The Modern Holiday
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
The holidays are upon us, and the season often involves entertaining, wrapping, and gift giving. I found modern inspiration in the images above. Whether decor for the home, creating a beautiful table-scape or wrapping for gift giving, these modern interpretations are fresh and inviting. Although ultimately quite different in effect, they all offer a bold punch of color, a simplicity of using only a few key elements, and a new take on the traditional green and red palette of the season.
The home in the first row of pictures places robins egg blue and chocolate accents throughout the home, and is highlighted with a shimmer of silver. Even the color of the blue spruce tree selected, enhances the color scheme. Similarly for the second set of images, the brightness of the unexpected hue of green would liven up any space. Paired with a gorgeous chocolate color to balance the depth of color, this pairing is good enough to eat. Lastly, the deep, dark blue color of the serve ware and accent pieces paired with robins egg blue and gold details, brings a modern focus to this Hanukkah meal.
I’d love a pairing of Magenta and Red! Or how about a deep charcoal and violet? The key strategy to designing your own modern holiday? Keep it simple. Add a touch of your personal style. Enjoy the design of your everyday, and your personal space. Whatever your preference, have fun with it, and don’t afraid to be bold.
Images sourcedhere.
Tags: Christmas Tree, entertaining, Hanukkah, Holiday Color, holiday decor, Modern Holiday
New from Elephant Ceramics…
Posted by Peggy | Filed under Musings
platters and bowls in white on brown stoneware / platter in dark turquoise on brown stoneware
Do you remember these gorgeousness when I blogged about Elephant Ceramics earlier on this year? Michele Michael is back with new designs and boy, was I blown away. Loving all the colors, textures, and photography. New glazes in teal and turquoise, and my favorite – platters and bowls in white on brown stoneware. The brown stoneware is peeking just enough to make that graphic layer work so beautifully. I really need to get my hands on these. Get ready for some winter entertaining!
bowls in layers of blue / platters and bowls in white on brown stoneware
vases in white
platter in white with small bowls / bowls in deep teal
{ images from Elephant Ceramics / photography by Philip Ficks }
Tags: accessories, ceramics, color, Elephant Ceramics, entertaining, objects, texture
5 Wooden Wine Racks
Posted by Erin | Filed under Design Tips, Inspiration, Solutions
Winter is just around the corner, which means loads of entertaining and spirits. Naturally, I’m on the hunt for wine racks that are both well-designed and affordable enough for gift-giving and hostess surprises.
While searching, I noticed my favorite designs were wooden, creating a beautiful mix of rustic, yet modern. Check out a few I spotted below!:
a. The Umbra Barrel Bamboo Wine Rack ($20) collapses when not in use and features a unique, circular design that holds 12 bottles. Definitely a top contender!
b. For a statement, the Zebrano Wood Wine Rack ($110) houses ten bottles with chrome accents separating each “layer.”
c. Equal parts sculptural and smart, the Wine Knot ($120) holds seven bottles in a molded plywood design. Gorgeous!
d. Sometimes you stick with the classic. This 24 Bottle Cellar Cube ($46) is an old standby for obvious reasons – the perfect mix of form and function span so many decor styles.
e. By far the most budget-friendly option is the Wine Bottle Folding Rack ($4) that seems directly inspired from my favorite Swedish drying rack. I love the simplicity, and of course – the price!
So, friends – which would you choose? Any favorites I’ve missed?
Tags: accessories, decor, entertaining, gifts, kitchen, spirits, wine, wine racks, wood
Why Don’t You…?
Posted by Erin | Filed under Design Tips, Inspiration, Musings
… use outdoor lights – inside!
Inspired by this image at vtwonen, I love the idea of stringing your favorite outdoor lights as a garland or decorative statement in any room. A chic take on the dorm room tradition of year-round holiday lights (surely I wasn’t the only culprit, right?), the right string of lights can contribute to a serious upgrade in style.
My favorite pick? Pleated string lights ($225) from Pigeon Toe Ceramics. Made to order, each string is a sculptural delight overhead – perfect for dinner parties, impromptu guests – or everyday use.
Happy lighting!
Tags: entertaining, garland, indoor living, lighting, outdoor lighting, outdoor living
Entertaining at the Chinati…
Posted by Peggy | Filed under Musings
The Chinati Foundation is a contemporary art museum established by minimalist artist Donald Judd (such a big fan of his!). Located on the former site of Fort D.A. Russell in Marfa, Texas, this museum houses large-scale installations across its vast 340 acres of land. A very limited number of artists exhibits here and each artist's work is installed in separate buildings on the museum's grounds – including old artillery sheds and army barracks – how cool is that? What really caught my eye was this former horse arena (shown above) which currently serves as a dining hall. I would love, love, love to throw a party at this space, complete with Judd's ultra simple and modern pine tables and chairs. Now that would be a designer's dream come true, mine for sure! Sigh…
… an outdoor grill designed by Judd himself. Love the simplicity of it all.
Partying aside – as an endnote, I would like to share this quote by Judd with you: "It takes a great deal of time and thought to install work carefully. This should not always be thrown away. Most art is fragile and some should be placed and never moved again. Somewhere a portion of contemporary art has to exist as an example of what the art and its context were meant to be. Somewhere, just as the platinum iridium meter guarantees the tape measure, a strict measure must exist for the art of this time and place." unquote.
{ all images scanned from Great Parties: The Best of Martha Stewart Living, photography by Todd Eberle }
Tags: architecture, Donald Judd, entertaining, furniture, Inspiration, interiors, The Chinati Foundation
