cars, the beaches and surfers, a new architecture, the allure of Hollywood, palm trees and melamine, California really was the land of enchantment. The mid-century signified post war happy change and there was no happier a place than California. As a leader in the movement, Mid-century modern style especially in residential architecture was also referred to as the California Modern style. The rest of the country was watching California set the style and trends of the mid-century American lifestyle.
The furniture, accessories, and architecture really became the banners for mid-century California. Advancements in technology produced furniture styles that had never been seen before: molded fiberglass in pop colors and bent wood and wire frames. Names such as Eames, Herman Miller, George Nelson and Knoll became a part of the American household vocabulary.
Architecture was focusing on new home styles with open floor plans catered to family living and entertaining. With post and beam structures, expanses of glass and less walls were possible changing the look of the home, seemingly bringing the outdoors in. In the arid climates of California, this was much desired and now attainable. Captured by the photography of Julius Shulman, the case study houses by Neutra and others have retained their fame and status.
I don’t know that any other era has influenced modern design as much as the mid-century and no other other part of the country has enjoyed as much notoriety as California especially back in its heyday. Here’s a look of some of the iconic pieces of mid-century California along with new mid-century California inspirations :
Have any favorite California Modern inspired designs or objects? We would love to see them!
Dorm Design 101 – The Perfect Style Sheet for the Modern Girl
It’s that time of year again. Summer is slowly dwindling to a close and the first signs of Fall will be making themselves known. One of the most exciting parts of the Fall season is going back to school. And for some, back to school is a brand new journey and chapter – college! College is an introduction to so many new things and new people. One of the most fun parts of starting college is moving in to the dorms and making your room your own. It’s your new home away from home and it should be comfy, stylish, and organized so that you concentrate on the important stuff like studying (and socializing). Before we have a look at the “must haves” that will take your dorm room from standard issue to custom, hip, and functional, let’s look at the Fall 2010 color trends.
Pantone fall 2010
The “in” colors this Fall are bold and saturated berries and plums, jewel-rich blues and greens tempered with cool soft neutrals. Selecting a few or all of the shades will turn a bland dorm room into a creative, productive space. Here are some must have items to add to your back to school shopping list…..
Here are some tips to create a stylish AND functional dorm room:
1. Select neutral bedding to keep a timeless, classic look throughout your college career. Adding fun patterns and colors through pillows, throws and accessories allows you to switch things up quickly and inexpensively as your tastes change.
2. Storage and organization are crucial especially in typically small dorm rooms. Invest in multi-tasking pieces such as desk accessories, storage boxes that can slide under the bed, 2 in 1 surfaces such as a marker board/magnetic boards, cable management components etc. to keep clutter and paperwork at bay.
3. Compact pieces and slender profile pieces such as the sliding mirror on wheels is handy when you need it and makes itself invisible when you don’t. Wall mounted magazine racks/file folders maximize storage space by using more wall and less precious floor space.
4. Wall decals such as the decal picture frames above eliminate a lot of holes on the wall and can be moved around frequently whenever you feel like it.
College classes and college dorm rooms can be challenging but with the proper tools and game plan, both can be tackled with style!
Have any ideas or design tips for a stylish dorm room for the modern girl? We would love to here them!
Beachy Wall Art
It’s the middle of Summer and if you’re like me, Summer brings to mind fun in the sun, sand, beach, water and sunblock. I love living near the beach and have found myself adding beachy elements to my home throughout the few years I have been next to the coast in sunny southern California. I have collected tons of beautiful blue and gray beach stones to fill vases and jars, adding driftwood and beach grass throughout my home to add the natural beach element to my space. But, note that my house is not one large beach hut. No, in fact, my space is clean lined and modern with just touches of the beachiness to soften and soothe. Like everything else, too much of a good thing isn’t good at all and to avoid having your home looking like a seafood restaurant or beach themed inn, it is important to use restraint and add just enough of this look to conjure up summertime vacations on the beach. And you don’t have to live in southern California to incorporate some “beachiness” into your abode. If you want to add this look to your home in small doses, the addition of beach inspired art and accessories can inject just the right amount of this beautiful, natural aesthetic into your space, even those that are the most modern.
Beach Rocks - Beachy Inspiration
The color palette of the beach consists of blues, grays, beiges, creams, dark browns and blacks. All neutral shades that can work in any interior. Again, this color palette and natural appeal can look amazing in even the most contemporary homes. In fact, it’s probably my preferred setting to add beachy art in order to achieve the perfect mix of modern, natural, and rustic. Here are some examples of how beach inspired art can freshen up a room and bring the beach to your home through little touches:
Elegant Starfish
This starfish mirror juxtaposed against the elegant credenza makes for a beautiful beach entry. Coupled with the clean lined bowl and matching lamps, the mirror provides just a smidgen of beach to this small space.
Beach Inspired Art Wall
I could stay in this peaceful bedroom forever. It feels like an island getaway doesn’t it?! Placing a series of coordinated beach prints together with matching frames, creates a dynamic focal wall in this room. Hanging the pieces in a grid is a modern approach to this art collection. Surrounded by neutral shades of cream, crisp linens, and transitional furniture, this beach art series becomes part of a fresh and contemporary setting.
Coral Inspires Accent Color
Another wall series touting lovely beach appeal and its inspiring colors. This coral art series is a sophisticated collection that inspires the bright turquoise painted chair. It looks fantastic with the raffia wallcovering and matchstick blinds. A perfect example of texture, pops of color, clean lines mixed with pattern (as seen in chair) and elegant furnishings. This lovely appointed office incorporates the beach look perfectly.
Creating your own beach inspired artwork is a fun and simple way to customize the look for your home. This next example is one of my absolute favorite ideas. It is sculptural, modern, and textural and adds the right amount of natural beach to this otherwise neutral and simple room.
Driftwood Becomes Sculpture
A clever, inexpensive alternative to purchased sculpture, mounting found driftwood on the wall is brilliance. It makes a subtle statement in this living room and helps to unify all the colors and textures seen in this space. The combination of crisp white walls with pale wood furnishings, texture, and a little sparkle just does it for me! Love.
DIY Sea Fan Art
This framed sea fan adds graphic punch to this dining area. Although a beachy element, this sea fan fits in remarkably well with its more contemporary, stream lined counterparts such as the camel leather dining chairs and sleek chrome table. It’s also a pretty simple DIY project. Mounting the sea fan on a backing board or mat and selecting your frame style produces a modern, custom art piece. Here are a couple of additional DIY examples using framed sea fans:
Sea Fans Add Graphic Punch
Finally, one last DIY beach art project that introduces a beach feel to your home is framing vintage or vintage inspired beach polaroids or post cards. You can find polaroids and postcards at a lower price point through places such as Etsy. Or, have fun scouting flea markets and antique shops on your own personal treasure hunt for beach prints. Here are some of my favorite new prints:
Jena Ardell Photography Available through Etsy
Celebrate the beach by adding its allure to your home through art and accessories. Get creative and create your own for the most custom approach. We would love to hear your ideas about beachy art and how you have added it to your space!
{Image Credits: Studio Surface, Decorpad, West Elm, Jena Ardell Photography}
Mid-Century Modern Art
When you think of mid-century modern, what images come to mind? Retro inspired patterns? 50’s inspired interiors, bright pop colors and cool cars? Well, there is a lot more to it than that. In fact, mid-century modern art is such a huge topic that it is impossible to sum it up in one blog post! Instead, we’ll talk about some of the iconic images of mid-century modern art and how you can include it in your home. Through all the eras, art was more than just about the “pretty”. Art has always been to some point, a statement and reaction to what’s going on in the world at specific times. It can be a political statement, a description of the attitudes of the general public, or simply just personal expression of thought. Not to get too philosophical here but art can be some heavy stuff! So on a lighter note, let’s take a look at some of the pieces that we have come to recognize and love from the mid-century.
Untitled, 1948 print
A famous artist whose work has been seen everywhere and has inspired a movie in his namesake, Jackson Pollock exemplifies gestural abstraction. His paintings consist of drips and splatters that are energetic due to his working methods. Slinging and hurling, dripping and pouring, Jackson created amazing fields of art on canvas right on his studio floor. His work truly focused on the creative process more so than a “subject”. His pieces are now very mainstream and prints and reproductions are everywhere! Not many of us can afford the originals, but you can have your own Jackson Pollack print simply by visiting online on such places as art.com or gallerydirect.com. Not limited by the look of a cheap poster, you can also opt to giclee print on canvas for a original looking recreation of one of Jackson’s fabulous pieces.
If you want to try your hand at creating a Pollock inspired piece, click here on this fun site and just use your mouse to create a “Pollock” of your own!
Mark Rothko on Exhibit
We can’t talk about mid-century art and not mention Mark Rothko. I have to admit when I first saw prints and pictures of his works in books I didn’t get it. I wondered “What is all the hype about blocks of color?”. Well let’s just say that I was quickly educated when I saw some of his pieces in person. His use of color and the sense that the pieces glow with depth made me a believer and that I hadn’t known what I was talking about. Again, as an abstract expressionist, instead of referencing anything specific, his pieces were based on the idea of the “spirit of myth” which he believed was the true meaning of art. His pieces although simple by way of composition, were brilliant examples of the intelligent use of color. They truly are visual experiences and the colors shimmer when lit correctly. This is the experience I had when I first saw his work in person. Rothko felt that color was a doorway to other places and could express basic emotions. I encourage you to check out Rothko exhibits as they come to your area and you will see “what all the hype about blocks of color” is about. Again, Rothko can be in your home through the great thing called poster prints. Click here to see all the options available in print.
Untitled 1949 Rothko print
And although there were numerous additional movements going on at this time such as minimalism, performance art, sculptural art, conceptual art and others, as you might imagine people started to tire of all the abstraction art and experimentation that was prevalent. Pop art brought back all the imagery, symbols, figures that abstract art avoided but that the public still loved. All about embracing pop culture, consumerism, and mass media, this type of art was more accessible to people and of course easier understood. This also makes it now probably the most recognized and widely appealing art from the mid-century period.
If you have not heard of Andy Warhol, well, I just don’t know what to say. His iconic imagery of Marilyn Monroe, Coca Cola, Campbells Soup, and a ton of other everyday items and celebrities made him one of the most popular artists of his time and even now. Although he was a very popular participant in the pop art movement, he was not the first to create art in this style. And unlike other formal artists, Warhol used silkscreen on canvas as his medium. His “machine made” art created controversy and accusations that he wasn’t a real artist because anybody could do what he did. But it wasn’t so much the technique that was original but his shocking and in-your-face subject matter that created his fame.
Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans
Fifteen Minutes by Warhol
If you like the bright colors and graphic aesthetic of pop art, it’s attainable due to its extreme popularity. Click here for a ton of print options.
And if you’re feeling creative, making your own mid-century inspired art can be a fun alternative to prints and a terrific custom DIY to add this era to your space. Using fabric stretched canvases is always a quick, easy and inexpensive way to add custom art to your space. Alluminare has amazing mid-century inspired patterns that you can customize by color and scale to create exactly the look you are going for. Create a collection like the three I show below in a coordinated color palette for a statement art trio:
Custom Fabric Swatches from Alluminare's "Mod/Retro" Collection
Share your mid-century modern art ideas or favorite artists. We would love to hear about them!
{Image Credits: art.com, theindependent.co.uk, about.com, allposters.com, Alluminare}
{Text Reference: “Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, Eleventh Edition” }
Paisley on the Walls
Oh paisley. We have loved you for so long. Both a classic and a current ” trend”, paisley is the pattern that adds punch and style to a space. It plays nicely with others such as stripes and small scale, structural prints, but it has also been known to steal the spotlight a time or two. Sometimes graphic, often whimsical, the paisley pattern provides a style-friendly and fun aesthetic. But with all good things, too much of a good thing is…well… not. As Joe warns, use it wisely and with some restraint. In other words, don’t go nuts with it and limit it to one object such as an upholstered chair, rug, bedding, or wall art. As Murrye mentions, paisley is wonderful in a ton of different applications. Add paisley via an accent pillow or cover all the walls in a jewel box powder bath. To keep it current and fresh, use paisley with either bright, punchy colors for a funky, boho-chic aesthetic, or choose sophisticated shades and tone on tone hues such as creams and charcoals grays for a high end, universal appeal. So, we see it in beautiful fabrics, fashion, bedding, upholstery, but what about on the walls? Another fun option of implementing this timeless trend (not an oxymoron) is adding it to your walls. Whether it’s wall art, wallcovering, or wall decals, adding paisley to your walls is a fun way to incorporate its allure.
Yin Yang Paisley Custom Wallpaper
Yin Yang Paisley is a fantastic pattern available through Alluminare and the best part is that it is completely customizable. Choose your colors and scale and you have custom wallpaper for your home! This pattern would look incredible in any room but I think a bathroom or foyer would look especially amazing.
Custom Fabric in Yin Yang Paisley
If you don’t want to commit to a whole wall’s worth or room’s worth of paisley, add fun accents like a stretched canvas. Another fun idea, customize your own fabric in the same pattern from Alluminare and stretch it over a canvas for an easy DIY project. Again, choose your colors and preferred scale and create inexpensive paisley artwork for your space.
Blik Paisley Wall Decals
Wall decals have been around for a good while and it looks like they are not going anywhere anytime soon. These vibrant, colorful wall stickers from Blik are a great option for the commitment-phobes out there who crave frequent change. Create your own layout by placing the decals however you see fit to make your own custom vignette.
Paisley Wall Stencil
This more subdued, sophisticated wall stencil from ecrater creates such a great focal point for any wall. I especially love the location over the headboard. One large paisley is a smart, classic way to add the pattern to an otherwise neutral, simple room. It also reminds me a little of henna art for the wall. What a cool way to add a touch of exotic flair to your room.
Natalie Perkins Dramatic Paisley Print
Known for her heavy use of paisley, Natalie Perkins creates amazing illustrations, tattoos for walls if you will. ”Paisley Killer, Quest Que Cest” is a bold example of paisley art. I can envision this piece in an urban loft or ultra modern home on a stark white wall. Here are additional examples of some of her stunning works intertwining the paisley within her pieces:
Helmut Hair by Natalie Perkins
Blueberry and Watermelon
Mandarin and Violet by Natalie Perkins
Add some paisley to your walls. Create your own art with fabric over canvas or invest in some cool, modern illustrations. Be bold and use wall decals for a punch of color or exotic flair or wallpaper an entire wall or even room! Take advantage of this “timeless trend” for a stylish update.
{Image Credits: Alluminare, Blik, Ecrater, Natalie Perkins}
American Made : Sources for Kitchen Hardware
Think of kitchen hardware as the jewelry of the kitchen. Nothing else puts the finishing touch on a cabinet door more than beautiful hardware such as a lovely knob, handle or pull. Hardware enhances the character and style of a kitchen and is a simple, quick way to elevate this space. There are lots of hardware options out there with various styles and finishes to choose from but I especially love those that are American made by craftsmen and companies here in the states. There is something special and unique about using a forged, cast piece of bronze or steel that was created locally by an artisan versus mass produced somewhere unknown. Finding American made sources for hardware is no easy task. Although there are several American hardware manufacturers, only a handful design and manufacture their pieces here. Lucky for you, we did the research and sourcing for you! These three are my top choices for stunning and unique American made kitchen hardware. Ranging from traditional to modern and available in a multitude of shapes and finishes, these are great resources to have on hand for selecting kitchen cabinet hardware for your clients or your own home…..
Rocky Mountain Hardware Collections
Rocky Mountain Hardware offers a complete line of architectural handmade hardware. It is a family owned business in Idaho with a focus on environmental responsibility. RMH uses recycled material to create all of their bronze products! Using sand-cast and lost-wax processes, this company creates bronze hardware with various colors, textures, and lines to go with a wide range of styles. Rocky Mountain Hardware also offers custom capabilities so your imagination is the limit! Selling through dealers nationwide, you can visit their website to find a hardware showroom near you. A showroom in your area can provide pricing and any applicable designer or volume discounts. I’m also thrilled to discover that Rocky Mountain Hardware recently partnered with the famed Ted Boerner to create five stunning collections. My personal favorites are the “Shift”, “Tab” and “Bird” collections.
Ted Boerner for Rocky Mountain Hardware
Another fantastic source for American made kitchen hardware is Spectra Decor based in Seattle. Spectra Decor was founded by artist Leilani Norman-Young and has been hand making decorative hardware since 2001. I absolutely love that the pieces are handmade and sustainable using environmentally friendly and regionally sourced materials. Some of these materials include recycled glass and aluminum, cork eco-resin, fused glass, and lead free pewter and stainless steel. Customization is available through Spectra decor as well as a sample program to review prior to purchasing. Spectra Decor is available online through www.knobsandhardware.com and through various showrooms. Check out Spectra Decor’s website to locate a showroom near you. Designer discounts and volume discounts are available to the trade. Contact Spectra Decor for more information regarding special pricing.
Spectra Decor Sustainable Hardware
Colonial Bronze Co. is my third go to resource for kitchen hardware. Around since 1927, this Connecticut based company creates solid brass hardware with finishes guaranteed for life. Available in several finishes ranging from Copper and Chromes to Pewters and Dark Bronze, Colonial Bronze Co. manufactures a slew of styles to choose from. It offers customizing as well as a quick ship program with over 264 items for those fast track projects. Its website offers guidance on installation and measuring so it’s also a handy resource to ensure that the hardware is installed correctly per your specifications. Visit their website for information on showroom locations as well as their trade pricing. Here are some examples of their beautiful knobs and pulls below:
Colonial Bronze Company Selections
Kitchen hardware is a fun detail and having the right go to resources is key to a successful kitchen project. Using American made, hand forged hardware is even better! What a great way to introduce a beautiful artisan element to your kitchen. If you have additional American hardware resources, we would love to hear about them!
{Image Credits: Rocky Mountain Hardware, Spectra Decor, Colonial Bronze}
Gray Paint Roundup
I cannot get enough of gray right now! Literally, I am obsessed. But it’s a healthy and stylish obsession if I am to have one. It is by far my favorite color choice and I am finding that I am combining it with every plausible accent color for myself and my clients. My absolute, to-die-for gray combo? Gray and yellow, hands down. But throw in a bit of turquoise too and I’m done. I have been loving gray for some time and I really can’t bring myself to step away from it. It was the color of my bridesmaids dresses a couple of years ago, the color of my fabulous new sofa, and now the new shade of my master bedroom. Thankfully, gray and I don’t have to part ways any time soon because it is still very much a color of the moment. But the even better news is that gray is also timeless and classic so no worries of feeling dated if you to choose to incorporate this fantastic shade into your space. Murrye showed us earlier this week how amazing gray is in architecture and in various styles of interiors. It just really works with every setting and context. Then Joe discussed the ever important task of selecting the right shade of gray and gave us incredible tips on how to ensure that you select the right gray base for your preference: cool, warm, or neutral.
Gray can fade into the background (although it never cowers) or be boldly front and center. Whether it’s a soft whisper gray or a daring charcoal, it is a transformative shade that runs the gamut from modern to traditional based on it’s surrounding decor and architectural elements. And paint is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to introduce gray into your interiors.
Here is a roundup of incredible gray paints that make the cut. Following Joe’s lead, we’ll divide the paints by cool, neutral, and warm:
Cool Gray Interiors
Some great cool gray paints from light to dark are:
- Pale Smoke by Benjamin Moore has a great soft, silvery feel.
- Bedford Gray by Martha Stewart is a lovely mid-tone cool gray.
- Castle Gray by Farrow and Ball is a deep, smokey blue-gray that is mysterious and stormy.
Neutral Gray Interiors
Favorite Neutral Gray Paints from light to dark:
- Sterling by Benjamin Moore is a great pale neutral gray with a smoky touch.
- Adagio also by Benjamin Moore is a medium to deep neutral gray.
- Mountain Road by Sherwin Williams is a great deep, dark, neutral gray
Warm Gray Rooms
Beautiful warm gray paints that made the list:
- London Fog by Benjamin Moore is a subtle warm gray perfect for a bedroom.
- Timber Wolf by Benjamin Moore is a fantastic medium warm gray for a kitchen or dining room.
- Feather Duster by Martha Stewart is a cozy, warm gray that is inviting and bold.
One thing to keep in mind is that your screen resolution will not be an accurate representation of the true paint color. Make sure to gather paint swatches and if you really want to play it smart and safe, purchase sample sizes of the color first and try it out for a couple of days to see how you feel about it before committing to a whole wall or room.
If you have tried gray in your home, please share your thoughts with us! Join our gray fan club!
{Image Credits: “Cool” collage clockwise from top left: Decorpad, Decorology, Twolia. ”Neutral” collage all via Martha Stewart, “Warm” collage all via Decorpad.}
