Interior Inspiration: JC Garcia-Lavin

Everyone (including me) seems to still on a black and white interiors kick. These images from stylist JC Garcia-Lavin give me just the eye candy I need. Once a stark minimalist, Garcia-Lavin has designed his 1,000 square foot New York abode in a much more eclectic style, perfect for showcasing his art collection. Read the Elle Decor article here.

These kitchen cabinets are to die for! They were custom made by William Feeny Studio.

For
xoxo,

Designer Spotlight: Amy Lau

 

New York Interior Designer Amy Lau

How gorgeous is she!?

  

  

  

 

 

  

  

  

  

I just love her style! So eclectic, colorful, and high contrast! Her use of glossy reflective surfaces make each space sparkle! I love a room which bright colors! I would live in any of these rooms! Check out her 1stdibs feature!

What do you think of her use of color, vintage pieces, and shiny accents?

xoxo,

Little Black Room

Sherwin Williams is predicting that matte black is the new interiors color trend for 2010 and I concur. Just like black is a staple color in my wardrobe, I think it should be a staple accent color for interiors. It's moody and dramatic but classic and crisp. This article recommends that a black wall be trimmed with light baseboards and molding to balance the dark wall. Be careful to also use bright, light-reflecting decor to keep a matte black wall dreamy and dramatic instead of heavy and overwhelming.

The Stir article recommends adding "some interest to the room with glossy lamps or fixtures; high-shine hardwood or tile flooring; or a thick, textured rug. Consider repetitive, angular patterns and "nubby" or ribbed textures on furniture or accent pieces. Choose either a creamy or stark white to round out the simple color palette, and then finish it off with just a few bright colors that draw the eye without overpowering."

Miles Redd

unknown source

Apartment Therapy

Lonny Mag

What do you think? I absolutely love matte black! I think a bedroom accent wall would be my perfect place for black.

xoxo,

Printed Burlap

Using burlap sacks in interiors seems to be all the rage nowadays (p.s., my sister-in-law says I sound like a little old lady whenever I use terms like "all the rage"). But really, printed burlap seems to be popping up everywhere! I think they lend an old Americana influence to interiors. I really like a little printed burlap thrown into an industrial feeling space to give it a little character.

 Like this Postage Sofa from Horchow. 

Love the vintage-meets-industrial look, but not the $4000 price tag.

This vintage grainsack rug from VivaTerra is really cool. Speaking of old grainsacks, we have a bunch of old quilts from my grandma that are backed by old flour sacks- really cool!

These Pottery Barn pillows from coffee bean bags are personally my favorite. I love anything coffee! I do wish that these came in other colors besides red.

 

Look at these beautiful Louis XV chairs from Jayson. I love that they are each unique! These would look really great paired with a rustic metal dining table!

There's a great DIY tutorial (found here) for making your own printed burlap! I always thought you just had to find vintage grain sacks or coffee bean sacks from coffee shops or ebay (like this, or this), which is still a really cool idea. But if you can't find exactly what you're looking for, just make your own! 

Basically, you purchase enough burlap, from a place like this. Decide what text you want to use, blow it up to the correct size and have it printed on laminate or something plastic (Kinko's can do this), and cut it out- this will be your stencil. Then water down some paint (to create a weathered look) and paint the burlap using your new stencil! Voila! Now use the printed burlap to upholster a chair, make a pillow, or whatever innovative use you can think of! I think framed wall art would be super cool!

As with any DIY, I'd love to see your results! Send me pictures and I'll feature them on the blog! Happy stamping!

Best of 2009, ID mag

I love Interior Design Magazine. Although mostly displaying projects by large commercial firms, it does feature the best of the best. And the Annual Best of Year issue is my favorite. Check out my favorite images from Best of 2009.


Best of Year Winner, Office: OWN — Belzberg Architects: Belzberg Architects Office, Los Angeles
How much do you love the fluorescent lighting?


Best of Year Winner, Casual Dining — Aidlin Darling Design: Wexler’s, San Francisco
Love the Tolix chairs, concrete bar, and gorgeous ceiling treatment.

Best of Year Winner, Hospitality: Hotel- Resort- WOHA by Alila villas Uluwatu.
Horizontal wood is my favorite. What a relaxing sitting area.

Best of Year Winner,Education award- Clive Wilksonson Architects, San Diego.
How much would you love to learn in this kind of environment. Of course, I love the Pantone chairs. But the best feature is the ceiling.

You can see more of 2009's best here. Enjoy!




XOXO,

Esty Find: Matteart

Matte Stevens, etsy shop

so cute, so retro. love his prints

Fab for a living room, nursery, or funky master bedroom.

Gustavian the III

Isn't this a gorgeous bed?!?! It's called the Gustavian from Viva Terra for about $1800, but I wonder if you could make the headboard yourself? Looks like a difficult DIY project, but definitely do-able. Perhaps you use wood glue and clamps to make a big piece of wood out of reclaimed pieces. Then use a saw to cut the curved shape you want and stain that puppy and attach it to the wall. What do you think? Would this be an easy DIY?