Rustic Chic Interiors

A few months back I ran across this photo on the Calico Corners website. I just love the mix of the southwestern, velvet corduroy, plaid and animal print fabrics. It has such a masculine/rustic yet elegant feel to it. I swore if I ever owned a cabin...this would be what I would go for not, some themey ideal of what a cabin should look like.

CALICO CORNERS

Then checking out at Safeway last week, I spotted the DEC10/JAN11 issue of Elle Decor. A quick thumbing through just to pass the time lead me to one story in particular and I was sold. I had already known I wanted to share the Calico photo with my readers but I had wanted to pair it with some complimentary looks....and I just struck gold! It was an entire mountain home designed with a rustic chic look. A little more modern than the photo above...and I LOVED it.

I would ever think to place a purple velvet sofa in the same room as reclaimed wooden beams and a deer hanging over the fireplace! But, it adds just a pop of color in a mainly neutral room and the softness of the velvet against the the texture of the stone and weathered woods is just stunning! The geometric throw on the sofa back just absolutely hits it home for me.

Is that Lefroy Brooks tub amazing or what?

Ummm, can I be adopted because I want to stay in these...

Courtesy of M.Elle Design

Sofa Shopping-Room & Board

Recently we went to Room & Board to finalize fabrics and sofa selections with Jennifer Skog. And when I say "we", I mean my durability testing toddler & I. Nothing like a kid eating snacks and jumping on your cushions with shoes to really see how your purchase will perform!

Jen decided on the Dublin Sofa and Chaise Lounge with the Norah Ottoman in a grey houndstooth print. The wooden legs will be more of an espresso color. We played with some of R&B's pillow offerings but nothing struck us except for the Indigo Velvet Pillow. It is so lush and rich looking....the photo does it NO justice. I did love the citrine, indigo and turquoise all together though...I'll be pushing her towards that scheme! Our hunt will continue for pillows as we are trying to coordinate them with a custom upholstered cornice board I had made for her last year. Here is a bit of advice. DON'T buy anything permanent until you are ready to work on the ENTIRE room design. Although we still love the fabric it is making it tricky to have to work around that one set thing. Does my best friend listen to me...no...she's impatient. But aren't we all!

Looks guilty...doesn't she?

We're not using that printed pillow but you can see the indigo and the scale of the houndstooth a little better in this photo.While Jen was placing her order, I chased my toddler around the store but made time to stop and drool at the rug and pillow displays. The thought of a nap in them was just...so...tempting!

You Are Missed

My current living circumstances have all my Christmas decorations packed up and in storage. No decorations for me this year but I must say that it is less stressful being that The Bean, I'm sure, would just love to get her grubby little hands on them. Don't need that stress in my life right now thank you very much!

In honor of my boxed up decor...we will soon be re-united.

Are you ready for 2011?

We're about to ring in the New Year so why not treat yourself and your office to a new stylish calendar. Here are some of my front runners....

Papersource Wall Art Calendar

Susy Jack Desk Calendar

Chair Calendar

Stendig Calendar

If you want to see another way to use this calendar look HERE

Letterpress Calendar

And I LOVE the idea of framing the images from the calendars to use as artwork!

Hello Lovely....

As I skimmed through the current Ballard Designs catalog, I came across their Sarah Storage Towers. I think I actually drooled...just a little bit. I mean they have boot cubbies, something most girls these days can appreaciate. The photo shows three towers put together so you can choose your look. If this were mine to have, I think I'd paint the backs a contrasting color.

And some more shoe closets to feast your eyes on...

MARIAH CAREY

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

MILEY CIRUS

The Search Is Over

The fact that my last iPhone 3G case would cause my screen protector to bubble up, as well as it looked absolutely trashed was reason enough for it to land itself out in the garbage. Since then, I could neither find one I liked the look of and would also stay on my phone. Oh...and not bubble up...am I asking too much here?!?! So dang annoying.This evening my search came to an end. I ran across this Chilewich iPhone Case and all my prayers were answered. It's not only stylish but it slides on to the phone so it doesn't pop off easily and it has a slight gap between the case and the screen so no bubbles! After seeing the review HERE...I was sold. I found it on Amazon for less and it's on it's way. Merry Christmas to me!!!

Makes a great stocking stuffer don't you think?

Living Decor

When reading the current issue of Better Home & Gardens I ran across the most interesting ornament...one I can't say I've see anything like before. A living Tillandsia air plant atop a bed of lichen, moss and twigs...wow...just AMAZING!!!! It's by designer Flora Grubb and she is located near and dear to me...San Franciso...yay! Take a look at all of the items she has available on her Web Shop. I fully intend on using some of her unique greens in my clients homes. When I first saw the ornament in BH&G it reminded of a Succulent Wreath I had spotted at SoHa Living and wanted to share with my readers. I soon realized, that Flora Grubb carried them too but it looks like each carry different sizes so I figured I share both sources.

And, have I ever told you what a sucker I am for Succulents...I'm guessing not...but I am! They are easy manintence, work well in both contempory and more tradional types of landscaping and are just genrally cool! Yep, that's my technical design term for them...COOL! I recently planted a container filled with strictly succulents and I'm just waiting for them to settle all in together and become one in their home before I photograph it to share.

Jennifer Bishop Design is available for more than just Interiors. We can design and plan outdoor living spaces for you as well. Please contact us for more details.

Displaying Holiday Cards

Ok...when did it become only 19 days until Christmas? I better getting working on the Christmas posts PRONTO!!!

One thing I find people always seem to struggle with is how to display all of the Christmas cards they receive. Here are a few of my favorite ideas...

BETTER HOMES & GARDENS-DEC 2005

MARTHA STEWART

HOUSE & HOME

CENTSATIONAL GIRL

LIFE HACKER-RICK BROIDA

Even though this is a photo wall, this idea could easily be converted for use with Xmas cards. You could even adhere patterend papers to to the wood to give it more of a Christmasy feel.

PIER 1

Or if the above option is too much DIY for your blood...I'd buy a couple of these and call it a day!