The first thing I thought of was a chinese lantern.

Chinese Lanterns - Photo by Mike Richards

Lanterns of course made me think of lamps.

Vintage Marbro Company Murano Lamps from Swank Lighting

I also began to wonder what other things might take their cue from this shape.

Art Deco Burma Ruby Clip

Not only Jewelry but gowns from times past (oh, I wish we still dressed like this!)

From Mme. Demorest Mirror of Fashions

Lanvin evening dress 1924

And of course one can’t forget the vase.

19th Century Kutani Vase

When choosing furniture pieces for clients, shape is the most important aspect – it defines the style, and gives rise to all sorts of opportunities.  Shapes inspire design as much as color or texture, and nature is the mother of that inspiration.

Playing with the scale of furnishing can turn make even classic design elements feel like fun. The large mirror dominates this foyer.

Button tufting may be traditional but it is also a fun design element that can transform the look of any upholstered piece. Love how it is repeated on both the headboard and sofa in this bedroom.

Quilting is similar to button-tufting in the design patterns it creates. A quilted coverlet at the end of the bed offers pattern and texture as well as warmth.

Pattern, like this lattice pattern, can be subtle or bold. Add it to furnishings through paint or paper or even fabric to add fun to your furnishings.

Playing with light and dark is another way to have fun with design elements as you explore new decorating ideas. Black built-in bookshelves are backed with a light, rose gold color that ties in with the furnishings in the room.

Whimsy is underrated. Adding a touch of whimsy or a large whimsical element, like this mural, can be fun and stylish in living room designs. Love the beautiful color palette.

Color, pattern, texture, scale, a little bit of whimsy, metallics, playing with light and dark hues… all these design elements can be seen in this room. Gorgeously styled. [ Images†1 / 2 / 3 / †4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 ]

What’s your favorite style of furnishings? You can find great furnishing inspiration at Design Shuffle where talented designers, such as Boston interior designers and San Francisco interior designers showcase their portfolios to inspire all!

Home decor is made up of all kinds of elements, from furniture and light fixtures to wall art and everything in-between. But one of the best tried-and-true ways to tie the look of a room together is to not only ensure there is a pre-determined colour palette but to also integrate it from bottom to top — tippy-top! Stunning rooms with painted ceilings look seamless and streamlined (not to mention super stylish)! Here are a few faves:

A touch of lavender

Simply Irresistible… Designs! via

An interior sunroom with layered window treatments (sheers and heavier curtains), manicured potted plants and a pale purple ceiling all culminate to create a calming oasis.

Mural mural on the ceiling…

decor8 via

Michelangelo may have adorned the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and this dreamy cherub mural on the ceiling of this cozy kitchen adds major visual impact to such a small space. The matching pendant light is a nice added touch — couldn’t even tell there was a light fixture up there!

Matchy matchy

My Home Ideas via

A painted ceiling helps create dimension in this whitewashed bathroom – the sky blue section above is a great home decor detail in that it “lowers” the height of the space. The mismatched ceiling lights definitely adds character to this lovely bathroom.

Sunny stripes

ChicGeek Designs via

Stunning rooms with painted ceilings don’t always have to have one solid colour – stripes are a stylish way to elongate a space, like this kid’s room.

Great grey

Minted Life via

A painted ceiling that “bleeds” onto the walls helps to change the overall depth of this bedroom. The comforter and furniture, such as the bench at the end of the bed, are also in a similar grey hue. The wooden-like light fixture in the middle of the room definitely balances the room.

Posh purple

Jordan Guide Design via

A purple ceiling looks more subdued when paired with other elements in the space, like the wall art and the table decorations – the purple print and flowers help bring the look together.

Sky blue

life-style via

A painted wood slat ceiling looks less obtrusive when criss-crossed with corresponding white beams. We also love how the fabrics are carried through from room to room.

Trendy turquoise

Studio Sweet Studio via

A home office or craft space can be more whimsical and playful than other more formal rooms in a house, so why not paint the ceiling in something unconventional, like a 50s diner turquoise?

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!

Door Numbers

AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc (via)

ThisNext (via)

First impressions are often the last, so it is imperative to make an imprint on the neighborhood. House or door numbers don’t have to just be practical but should also give a glimpse of what lies inside. Preferably they should compliment the house decor and for a visual impact, ensure the numbers are fixed on a contrasting backdrop.

Door Knockers

Kenroy Home (via)

In this tech dominated world, door knockers are being replaced by fancy security systems and intercom speakers. However, while useful, nothing is as charming as a quirky or a beautiful door knocker. Antique and brass nickel door knockers are quite popular, but one can go either contemporary or classic.

Cabinet Knobs

Wesley Ellen Design & Millwork (via)

Give a makeover to the entire house cabinetry by replacing the knobs on it. Remember to match it with your†home accessories and furniture and try not to be overwhelmed with the different kinds of styles, types and shades. Decorative cabinet knobs can be custom made as well and are easy to install, since they generally require only one screw or bolt.

Cabinet Pulls

2fORM Architecture PC (via)

Luminosus Design (via)

Pulls are generally limited when it comes to styling, however that doesnít mean they wonít enhance the look of your cabinets. Pulls are more streamlined and would be suited for a contemporary home. The elongated form can also be more advantageous since they allow a better grip and suitable for those suffering with arthritis or any form of motor disability.

Bathroom Hardware

Precious Nest (via)

Madison Taylor (via)

Towel bars, toilet paper holders, shower curtain rods, and hooks are also considered to be a part of bathroom hardware, so choose wisely. Use only quality products since the bathroom is the most used and abused part of the home.†Toilet paper holders should be mounted on the side of a cabinet or the back wall of the toilet. Install rods for hanging up towels and clothes. Add rings in the bathroom, since they occupy less space and break the symmetry. Lastly ensure that the hardware matches the bathroom dÈcor. So if you have an antique faucet, then make sure the hand towel rack next to is classically styled.

Switch Plates & Wall Outlet Covers

Wnetrza†(via)

Oulaka (via)

Switch plates and wall outlet covers are one of the most neglected†home accessories, which is unfortunate since they can really make a visual imprint. Decorative switch plate and wall outlet covers can provide a significant alteration to a room and can be customized according to the electrical wiring outlets. The best part? All your wiring gets concealed and you get to choose from an eclectic variety of styles like brushed nickel, wood, copper, metallic and even ceramic.

Content provided by Arcadian Home Decor, a site that specializes in top quality home decor items at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!

Modern Out of Africa (the movie was a wonderful inspiration for me when I was young) Bedroom

We start again with the walls, in this case I decided against wallpaper (though I had a really big argument with myself about that) and went with a deep green paint on the walls: Benjamin Moore 2044-10 “Green”. This color makes me relax and think calming thoughts of oceans, forests, mountains, and a peaceful nature.

Benjamin Moore 2044-10 Green

Next is the bed which comes to us from West Elm – normally I would suggest curtains to get that Out of Africa feel but I love the way it looks open too.

Ellipse Bed

Some very crisp and clean bedding from Anthropologie.

Diamond Pleating Bedding

This dresser from Z Gallerie is just the right mix of glam and safari camp with the mirrored drawer fronts and cerused oak frame, the X shape on legs (repeating on mirror) makes one think of the campaign chairs and travel items from that time period too – only modernized.

Carlyle Dresser

A bench at the end of the bed is not only cozy but functional too – a place to sit for the on and off of shoes!

Horchow Angus Metal Bench

Bedside tables complete the furnishings – these from Anthropologie go right along with our African Safari inspiration.

Truss Side Table

a rug (or three – layering them would definitely add to the sense of being in the wild) from West Elm.

Kite Kilim

West Elm Zebra Cowhide Rug

West Elm Masai Rug

Finally, some artwork to keep us inspired….

West Elm Paper Wall Art

Lourdes Sanchez Collection from West Elm

I think you get the idea….

Here is a photo of the inspiring tree.

Plum Tree Blossoms

Our walls would be papered in this lovely Silk hand-painted scenic wallpaper from Griffin and Wong

Satsuma

A rug from The Rug Company always delights, This Alexander McQueen is cashmere and divine!

Feathers by Alexander McQueen

A modern, yet plump and cozy sofa from The Collection.

Flanking the sofa these side tables with faux bois legs from Kay O’Toole

Faux Bois Leg - Marble Top

And sitting atop the tables I would put these gorgeous Foo Dog lamps from Belvedere

Foo Dog lamp with acrylic base

In front of the sofa I would use this large bench rather than a coffee table.

Pink Bench from Gustavo Olivieri

And I would refinish the legs dark and reupholster it in this metallic fabric from F. Schumacher

Shimmer Linen

Add these yummy chairs from Baker

Galerie Chair by Andre Arbus

Upholstered in this lovely plum blossom pink from Kravet

Fairmont Lattice - Blush

A dash of modern thrown in with this chair from Pieces

Ultra Modern Chrome Chair

This series of photographs is all that this space needs to be a mix of modern sumptuousness.

Southampton New York - Eric Cahan

Barra de Navidad, Mexico - Eric Cahan

Barra de Navidad, Mexico - Eric Cahan

Thanks to 1st Dibs for hosting such amazing dealers!

The interior design ideas, principles and elements important in creating a bold and impressive entry are not hard to implement. With just a little know-how, a bundle of creative energy and some fabulous found objects and a few pieces of furniture you and your entry will welcome house guests with an impressive ìhello.î

Image Credit: www.elledecor.com

Foyer Design One:
The three principles to follow, which create some of the most beautiful entries, are balance, proportion, and symmetry. For instance, think long slender hall table topped by an ornate or unusual framed mirror to match your design style. Balance the length of the table by making sure your mirror is a smaller width than your table, but taller than it is wide. Symmetry comes into play by placing two tall buffet lamps on the table so the shades come just to the edge of the mirrors frame. Another interesting idea; add two vases with tall floral and feather arrangements on the table on either side of the mirror instead. On the wall next to the mirror place two wall sconces, wall pockets or two pieces of small metal wall art. This balances everything out.

Paint all walls or just the focal point wall a brilliant color you love. The newest color being embraced is honeysuckle, a pretty pink with a tendency towards the red spectrum. Be sure to add a rug, perhaps an animal print or fine woven floral wool rug.

Image Credit: www.elledecor.com

Foyer Design Two:
This works well in a modern or contemporary decor. Follow the principles in the first design, but drop the symmetry, hang an intriguing chandelier or floor lamp off to one side (design element: ìlightî), but keep a balance with the other furnishings, a table and two chairs. Make these pieces simplistically modern and use contrast by bringing in a white or dark wood table with chairs in an opposing finish. Modern chairs with great classic impact are the famous Tulip chair, the Egg chair, or the Panton chair in white polypropylene molded plastic. This entry just begs for wood floors left bare to show their beautiful finish.

Image Credit: http://www.thelennoxx.com/?p=5464

Foyer Design Three:
Over the top and heavily utilizing the design element ornament are more flamboyant entries with lots of texture, lots of color and lots of variety. This entry may still incorporate many of the elements and principles in the first entry, but it isn’t for the faint of heart, the modernist or traditional decor lover. It works well with a worldly interior, for examples look for Moroccan or Parisian foyer design ideas. Crystal-laden chandeliers, colorful carpets, ornately carved seating or tables and candelabras.

No matter which entry style you choose, you can rest assured knowing when someone walks in your front door, they are going to pause and utter Wow. Every home should have an entry that welcomes and gets a response back.

Content provided by Design Shuffle which is a social media site filled with interior design ideas from top tier design talent around the world. Best of all, registration is completely free.

I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.

Thomas Paul Greyhound Pillow

I used to have two greyhounds and they are not only the most elegant dogs but so sweet, and yes… CUDDLY.  This Thomas Paul pillow reminds me of them.

Sarah Blank Studios

There is something so charming about this artists work.  It takes me back to a simpler time where nature held wonder for everyone.

Homart Agnes the Sheep

little lambs

The above little lambs make me happy – I found the small grouping seen here in an antique store, Homart makes the cast iron one above.

Antique bust

Another find in an antique store on Cape Cod.  I had such an emotional reaction when I saw this bust.  Something about it moved me deeply.

Simrin Farm Yard Laminated Fabric Trays

Lastly these trays from Simrin are so cute and quaint, simply delightful!

I hope you had a smile on your face while looking at this post – I know I did while writing it!

For years I would receive my H&G in the mail and quickly turn to the back to read his column, sometimes I wouldn’t read the rest of the magazine for several weeks but I always read The Testy Tastemaker immediately.  I have worshipped from afar, his turn of phrase, his sense of aesthetic and yes, his humor.  Below is a taste for those of you who are tantalized and a second helping for those of you already in the know.

House and Garden - The Testy Tastemaker

You may be surprised that this is who I would crush on (or more appropriately “stalk”) – when I have had a host of A-list celebrities as clients.  Just as “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”,  celebrity is in the mind of the stalker.  His wit and charm as a writer captivated me from the first reading and this morning much to my ultimate delight I had breakfast with him.  I hope that we can become BFF’s because truly I would hate to have to keep “accidentally” running into him (it might become suspicious).

You can have a bit of him here at his blog for the LA Times Magazine, From Rus with Love – but I better not see you hanging around him, because Dear Friend… he’s MINE!

We shall start with our inspiration; wallpaper from Anthropologie: A traditional look, cheery and fun.

Anthropologie Mansfield Court wallpaper

Next we find a rug from Horchow: A modern take on the zebra rug – we pull in a bit of orange and offset the traditionally leaning wallpaper.

Horchow Albino Zebra rug

A pair of chairs from Z Gallerie: a silvery gray velvet – the lack of pattern calms the busy wallpaper and rug, without being boring.

Z Gallerie Soho chair

A sofa and recamier from Horchow: Adding the charcoal gray and modern lines of this sofa keep the look fresh.  The recamier adds an element of tradition and settles the blue in the room.

Horchow Haute House Velvet sofa

Horchow Azure recamier Old Hickory Tannery

Side tables from Williams Sonoma Home: This table adds a modern yet whimsical touch.

Williams Sonoma Home Hickory Chair Side Table

Some Beeeyoooutiful Murano lamps from Swank Lighting: These lamps are all about glamour and elegance.  The lavender is in keeping with our blue and gray palette.

Swank Vintage Barbini Lavender Opaline Lamps

A lovely coffee table from Horchow: Tradition and elegance personified.

Horchow Mirage coffee table

Curtains from Neiman Marcus: Softens the busy-ness of the wallpaper and adds another layer to our blue and gray palette.

Neiman Marcus Amity Home Silk Curtain in Greystone

Some delightful accessories: Splash of orange to help pick up the delight of the wallpaper, and a warm gold in a modern shape.

Z Gallerie Faux Coral

Jonathan Adler Gold Bird Bowl

When using a heavily patterned wallpaper it is always good to tone down the rest of the fabrics – don’t eliminate all pattern and color but layer it on with different hues that flow. Finally, put in pops of complimentary colors for some eye-feasting. Mix up periods with modern and traditional and Voila! A room you could have in a matter of weeks!