Many people think of free-standing baths (traditionally claw-foot) as outdated. Recently, the free-standing bath has been revived into something fresh and new. By treating the bathtub as a piece of furniture, you can create a very sophisticated and inviting look. And, let’s face it, free-standing baths not only look amazing, but they have a certain romance about them. Even taking a traditional claw-foot tub (like the one pictured below) and painting the outside black, or any color for that matter, can bring it up to date. If you are building a home in or around Austin, or thinking about re-modeling your master bath, consider a free-standing bathtub. We would be glad to help you find a resource!
Not Your Grandmother’s Bath… May 27
Aidan Gray…More Chic Than Shabby. May 25
Look at some of our finds by Aidan Gray Home (www.aidangrayhome.com). The entire product line is inspired by “European Grandeur,” and focuses on an authentic, hand-made look. While this is a relatively young company, Aidan Gray Home has taken on the interior design and decor industry by storm…and they seem to have what it takes to have staying power. They have a very specific look that has wide appeal, especially for transitional interiors. If you are interested in these or any of the products from Aidan Gray Home, just let us know!
A Marriage Made in Italy… May 23
It can be so exciting to take a historical place, filled with opulent wood carvings and history, and fill it with simple, clean-lined furniture. This apartment in Italy is brimming with whispers of a grand past…and at the same time, screaming of a very current present. We love that the bones of this amazing structure have been left seemingly untouched, only updated with a gorgeous and modern grouping of ethereal chandeliers. The interior designer who selected the furniture for this home did a great job of keeping it simple. In doing so, they have allowed us to really take in the beauty of marrying current furnishings to a centuries old space.
So Chic Shagreen… May 20
Shagreen is derived from untanned skin of animals, commonly sharks and sting rays, that are covered in close-set tubercles (and commonly died green). Today, you can find plenty of beautifully made furniture and accessories from both real, and very often faux, shagreen. One great thing about shagreen is its versatility. It can look very masculine when made dark, or appears very feminine in lighter shades. If you are interested in locating some shagreen products, let us know…we will be happy to find the right ones for your home.
The Butler’s Pantry – Made Relavent, Again. May 18
Traditionally, butler’s pantries have been small spaces, adjacent to the dining room, that house fine china. They may have a small sink, but don’t get much use. These days, people (even those who have extravagant homes) typically don’t want rooms that they won’t utilize. We are living more efficiently today. Below you will find some examples of butler’s pantries that have been made into prep kitchens. Imagine throwing a party and being able to conceal the mess into a single room that is accessed through the kitchen, but not in it. While a prep kitchen is not in every one’s budget, it is certainly a luxury worth dreaming about!
Inspired By Nature. May 16
Palecek furniture is very distinctive. Their entire product line seems to marry nature and interior design. Here is what they say about their products:
“More than 35 years ago, Palecek began designing distinctive rattan and wicker items with one goal in mind – to create unique pieces of art from natural fibers. As we traveled the world developing a network of master artisans, we drew inspiration from the indigenous peoples and their use of quickly renewable materials. Our desire to mix an international palette of natural fibers into elegant furniture, lighting and accessories has made Palecek a trendsetter and pioneer in the use of fast-growing hardwoods, seagrass and rattan weaves. Our extensive line of award winning, handcrafted and eco-conscious designs are conceived in our domestic San Francisco Bay Area headquarters. It is here that our master technicians upholster and finish your pieces, allowing Palecek to be your domestic design resource.”
“To the Trade”
For more, visit www.palecek.com
Moraccan Inspired Home Decor.. May 13
For those of you who prefer the eclectic for your Austin home, look no further than Wunderley Furniture. Their imported products are hand-crafted and are beautiful, and their product line includes everything from furniture to lighting and accessories. A quick tip, though – these pieces would be a great addition to any interior…but be careful not to overdo it. A single inlaid table, bench, or mirror can add interest and “pop,” but too much of a good thing will just create a theme, which can make the overall design seem trite.
For more from Wunderley, visit www.wunderley.com , or contact Colby Design…we’d be glad to help!
Traditional Inspiration…Dreamlike State. May 11
The artwork that is Boco do Lobo’s furniture is astounding. The designers manage take the onlooker on a visual and emotional journey, as they take traditional forms and craft them into something more. Sometimes when we dream, we warp things in our minds, just a little, but the forms in the dream still make sense. This idea seems to be threaded through Boco do Lobo’s designs. The take classic forms and present them in whimsical ways that inspire the onlooker, just as art stirs each of us differently.
For more, visit www.bocodolobo.com
Asymmetry… May 9
Asymmetry is a great way to add interest to any room. The key is for the eye to really see that the space is kind of out of balance (but in a good way). The living room below is a great example of how to work in some asymmetry. What makes this work is the fact that the mantel runs the full length of the fireplace wall. It is the balancing factor, and it pulls the eye to the fireplace (which isn’t very large…but you probably didn’t notice that part). Instead, the eye focuses on the wall, in its entirety, which looks grand.
Striped Shades… May 6
Lamp shades come in every shape, style, size, and color imaginable. One of our favorite ways to see a shade dressed – stripes. These colored lines really set the tone for a lamp, and in turn, an interior. Stripes can be serious, or just plain sassy, depending on the materials and the colors used. Check out some of our favorites that are available to you online.
Pottery Barn
Lamps Plus – Black Velvet Stripe
House To Home – UK
Laura Ashely
Isabell Stanely
Pottery Barn