Friday Finds: Decorating with Yellow

A burst of sunshine. Fresh squeezed lemonade. Sunflowers in full bloom. These are just some of the images that come to mind when I think of the brightest color on the color wheel, yellow. Adding yellow {in any amount} to an interior design brings energy to the space. The color is often referred to as cheery and who doesn’t want a little dose of that? So today’s Friday Finds are all in the happy hue of yellow.

1.GiGi Nightstand at Urban Outfitters, 2.Carnaby Hollywood Vase by Jonathan Adler, 3. Ceylon Table Lamp - Bungalow 5 at Tonic Home, 4. Coco Cozy Throw in Cane Yellow, 5. Pair of Citron Foo Dogs at Pieces, 6. Modernist Bowls at West Elm, 7. White Chakki in Maize Spade by Serena & Lily, 8. Ishtar Yellows by Barry Dixon for Vervain.

How about you? Do you decorate with yellow?

Design Blogger Series #5: What Would You Do?

Today I am thrilled to have four more very talented interior design bloggers participate in the fifth,  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?  Jenny Komenda of Little Green Notebook, Caitlin Creer, Katie Denham of katiedid, Staci Edwards of {Inspired by Life} were asked to design a space using this Louis XVl style slipper chair:

It's a fabulous chair circa 1920 from France found on 1st Dibs. This classic chair could go in just about any room, so I was excited about how the designers would use it.

Founder of interior design firm, Pearl Street Interiors and the blog Little Green Notebook, Jenny Komenda has this to say about her design incorporating the Louis XVI slipper chair: “I have a pair of small slipper chairs that I'm considering using in my entry, flanking my console, so I thought it would be fun to pretend we have two of these gorgeous chairs and also use them in an entry or foyer. I love to mix different styles of furniture and I'm a firm believer that the key to a well-decorated room is finding balance. The slipper chairs are a bit on the delicate side, so I think I would use something bold and heavier as the console. You could find an inexpensive vintage piece to paint out black and add pretty brass hardware, but if you're not into DIY, this (somewhat pricey) piece by Noir furniture is amazing. Trust me - it knocks your socks off in person. I'd top it off with a Frenchie/Italian looking mirror like this reasonably priced version from Horchow (if the craigslist gods are not smiling on you). Try leaning a framed piece of art against your mirror. I recently found  an old etching of our NYC neighborhood in an antique store. I have it in our entry and I love that it's one of the first things people see in our home. Sort of an outside meets the inside kind of thing. Even if you don't live in a big city, try searching for old maps, paintings or photographs of your town on eBay or Etsy and I think you'll be surprised what's there. For my Upper West Side friends, check out this pretty painting of Morningside Park. These new lamps from Robert Abbey are going to be a HIT in the blog world. Available in all sorts of colors, they feel like the rebellious granddaughter of traditional ginger jar lamps we all know and love. This spotted tray was absolutely meant to be paired with that lamp. And what entry would be complete without a fabulous rug? If you're not interested in scouring eBay for the perfect oushak or Turkish number, this rug from Overstock is lovely. See those little bits of blue? Bring it all home with a petite electric blue silk pillows for a pop on one of the slipper chairs.”

Salt Lake City, Utah designer Caitlin Creer says, “The moment I saw this chair I was instantly drawn to it's classic elegant feeling. I don't get to do a lot of teenage rooms but I dreamt up a stylish and sophisticated space for a teenage girl. I'd use our beautiful chair as a desk chair and pair it with this beautiful desk from World Market. Against the main wall I'd use this amazing A-Twitter wallpaper from Schumacher (it can be purchased from Decorator's Best) for some impact. Four our bed, I'd go for something simple that will really let the wallpaper be the start of the show. I'm thinking this maison canopy bed from PB Teen should do the trick. I've also had my eye on these gorgeous striped panels that would play beautifully off of the wallpaper.

Just because this is a girl's room and it needs some feminine touches, we'll throw in a pretty floral pouf, and a sparkly lamp. Now I just wish this room was in my house!”

Designer Katie Denham based in Sacramento, California says this about her design, “I have put together a Dining Room which combines a bit of modern with a bit of moody fantasy from times past. I love to use modern furniture in a traditional setting or traditional furnishings in a modern setting. In this case, the setting would be a traditional wood paneled room with old oak floors. I imagine one wall punctuated with large Palladian multi-paned arched windows. I took a cue from the blue velvet fabric on the chairs and expanded on a color scheme using a darker blue paint for the paneled walls from Devine Color. I wanted to create a shell of darker tones and contrast that with punches of white. So, to begin, I picked oak floors with a brushed black stain to keep the background darker. They add texture and have an aged quality. For the contrast in mood and color, I picked the white marble topped Saaranin table from DWR.  And around which would be six of the Louis chairs Cristin picked. (Lovely!) White Paper Chandelier from Moooi available  through Lumens. I think it is a witty take on a more traditional chandelier...very fun. For the walls, a large white plaster looking mirror...total fantasy....from Oly Studio. And for art, a monumental piece from Cosgrove Art. This piece is so dramatic and another nod to fantasy, ad the velvety blue colors are perfect. I also added these black and white onyx vessels from Oly Studio en masse for on top of the table. Oly Studio is available through Ruby Living or Jayson Home and Garden. There are also lots of retail stores available from the Oly Studio.

Thanks again, Cristin, for including me! It has been a pleasure.”

Ontario-based interior designer, Staci Edwards explains, “As soon as I saw this beautiful slipper chair I thought: seeing as I will probably not have my dream dressing room anytime in the near future, it would be fun to create the look here! The room would have warm white cabinetry throughout, and the back wall would be a feature wall, where these items would be… First, I would get the chair refinished by painting the show wood in Farrow & Ball’s Pitch Black, and reupholster it in this stunning ikat inspired print called Peacock by Trina Turk. Keeping with the 1920’s French feel of the chair, I chose this darling Avery Bombé Chest from Crate & Barrel {a cute feature to this piece is that the drawers are lined with hand-silkscreened paper, that would make me smile each time I opened them}. This stunning fashion print by David Downtown would be hung directly above the dresser with major matting in an oversized frame. Hanging from the center of the room would be this stunning Morris Ribbon Pendant at Studio B, the diffused light will create a very feminine feel, and I like how the ribbon pattern mimics the shapes in the fabric – a perfect “tie” in {pardon the pun}. Underfoot will lay this beautiful Faux {because it’s more friendly that way} Faux Zebra Hide from Jayson Home & Garden, which would ground the look while creating visual interest. And there you have it: my dream dressing room using the slipper chair provided – I hope you enjoyed it, and thanks to Cristin for inviting me to join in the fun!”

A huge thank you hug to designers, Jenny Komenda, Caitlin Creer, Katie Denham, and Staci Edwards for participating in this series. I love what you created and all very different spaces. Brilliant!

Don’t you love all the variations in designs incorporating the same slipper chair? 

Built-in Designer Breakfast {or Kitchen} Nooks

With the kitchen being the heart of the home, more and more homeowners want to incorporate breakfast or kitchen nooks in the space. To maximize space and storage, adding a custom bench may be the best option. I am currently finishing up a project where we added a custom built-in bench and cushions and I hope to show it to you soon. Meanwhile, here are examples of some beautiful designer kitchen nooks.

{photo credit:  William Waldron  via Elle Décor}

Designers, Nate Berkus and Anne Coyle featured a custom table with stainless-steel top on a Saarinen base in this sleek modern kitchen. A pair of vintage side chairs are paired with an “L” shaped built-in beach covered with custom blue & white nautical stripe cushions and pillows. A contrasting light fixture from Lucca grounds the space.

Florida’s Celerie Kimble creates a light and airy breakfast nook in this Palm Beach home. The custom beach is topped with a boxed style cushion with a contrasting welt in citrine. The simple round table {with green top?} is paired with yellow bamboo chairs. The vintage chandelier adds just the right touch of whimsy.

San Francisco-based designer Palmer Weiss creates a cheery, retro breakfast nook in this kitchen. The banquette seating is upholstered in a sunny yellow and white ikat fabric and is topped with solid lime green and lemon motif pillows. Weiss pairs Bertoia chairs and a white rectangular table with a Saarinen base. The clean white Le Klint pendant is a great complement to the table. Don’t you just love the retro poolside photo?

{photo credit: Karyn R. Millet via House Beautiful}

Designer Kari Cusack creates a nautical feel in this breakfast nook with a blue, white and yellow color scheme. Overlooking the San Francisco Bay and passing sailboats,the nook features an eight-sided peak "tower" from which a chrome-plated chandelier is hung. The dark and chunky table adds a nice contrast to the white built-in bench.

In this coastal-inspired breakfast nook by designer Amanda Nisbet, a picnic style table and bench are paired with a custom “L” shape upholstered bench. The fabric in the bench’s cushion & pillows picks up the sea blues and lime green in the painted furniture. I love how a darker shade of blue was applied to the spindle chair – the varying shades of blue adds more visual interest. The darling artwork also picks up the color scheme beautifully. The coral chandelier adds to the “beach” theme without being too cutesy. 

New York-based designer Katie Ridder creates a  cozy breakfast nook with a bright red tufted banquette.  A 1950’s style table and wall art give a nod to the retro ice cream parlors. Ridder mixes it up by pairing the bench and table with cane & woven chairs. I love the built-in bookshelf as a backdrop – perfect place to house cookbooks, pottery and treasures.

 

{photo credit: Joshua McHugh via Elle Décor}

In this kitchen, designer J. Randall Powers selects chunky Biedermeier chairs, a contemporary Christian Liaigre table, and a sleek custom upholstered banquette seating. The large scale  artwork is just the right size to frame the space.

Are you a fan of breakfast nooks?

Color Inspiration: Brown and Orange

This bedroom by Jonathan Adler is so dreamy! The chocolate brown paint color, the gorgeous orange and white designs, the stunning rug... This room gets an A+ in my book!

Last week's color inspiration: Lilac and Honeysuckle

Another Color Inspiration ~ Easter Pastels

More color inspiration and

Mo

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Interview: San Francisco Interior Designer Scot Meacham Wood

Today I am thrilled to be interviewing the very talented San Francisco-based interior designer, Scot Meacham Wood. I had the pleasure of meeting Scot last year while seating on a social media panel discussion at Kravet in San Francisco. Immediately, I was charmed by his smile, humor and positive attitude. His beautiful design projects have appeared in several publications including SF Examiner, Rue Magazine and Style at Home. Scot also is a fellow design blogger {The Adventures of Tartanscot} and I encourage you to drop by to find out what’s inspiring him today.

Simplified Bee: Scot, your designs are sophisticated, inviting and timeless. When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?

Scot Meacham Wood: There was a gentle hint at my future in design when I was still quite young and would rearrange my bedroom at the age of 10, almost monthly. “Mom, can I move my bed to this wall?”  “Mom, could I have new lamps for my side tables?”  “Mom, I want new bedding.”  But, I really began to understand the power of design while working for Ralph Lauren.  I was with Polo for over 13 years - working in the Northern California stores - and it was amazing watching these beautiful spaces re-imagined each season.  The same space that was a New York loft one fall would be a French chateau the next.

SB: Your portfolio is beautiful and includes a range of styles. Which one is closest to your personal style?

SMW: I always find the greatest inspiration for any one of my projects from my clients themselves.  I’ve been incredibly lucky to have worked with some truly amazing people on the transformation of their homes. People always seem to be willing to transform their lives - and being in the front row (as it were) seeing people discard unneeded things from their pasts and seeing their lives from a fresh new perspective – never ceases to inspire me. I guess the space that most represents me is my own home.  But it is also the space that is in almost continuous evolution.  Furniture is constantly on the move.  Paint colors get changed.

SB: Who are your favorite designers?
 

SMW: Michael Smith.  Charlotte Moss.  Miles Redd.  Ralph Lauren.  Joe Nye.

SB: What are you favorite design magazines, books or blogs?

SMW: On the magazine front - I’m a huge fan of Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Arch Digest, Rue, and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.  For blogs – I love All the Best, Tobi Fairley’s blog, Grant Gibson’s blog, and the beautiful writing of Mrs. Blandings.

SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones?

SMW: Paint colors are part of such a delicate dance.  So much depends of the orientation of the house, and the quality of the light, I try not to have any pre-conceived ideas about specific colors.  What I DO love are people who are willing to go dramatic.  Dark colors.  Saturated colors.  And, frankly, I love using wallpapers.

SB: Which of today’s interior design trends are here to stay and which ones will we see fade away?

SMW: “Trends” in design are somewhat of a misnomer for me - maybe because I gravitate towards more classic designs.  But, because most interior design installations have such lengthy time span - sometimes 18 months to 2 years - most ‘trends’ have come and gone over that time period.

SB: Your designs showcase beautiful textiles, furnishings and home accessories. Would you share some of your favorite collections or resources?

SMW: I really love to shop. Really. I firmly believe that it’s a genetic marker from my mother’s side of the family. For textiles, I love Jim Thompson’s textiles, Lee Jofa’s collections, and the bright fabrics from Carleton V. When in New York - you’ll find me shopping through Thomas O’Brien’s shop in SoHo - and well as several places along Lexington Ave.

SB: What is your favorite room in your house and why?

SMW: I love my drawing room.  It’s the room where I entertain guests, the ‘heart’ of my home.  It also contains many of my favorite things.  My custom tufted silk-velvet sofa.  My Chinese needlepoint botanical rug. And most of my collection of portraiture is displayed there.

* all photographs published with permission from Scot Meacham Wood

Friday Find: Chic Lantern Lighting by Urban Electric Co

I’ve been on the lookout for just the right lantern pendant in an entryway. The selection of fabulous lighting at Urban Electric Co. has always been impressive, but I am loving the variety of lantern lighting currently available. I’ve selected some of my favorites to show you. 

Urban Electric features several lighting collections by designers such as Mark Maresca and Michael Amato. Some of my favorite lanterns they designed appear above.

Another remarkable lighting collection represented by Urban Electric is by designer Amanda Nisbet.  She brilliantly infuses some bright, playful color in her lighting collection. Gorgeous!

Simplified Bee has been nominated for the Circle of Moms Top 25 Design Blogs! Thank you to everyone that has voted so far! And I realized you can vote once every day until March 21 - just click on the thumbs up. Thank You!

Oopsy Daisy Art Giveaway

It’s no secret that Rosenberry Rooms is one of my favorite resources for chic baby nursery décor, so I was thrilled when they offered to sponsor a giveaway on Simplified Bee. Rosenberry Rooms features a huge selection of furniture, bedding, art, rugs and lighting – all perfect for decorating a child’s or baby’s room. In addition, many of their products are hand painted or crafted. Gotta love that!

Rosenberry Rooms has graciously offered to give away this playful & colorful Favorite Things Alphabet - Girl Canvas Reproduction by Oopsy Daisy – it retails for $159 and I think it would look darling in a little girl’s room. 

Here is how to enter:

• Leave a comment. {provide your email if I don't have a way to contact you}.
• Extra Entry - become a new follower of Simplified Bee's Blog, Twitter or Facebook Page.
• Extra Entry - mention this giveaway in a blog post, FB link or tweet, then leave a comment letting me know.
• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
• Entry period closes at 9 pm PST on Monday, March 21, 2011. The winner will be chosen by Random.org. 

Good luck!

Coffee Table Decorating and Styling Tips

{Designer Ken Fulk}

Tucked between sofas and chairs, the coffee table can help a space achieve equilibrium. Although known as a staple in living or family rooms, coffee tables are also found in other areas of the home such as bedrooms, offices and sunrooms. Regardless of the location, decorating a coffee table’s surface is an essential element in completing  the room’s overall look.

{Designer: Tobi Fairley}

It may seem elementary, but artfully styling a coffee table takes careful consideration.  It’s easy to plop down some coffee table books, fresh flowers and a tray, but it may not be pleasing to the eye. When selecting items to decorate the surface, keep in mind basic principles of design including scale, balance, rhythm and harmony. Taking these design principles into consideration, here are some tips for decorating a coffee table:

{Designer: Palmer Weiss}

Evaluate Scale. Take into consideration the scale or visual weight of your coffee table and the other furnishing that embody the space. The example above, by interior designer Palmer Weiss, incorporates a round glass coffee table, which has less visual weight than the surrounding furnishings. To compliment the table’s scale, shape and material, Palmer selects three groups of items; a decorative plate, fresh flowers and a couple books – all heavier in visual weight than the coffee table itself. Notice the coral & white fresh flowers subtly pick up on the pillow’s hue – this is not an accident. The floral arrangement also adds height to the grouping without blocking the view of the TV, fireplace or guests’ faces. The round plate picks up on similar colors in the space, but more importantly repeats the circle patterns throughout the space. The magnifying glass placed on the coffee table books adds a touch of whimsy and that magical third element to the grouping. One design trick, which Palmer uses here, is to arrange accessories in groups and multiples of three.
     

{Designer: Hillary Thomas; Photo credit: Patrick Cline via Lonny Magazine}

Strike Visual Harmony. Designer, Hillary Thomas also used a trio of compatible items to create a harmonious look on this square coffee table. Again, fresh flowers in various shades of pink and red pick up on pair of ikat pillows {keep plants. A small round tea light breaks up the straight lines of the table and adds a romantic touch. {If you have small children or pets, please be careful when lighting candles on a coffee table – for safety reasons candles should be kept out of reach.} This time a pair of coffee table books are grounded with Foo Dogs. The Asian figurines compliment in style, texture and color the garden stools placed in front of the sofa.
    

{Designer: Tobi Fairley}

Achieve Balance. In the formal seating room above, designer Tobi Fairley creates a symmetrical balance by placing matching chairs, side tables and table lamps on either side of the sofa. The pair of books and glass art accessories selected to decorate the coffee table breaks the room’s formal symmetry, creating visual balance and interest.    
  

{Designer: Hillary Thomas; Photo credit: Patrick Cline via Lonny Magazine}

Above designer, Hillary Thomas using a large square tufted ottoman as a coffee table in this family room. A contrasting black lacquer tray is the perfect accessory to unify and showcase other decorative items. The asymmetrical arrangement of the stone horse figurine, book and succulent plant creates a visual balance. This informal balance can be difficult to achieve for some and there are no set of rules as to what is right or wrong. Many times it requires patience and plenty of trial and error to get it right.    

{photo credit: Thibault Jeanson via House Beautiful}

Create Rhythm.  Here designers, Hattie Wolfe and Abby Rizor place a large Indonesian bowl on a stout wooden coffee table. While some may argue the scale of the bowl is too large, it works not only because the repetition it provides in color & texture, but its contrasting round form creates rhythm in the space. I am not sure how this bowl was acquired, but showcasing treasures from your travels is always a wonderful way to make a space personal and act as a great conversation starter.

What do you think are the most important design principles to keep in mind while styling a coffee table?

Are you looking for more design advice on styling your home? If so, you may enjoy reading: 

Tips on Decorating the Fireplace Mantel,  
Tips on Styling a Bookcase Like an Interior Designer or  
Tips for Styling a Living Room.

Color Inspiration: Stormy Blue and Yellow Ochre

I feel calm and relaxed just looking at this gorgeous color combination ~

Stormy Blue and Yellow Ochre. Have a peaceful Tuesday!

photo: traditional entry design by Smith & Vansant Architects PC via houzz

Last week: Color Inspiration ~ Easter Pastels

More color inspiration and

Mo

re ways to follow BB&B

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