Modern: In Black and White
Designing with black and white can create drama and a visually powerful space. It requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach, positioning objects in such a way that they are read in contrast. The design work of Architect Joseph Dirand, is a gorgeous example of this stylistic approach. It offers an unparalleled simplicity, which suggests a carefully curated experience of space. When I look at these images, I find myself focusing on each object and its artful position in the room, as part of the overall composition. Really, isn’t that how we experience space? As we walk through a doorway and into a room, we are positioned to see a layering of objects, which creates our impression of the space. When designing with black and white, the limited palette allows us to focus on the details, and minimize the chaos or “noise” in the room. Try it. Take a black and white photograph of your room. When you look at it this way, it helps to understand the level of contrast in the space, and the powerful opportunity it provides to design.
Images of the work of Joseph Dirand sourced on the Architects website.
Tags: architecture, black and white, interior design, Joseph Dirand, Modern Design
February 17, 2012House Tour: Marshall Field’s Mansion
Nestled into the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Prairie Street has seen its share of famous residents throughout the years. This particular mansion was the home of Marshall Field, Jr; of the prestigious Marshall Fields department store on Chicago’s famous State St.
When it was converted into condos, the homeowner found a clean slate just waiting for their design fingerprints to be applied. And when we arrived for our catalog shoot, waiting for us was an amazing space.
Check out these fantastic images:
Sleek white cabinets dominate this kitchen and provide a clean, uncluttered look, with plenty of space to entertain.
This inviting den/office is perfectly sophisticated with just the right touch of color to give it some personality.
This elegant dining room is flawless and ready-made for hosting a dinner party with friends.
Comfortable modern furniture is the foundation for this cozy family room, making it the perfect place for relaxing.
Need we say more? Whether you’re coming or going, this foyer just begs to be walked through with eyes wide open.
We’d like to extend a HUGE thank you to the homeowners for welcoming us into their home and sharing their story.
If you have a House story that you would like to share, email it to us at pictures@flor.com (subject: House Tour) and you may get the chance to be featured on the FLOR blog.
February 16, 2012
Ceiling the Deal
I had so much fun finding the inspiration for my most recent post on decorative ceiling treatments. But the fun definitely doesn’t stop there. As always, kids’ spaces have so much more leeway to be creative in bold and playful ways. Ceiling treatments in a kid’s space can take a room from amazing to extraordinary.
Case in point, look at how lovely this nursery is. The design as a whole is beautiful with various textures and graphic elements; but it is the ceiling treatment that truly brings a warm glow to the space.
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This bold, mustard-yellow ceiling is such a creative way to up the playfulness of this tray ceiling.
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This beautiful, shared bedroom space succeeds because of the interaction of the patterns and bold colors. The hot pink ceiling certainly takes it to a whole other level!
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This library nook has shown up on so many shelter blogs for good reason. The floor to ceiling, forward facing library shelves make a big impact. But perhaps the most appealing part of this project is the striped ceiling. Evoking a canopy, it truly defines this small nook by making the ceiling seem lower…always a comforting goal for a quiet, reading space.
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And I would be remiss to count out this stunning nursery ceiling treatment, no matter how popular it is. Even better…the next picture shows how that same room transitioned perfectly into a toddler room.
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If stripes aren’t your thing, there is always the option of wall paper. The trellis pattern here creates a perfect balance of play and design.
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Another really inspiring idea is to use wall mural decals for your ceiling treatments. Both of these children’s spaces up their sweetness antes considerably with minimal effort (other than applying the decals).
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I had to include these amazing ceiling treatments, even though they are considerably more tricky to apply. In Milo’s room, Graham & Brown’s frame wall paper was used on the ceiling to create a beautiful, graphic surprise…
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…While in Tyler’s room, a full, artist installation was created with wooden panels and over sized graphic elements…
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…and these sweet embroidery hoops create a beautiful display of texture and variation that add amazing dimension to the ceiling.
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Have you ever applied a treatment to the ceiling in a kid’s space?
February 16, 2012
FLOR Story: Providing Balance
Dear FLOR,
The hardwood floors underneath my beautiful new FLOR carpet had become hazardously slippery to my sweet three-legged wonder pup, Celia.
Her travels through my home – from area rug in the living room to area rug in the master, for instance – forced her to cross ‘little oceans’ of hardwood floors, where she would often lose her balance and slip, causing pain and potential injury to her one back leg. I know this issue to be a concern for owners of older pets, as well, who see their animals’ balance grow unstable over time, and heartbreaking falls become more common.
I had tried non-slip booties for Celia – really, I had tried everything – as I honestly thought that deploying carpet would be a true sacrifice in style and cleanliness in my casa.
However, after visiting the FLOR Store in Dallas and working with Sean (FLOR’s design consultant at the store), I came away pleasantly surprised. I absolutely LOVE my FLOR carpeting – the gorgeous patterns designed (one for entry and master, another for living – and all flowing seamlessly, smartly together!), the quality of the wool line, the smooth install process.
FLOR warmed up the entry, living and master so much – in terms of both style and coziness. And the flexibility of changing out a tile should there be an accident of any kind (pet? wineglass? : ) is just fantastic.
Celia is SO happy, too. Literally, she stretches out and smiles.
Thanks loads to Sean for his TLC and the amazing design work he did for the new FLOR wool carpeting in my home! I absolutely love the finished product, and have received so many compliments!
-Melinda
Dallas, Texas
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Such a sweet story! For more stories like this one click here. If you have a FLOR story that you would like to share, email it to us at pictures@flor.com and you can receive 10% off your next purchase.
Tags: cozy, designing with pets, FLOR story, FLOR tiles, FLOR.com, pet solutions, soft
February 15, 2012What’s your dream decor?
Ok, I’ll admit it. I am a Louis Vuitton design lover. For many years, I have been searching for and discovering the amazing handbags, store interiors and my all time fave item – the Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. While I personally have a super small Louis Vuitton collection (a bag here and a bag there – thank you, eBay), I certainly covet and dream about that steamer trunk.
I love the style, the elegance and the philosophy of the brand – all things that continue to guide my dream decor love for Louis. In some ways, this has led me to discover other decor and furniture in similar styles, colors or textures and opened up my eyes to new things.
And I also discovered that enjoying pictures of my pretty dream decor is perfectly fine – especially when the above dream decor has a price tag of, oh, $25,000.
Do you have a piece of dream decor? Share your favorite design styles with us.
:: Images by Rebecca Orlov ::
Tags: decor, design, louis vuitton, trucks
