CURRENT OBSESSION: CARPET TILES

Just watched the new Home by Novogratz show on HGTV, and they have been using a lot of carpet tiles in their designs, and I must say that they seem really practical. If you get one dirty you just replace it, easy peasy. But for a long time I just wasn't convinced. However, Flor, is making some really amazing patterned carpet tiles recently. They are affordable, sustainable, and easily replaced. If I had kids, I would definitely consider this as an option for high traffic spaces and kid friendly areas in any home.

This chevron pattern has me convinced!

Home by Novogratz, love this funky beach space down in Long Branch, NJ.

Suzani inspired!

Loving these colors!

BATHROOM OF THE WEEK: Hidden Bath Tub

This weeks choice for "bathroom of the week" is recognized more for its clever design rather than its overall aesthetic look. The steps lead you to believe you are walking into another room but it is actually a secluded bath tub behind the wall. So much of the tub is hidden so a glass door or shower curtain is certainly not needed. I just love this concept for privacy, one way to make this hidden space even better is to add a TV against the wall. If that's the case, I'd spend all of my free time in this tub.

SET DESIGN: TRUE BLOOD

Well I'm hooked or obsessed, or both! I have officially just watched season 1, 2, 3, AND the first 5 episodes of season 4 of True Blood in the last few weeks. That is a little insane considering how long each episode is, but I couldn't help it I was hooked. It makes the Twilight series look like a bedtime story for infants. 

And if any of you love True Blood and interior design like I do, you were probably just as excited to see Bill's new house/plantation as I was. C'mon, that is one sexy vampire lair, if I ever saw one! All the dark details and sexy textures like those black croc leather wing chairs in Bill's office. If I were the queen of Louisiana I would definitely need to see Eric and Alcide in those croc chairs immediately...with their shirts off...

 King Bill's office

 Bill himself in his desk chair

 Living room. Love the way those curtain panels are banded at the bottom.

 Erin Northman, sigh....

 My favorite part, the entry with this amazing chandelier by Halo Styles (also below). All those architectural details, copper grasscloth, and zebra rug aren't too shabby either. 

Halo Styles

Exterior of Bill's Plantation

If you are a True Blood fan, what do you like about Bill's new kingdom?

IKEA KITCHENS

So I was on bloglovin the other day, when I cam across Erin Gates blog, Elements of Style. Not only is she a great writer and stylist but I often learn something from her. Well, the other day Erin posted about Ikea Kitchen (see link here), and really opened y eyes up. Working with a kitchen and bathroom designer, I know how expensive kitchen cabinets can get. But without all the positive comments left by Erin's readers I don't think I would have ever realized that there is a way to get my dream kitchen some day, because I have always been skeptical about Ikea. Turns out they are of decent construction and a fraction of the price of custom cabinetry. One reader even said she has had her Ikea kitchen for over 15 years now, and the great thing is you can go back to Ikea whenever and reface the doors. The key is to get the cabinets hung by a professional so that they are really secure to the wall. 

But what makes this so great is that by spending less on the cabinets you can really splurge on the jewelry of the kitchen, like the hardware, lighting, backsplash, and countertops!! And I am a huge believer in mixing high and low items together. Hell, you could even have a professional come in and lacquer those cabinets for you if you wanted.

IKEA KITCHEN

BOLD STATEMENT: CHANDELIERS

You can turn an already great room into an amazing one by adding an over the top chandelier. Think of it as a bold necklace to your already fabulous outfit. Big and bright chandeliers are jewelry for the home. The best part is there are so many options to choose from, what style chandelier would you choose for your home?

CHALKBOARD PAINT AND IDEAPAINT

Chalkboard paint and Ideapaint, which is dry erase paint suitable for use with markers, have become quite the addition to many family homes and creative offices. Some chalkboard paint users go with the idea so that they can make an artistic statement, other families use it for leaving notes, displaying calendars, or jotting down the grocery list.  Whichever way you use it is cool with me as long as you wipe down the boards every once and awhile. Just a neurotic request from a kid who always was the first to volunteer for chalkboard cleaning. 

CANDY STATION

Who says filling apothecary jars with candy is only for weddings or a high budget event? You can find nice and inexpensive glass jars almost anywhere these days, with all different shapes and sizes to suit your needs. Get creative and use this idea to bring color into your scheme. Personally, my favorite scheme is choosing all different types of treats but sticking to just one color. Enjoy the delisciousness below.
-S

Hot chocolate never looked so sweet, love the glass apothecary jar filled with marshmallows.

Party favor idea: Give your guest a small jar filled with candy.

What sweet tooth doesn't love a well displayed candy buffet?

Amy Atlas

Adding labels adds an elegant touch to your colorful buffet.

Artisancakecompany.com

Fancy Wedding Candy Station

projectwedding.com

HEAD-BANGING ROCK WALL

Not to be confused with a wall of stacked stone, this wall of frames inspired by my best friend's love for rock n' roll really impressed me. I mean look at that asymmetrical balance!! I have to say Kelly has her own flair for decorating and I'm always excited to visit her up in Boston to see what she has done to her place next. 

The rock wall consists of favorite bands paraphernalia, including photographs, guitars, drum heads and sticks all signed by the band themselves. I think the variation really gives the wall some texture. However I am thinking to myself that those frames would look even more incredible if you could cover the walls in some kind of metallic paint or grasscloth. But lets not get too carried away Kelly won't be living in her apartment forever and for now the rock wall is super cool. Kel, your next place, GOLD, think about it! 

To the left is a drum head, sketched and signed by a band member of 10 years. 

Signed guitars sit side by side next to a giant poster of Killswitch Engage. 

Check out Ozzy Osbourne's pad in Architectural Digest. I'm not sure it comes close to how awesome Kelly's wall is, but I'm sure all you head bangers out there could really appreciate Kelly's enthusiasm for some heavy metal. I dig it <3