Accenting with wood

  There are so many ways you can make your space inviting .  My recommendation today is to  consider wood because it can add both warmth and architectural interest to any space.  Choose a little or a lot, there's something for every space. If you don't  like the warm tones of wood but love the grain and texture, think about white washing or gray washing it.   How about using  wood  in......

Accessories 

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A few twigs or pinecones as part of a table display or sliced wood attached to board or a recessed box shape can add instant interest to small areas.

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These houses cut from weathered 2 x 4 are the essence of simple, but when massed together they provide big impact  when displayed on simple white vertical  shelving  attached to white painted board. 

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If you find beautiful wooden boxes like the ones above grab them.  They not only provide extra storage but they look great in any application.  You can tuck them away or use them out in the open as an end table in a living room or as a night table in a bedroom.  They are so versatile. 

Room Dividers 

 I am not overly fond of room dividers, but some are so well done they look like an art installation rather than a functional aspect of a home. Here are some of my favourite ones.....

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This  divider is attached to the ceiling and floor with rods but it appears to  float.  It also allows the homeowner to place a piece of furniture in front of it.   I think I would like to see the buffet a different colour so it stands out from the wood, but there are just as many arguments for having it the same colour.

 

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I just love this divider because you can move around it on both sides and it is so substantial looking and works well with the flooring.  

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 This is perfect in every way, but the addition of a concrete sphere against all those horizontal and verticals is inspired. 

 Bathrooms  

All of these bathrooms have a mix of wood and other surfaces.  Each provides relief for the other and in this way work together to create a stronger aesthetic statement.

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 There is just enough wood spread around this room to create a wonderful balance with the abundance of marble. 

 

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This is both an accent wall and an integrated storage space.

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Sliding doors and drawer and open shelving.  This space has it all.

 

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Isn't the asymmetrical placement of this wood strip just a prefect balance for all the white and glass on the left of it?

Fireplaces

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 Rough hewn logs in an asymmetrical placement work really well .  Chunky and demanding they make quite a statement.

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While this is probably rough wood that is stained, it looks like charred wood.  It is this quality that is so appealing in this application.

 

I guess you are getting the message that I love asymmetry.  This delicate shelf that extends beyond the fireplace on one side is the perfect resting place for two white vases that reference the colour of the fireplace surround.

Accent Walls  

And don't forget the power of wood for an accent wall.  Either natural or stained, you can't beat the  warmth of real wood.  I especially love it paired with white walls and furniture.

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 emily jagoda  Houzz

Candy Cane Chic

Pink and red, pink and red. I love stripes in pink and red! They're so graphic and fun!

Find this adorable dress at Kate Spade. I may need to try pink and red stripes in my new home! They would be fabulous in a mud room with oversized brass hooks! 

Inspired - Ruthie Sommers

There's no doubt that Ruthie Sommers is one of my favorite designers, so when fresh, new images of her work pop up in a magazine I'm a happy girl. Here's a recent article in Veranda magazine of Ruthie's advice on being a decorator/interior designer. Her design details are feminine, unexpected, colorful and perfectly executed! 

 All images by Francesco Lagnese via Veranda magazine

A place of one's own.

I need to make some changes at my home, so I started with my bedroom. My Mom who is the sweetest person around insisted on taking me shopping for some new bedding. I couldn't find exactly what I wanted so I opted for an all white 650 thread count duvet. I am going to splurge on two monogrammed pillow cases to add some interest to the mix.  I'm inspired by both of the above images. I want to add feminine flourishes, a bit of unexpected glamour and soft details. I also need to design a headboard. I feel some creative sketching coming on............

Have a great one! xx. J

Gnarly

{Steven Gambrel's beach home - I'll post the rest if you'd like}

find a similar table here..

I love when found objects are transformed into furniture, accessories, art etc.. in this case I'm referring to driftwood. You can't go wrong mixing one of these in with other causal or {not so} pieces!

{Kelly Wearstler - Sands hotel}

this version available here!

Chase Booth's bathroom as seen in Domino

the mirror above is available here!

Image #1 - Steven Gambrel's Sag Harbor home scanned by Shelter from Rooms to Inspire in the Country

Bathing Beauties I

House Beautiful, 2005. Designer: Kelly Wearstler

There are an array of ways to take your bathroom from from drab to fab! Today my post only has room for one. THE VANITY!

I will of course cover other creative ideas for the bath in the near future.


+ Tips +

-Try designing your own vanity. Most carpenters can built a simple vanity on site.
-Skirt an existing sink or vanity in your favorite fabric
-Visit second hand, antique shops and tag sales for tables and dressers

Image: Met Home, Sept. 2005

Elle Decor, May 2008. Designer: Darryl Carter

Image: Met Home, Nov/Dec. 2001