Whole Lotta Hoopla
Posted by Miriam | Filed under Musings
So when I am not sifting through inspiration for this design blog, I am either sifting through inspiration for my wedding invitation business; sifting through inspiration on how to mother my children intentionally; or zonked out on the bed from hours of inspiration sifting…oh yeah…and you know, running a household, a small business and all that other stuff that goes on in my days. Anyway, earlier this week, I was mid-sift of my wedding invitation business inspiration when I came across this amazing centerpiece display using embroidery hoops.
(source)
It reminded me of an image from a while back in Martha Stewart Weddings:
Embroidery hoops seem to bring an element of craft wherever they appear and I think that element, combined with carefully selected details, can truly create a beautiful piece. I particularly love this fun, quirky bulletin board display by Etsy seller hoop.de.do. The vibrant fabrics, paired with the various sizes of hoops are so inspiring!
Another sweet, utilitarian use for the basic embroidery hoop is this sweet calendar.
(I found it on Pinterest here and it was credited to this blog, but try as I might I couldn’t find it)
Of course, the embroidery hoop, being made to hold fabric, creates a wonderful frame for your favorite prints. In a large display such as this one over at PurlBee, the hoops combine to make a powerful display.
Similarly, Caro at CaroThrift created a display over her bed that is a wonderful mix of size and pattern.
Lastly, this inspiring display from an Anthropologie store makes me smile. I can imagine this would make a divine room divider in an open space or loft.
Tags: accent pieces, design, diy, etsy, FLOR tiles, FLOR.com, hoops
The Importance of Art
Posted by Erin | Filed under Musings
Art can make or break a space, as evidenced in the below photo of Blunt’s creative office in London:
The piece was commissioned by artist Ian Stevenson and provides a clear example of how art (especially art with a sense of humor!) can add layers of design depth to any space.
Without this witty piece, the room would feel somewhat sad and empty, but now that it’s coupled with the simplest of art (no more than a canvas and a handpainted message), the space sings.
I’m feeling a DIY coming on… anyone else? 
Tags: art, design, humor, interiors
What’s your dream decor?
Posted by Rebecca | Filed under Musings
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
House Tour: The Barn
Posted by Gina | Filed under Favorites, House Tours, Musings
We often receive compliments from people on our photography and the response is always the same: “Our photography is only as good as the homes we shoot in.” We pride ourselves on our catalog locations and the authenticity they bring to the final product.
We had a catalog shoot that was, in fact, good enough to write home about. Here are a few shots from our most recent Spring catalog and the amazing story behind the location.
A 140-year-old barn originally built in upstate New York and relocated to Waco, Texas for restoration purposes found its resting place in the southwestern corner of Michigan, and we found ourselves inside shooting the FLOR catalog.
The barn was the idea of a couple that was looking to design a space they could call home for the rest of their lives; no small task.
The process began with first finding a company that could fulfill these dreams. Once on board, a complete set of drawings and then a tiny 1”x1” model of the barn allowed them to get a feel for the interior space and how they would use it.
The homeowners wanted to build a modern structure that was live-able but not lose the uniqueness of the barn’s structure.
Once it was confirmed the foundation was sufficient, the restoration team drove the frame and, with the help of a 100-foot crane, the barn raising was complete within 48 hours. After the rafter installation and the “close-in,” the roof was constructed and the homeowners were one step closer to their dream home.
Lighting is always critical in a home (and at a photo shoot) and this barn was no exception as they took great care in selecting the right windows to fit the barn. They “punched out” holes in the plywood and placed the windows and doors into the openings. Included was a large, south facing window that was 12-feet wide and 28-feet tall. This provides not only superior visibility but also a high level of energy efficiency with windows that offer solar control. It has 95% blockage of UV light and in the summer significantly reduces heat gain. Not to be outdone, in the winter the inside of the windows remain approximately 30-40 degrees warmer than the outside.
The last “step” in the home restoration/renovation was a unique twist on stairs. They built a traditional metal farm silo on the outside of the barn to house the staircase so as not to use up valuable interior space. The silo had its own foundation, HVAC, electrical power and lighting.
When we arrived to scout the location we found a floor plan that was as unique as the barn’s backstory. In addition to the innovative thinking that went into this barn construction, what really drew us in was the homeowner’s design sense.
For the homeowner, their dream was fulfilled. For us, it was a photo shoot to remember.
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.
Tags: barn into home, before and after, country home, design, FLOR tiles, home makeover, Old barn
A little Holstee for the New Year
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Inspiration, Musings
Holstee‘s fabulous manifesto speaks volumes. It has been posted on my inspiration board since it was first issued. The manifesto is one concise and meaningful New Years resolution, to keep close at hand for everyday inspiration. A reminder for the creative soul in all of us to get out there, embrace life experience, and create. Carpe diem my friends. Seize the day.
Manifesto found at Holstee
Tags: design, Holstee, manifesto, New Years Resolutions
