A Design Bloggerâ€™s Point of View

decorating: blogosphere

A Design Blogger’s Point of View

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How does one do Bohemian Vintage?

“Bohemian Vintage is a meeting of Parisian � ea market, artist’s studio, and European castle.

Combine a black, distressed, vintage dresser with a gilded-gold vintage mirror and a glass jar

� lled with a bouquet of used paint brushes, and you've got the look down! It's about bringing

in the old and tattered and breathing life and elegance into it. Think avant-garde—but applied

to your furnishings rather than your clothing. Grandiose chandeliers, big open spaces, original

art, and vintage pieces are all staples of the Bohemian Vintage look. Bohemians, at one time in

history, were the outcast artists who settled wherever they could and with whatever they could.

They made their spaces look artistic and elegant, even though they were using hand-me-down

or curb-pick-up furnishings. This style is an imitation of these great artists and their aesthetic.”

What are some of your latest DecorAddictions?

“I currently can’t get enough of handmade blankets—knitted, crocheted,

hand-felted—I’m obsessed! I’ve been scouring Etsy, eBay and my local

indie shops for months trying to � nd that perfect throw for my sofa…and

our bedroom…and the baby’s room…I don’t know where to stop!

Thankfully, another blogger posted a tutorial on how to crochet a granny

square, and I’ve started my � rst blanket.”


What DIY project surprised you (in a good way)?

“I have a great DIY project that I loved doing because I did it

with my husband. We wanted to recreate the look of the Kate

Spade Hopper™ Dot Large Dot Mini Rose Bowl that retails for

$75. We liked the look and feel of the vase—but not the price

tag. We found similar shaped bowls at Wal-Mart for just $2,

then let our imaginations go from there. It was such a simple

project…and it turned out absolutely beautiful. I can’t help but

smile every time I put � owers in the vase, because I know it’s

something my husband and I did together.”

Typhanie Peterson Shoebox Décor—Decorating and entertaining in a small

space on a shoestring budget

Aura “Mina” BrinkeyBohemian Vintage, Bohemian Vintage Antiques

Trina BrandonDecorAddict

Trina’s crazy about Rocket and Bear’s HUGE Lambswool Crochet Blanket.

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When it comes to anything design-related, what makes your heart beat faster?

“Mixing textures! This is de� nitely the design

aesthetic that I respond to immediately and

one that makes small spaces more dimensional.

Whether it's organic in nature (water set next

to trees) or in design (mirror-paired glass), there's

something about the contrast of textures that is

super appealing. My favorite new piece of furniture

is a penny-tile mirror side table with gilded edges

[Tozai 1000 faces table by Two’s Company]. It's

simply gorgeous! The soft tone of the gold next

to the clean lines of the mirror makes this piece

shine and feel modern. Another project that I

am working on is recovering a vintage Plycraft

lounger and ottoman in colorful, graphic Missoni fabric. The bold

statement of the fabric mixed with the dark wood and steel of the chair is

another neat example of mixing textures.”

Rebecca Orlovloving. living. small.

How does one do Bohemian Vintage?











“I currently can’t get enough of handmade blankets—knitted, crocheted,

hand-felted—I’m obsessed! I’ve been scouring Etsy, eBay and my local

indie shops for months trying to � nd that perfect throw for my sofa…and

our bedroom…and the baby’s room…I don’t know where to stop!

Thankfully, another blogger posted a tutorial on how to crochet a granny

square, and I’ve started my � rst blanket.”

Rebecca Orlovloving. living. small.










Aura “Mina” BrinkeyBohemian Vintage, Bohemian Vintage Antiques Mina’s latest BOHO project

Trina BrandonDecorAddict

Trina’s crazy about Rocket and Bear’s HUGE Lambswool Crochet Blanket.


What’s important for a newbie to know about decorating?

“I think an important thing to remember

when it comes to decorating is making your

home re� ect who YOU are. Be inspired by

things that you see, but always stay true

to yourself. Bring pieces that have special

meaning to you into your space. Look at

your wardrobe and the colors you tend

to gravitate toward to assess what your

personal palette is. And remember these

two important elements: decorating does

not have to be expensive and paint is your

friend.”

Megan ArquetteBeach Bungalow 8

If money were no object, what would you buy for your home right now?

Currently, who is the hottest designer out there?

"I think one of the hottest designers out

there right now is Amanda Nisbet. I would

describe her style as Modern Sensibility

meets Sophisticated Color-and-Whimsy.

The woman is fearless when it comes to

colors, and she has a wonderful way of

blending them into a modern and functional

home."

Karen OliviaAlkemie—Lifestyle & Design Blog

“I like a look that blends a little rustic, a little feminine, and

a little eclectic. I like mixing styles because if I fall in love

with a new piece, it is much easier to incorporate it without

having to worry whether or not it � ts in with the rest of my

décor. Here are three things I'd love to have in my home

right now:

A bed with classic good looks. A bed is a piece you should

invest in, and you want something that isn't too trendy, so

you won't get tired of looking at in a year. I love the clean

shape of Crate and Barrel's Colette bed combined with

the subtle ‘toughness’ of pewter nail heads and the texture

of natural linen.

A mirrored dresser. I've been wanting a mirrored dresser

for a long time, and I like Anthropologie's version which

features a ‘dappled’ look. The patina keeps it from looking

too precious or overly glamorous.

A pair of chandeliers. I'd love to put a pair of Roost Halo

Chandeliers over a farm table or industrial-style dining

table made from reclaimed

wood. I discovered them at Bae,

my favorite San Francisco shop.”

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Ashley White

Ashley White Design

Decorology

Interior Designer Michelle Morelan shares her beautiful renderings on her blog, A Schematic Life. We asked her to create, and tell us about, her dream room.

“My dream room would be large in volume and formal in its symmetry, where I could host holiday dinners. It

would have lots of seating for friends and family. I love the feel and texture of natural stone, wide plank � ooring,

and a room bathed in light; so, I’ve designed a bank of French doors on each side of my dream space to catch

the sunrise and sunset. The combination of royal blue and rust tones really excites me right now, and I would

cut the intensity with grays and soft whites. The shape of the sofas is more modern and juxtaposed against the

traditional shapes of the chairs. The formal velvets play against the casual linens of the furnishings, creating a

room with many levels of interest.

Michelle Morelan Michelle Morelan Interior Design

renderings on her blog, A Schematic Life. We asked her to create, and tell us about, her dream room.

“My dream room would be large in volume and formal in its symmetry, where I could host holiday dinners. It

would have lots of seating for friends and family. I love the feel and texture of natural stone, wide plank � ooring,

and a room bathed in light; so, I’ve designed a bank of French doors on each side of my dream space to catch

the sunrise and sunset. The combination of royal blue and rust tones really excites me right now, and I would

cut the intensity with grays and soft whites. The shape of the sofas is more modern and juxtaposed against the

traditional shapes of the chairs. The formal velvets play against the casual linens of the furnishings, creating a

room with many levels of interest.


OVAL BLUE RO

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CHURLISH GREEN

Megan

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from Emily Johnston, E.J. Interiors—Founder, Executive Editor, Dallas Contributor

Wisteria Outlet

When Wisteria Outlet in Carrollton puts on one of its huge warehouse sales, people from across the country take road trips to the legendary store to partake in the buying mayhem. Faithful Wisteria customers fi ll up truckloads of merchandise, getting some of the best deals of the century.

Again and Again

This hip consignment shop nestled along Henderson Avenue is hard to miss. A little pink house on the corner, Again and Again sells vintage furniture and accessories that have mounds of character. Their slogan, “fun, fresh, and affordable” describes this shop to a tee.

Fort Pitt Furniture

Fort Pitt Furniture is the premiere destination for the fi nest in used four- and fi ve-star hotel furnishings. It is a great go-to resource for anchor pieces that you can grab for amazing prices. Right now, they are featuring pieces from a local Ritz-Carlton.

from Julia Buckingham Edelmann, Buckingham Interiors + Design—Chicago Contributor

DallasHotSpots

ChicagoHotSpots

� e Material Girls share their favorite “aff ordable luxe” home resources

Sample House and Candle Shop

There are seven locations across the metroplex, and you mustn’t leave Dallas without visiting at least one of them! Sample House shops are not only the perfect go-to spots for gifts, but they also have charming home décor at incredible prices. Be sure to check out their candle sections (the Tyler candles are amazing), as well as their fun and colorful Dash and Albert rugs. I guarantee you won’t leave without a small gift for someone (or perhaps even for yourself!)

Arteriors Too

White Elephant Antiques

Located on the recently renamed Riverfront Boulevard among other notable antique stores, White Elephant has some of the most unique and reasonably priced antiques around. Aisle after aisle of whimsical and distinct gems await you. Plan to stay here for a good few hours!

The Andersonville Neighborhood

This is a full day of shopping and discovery! Start at Scout and move towards Room Service. There are unusual and amazing mid-century and industrial-chic pieces galore. A visit to the Andersonville Galleria offers a personalized shopping experience—with an eye for rare, local fl air. Many dealers and artisans are also gathered under one roof. It is impossible to leave this neighborhood empty-handed!

Ten Thousand Villages

Located in Evanston, Illinois, Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade retailer of artisan-crafted home décor, personal accessories, and gift items from across the globe. Featuring products from more than 130 artisan groups in some 38 countries, they are part of a network of over 150 retail outlets throughout the United States selling Ten Thousand Villages products. So many wonderful pieces from all over the world under one roof!

This recently-opened shop at Inwood and Lovers has affordable home décor for the glamazon decorator. Each week they send out an email to their subscribers announcing their discounted “Item of the Week.” This is one email that you don’t want to end up in your spam box!


� e Material Girls share their favorite “aff ordable luxe” home resources

from Rebecca Soskin, Rebecca Tier Soskin Interior Design—New York Contributor

Secondhand Rose

Boasting the “largest collection in the world,” this shop is a great source for fun, funky, vintage wallpaper that spans the 1860s through the 1970s. The collection includes Victorian antique papers, damask wallpaper, 1940s fl orals, art deco geometrics, novelties from the 1950s, 1960s op art, and 1970s mylars.

F&S Fabrics

This landmark store is fi lled with bolts of fabrics that range from linens and velvets to sheers, as well as a section replete with outdoor fabrics. They also carry a huge assortment of trims and are generous about letting you cut samples right off the actual bolts—great for taking to clients for the exacting dye lot!

from Jill Seidner, Jill Seidner Interior Design—Los Angeles Contributor

NewYorkHotSpots

LosAngelesHotSpots

Fishs Eddy

This is a great source for everything dining—kitchenware, glassware, fl atware, serving pieces, and accessories. Fishs Eddy’s stock includes remainders of kitschy, custom-designed china left over from the past. Items include the store’s own wonderful contemporary designs, as well as retro-inspired pieces.

� e Material Girls off er design inspiration from coast to coast—tips, trends, tantalizing home fashions—all topped with some pop culture treats! Find them at materialgirlsblog.com

Apartment 48

At Apartment 48, you will fi nd things for the home that can add to your bar, make life in the kitchen a little easier, or make entertaining much more fun!—from dinnerware to kitchenware to a few small furniture pieces and decorative items that are sure to spice up any home.

Housing Works

The Divine Chair Company

Starting off with vintage chairs, The Divine Chair Company gives them a fresh coat of paint and re-upholsters them with updated, trendy fabrics. They’ll also work with you to create a design of your own using your own fabric and ideas. Recycle…reuse…reduce!

The Sofa Company

With an ever-expanding chain of stores, The Sofa Company has been a great resource for me, as I have clients spread throughout the City. The best thing about The Sofa Company is they will let you take any sofa in their line and customize it to your liking—size, style, fabric, and fi lling. The prices are great and the lead times are unheard of—especially for a customized sofa! They’ve become my go-to place for many of my clients because their sofas fi t my furniture fl oor plans…and my clients’ budgets.

Maison21

For sourcing unique fi nds and furnishings, I look to the collection curated by local Christian May of Maison21, who has an ever-changing assortment of vintage artwork, accessories, and furniture. He has a great eye and a knack for fi nding items I would not have otherwise found—so, I regularly check back to see what’s at his online marketplace.

There are thrift shops located in different locations in New York City that have online auctions—and if you visit the online shop frequently, you’re likely to fi nd a great piece of furniture or home accessory for a lot less. The best part is that the money you spend helps Housing Works give a second chance to homeless New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS.

� e Material Girls off er design inspiration from coast to coast—tips, trends, tantalizing home fashions—all topped with some pop culture treats! Find them at materialgirlsblog.com

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A Design Bloggerâ€™s Point of View